There are few positions on the football field more vital to a team’s success than a strong offensive line. That is exactly what a few Florida high school football teams will have during the 2022 season, with multiple teams boasting two or more of the state’s top returning offensive linemen.
1. Francis Mauigoa (IMG Academy)
A player we’ve talked about previously, Mauigoa is next in a procession of offensive line greats to come through IMG Academy. A five-star prospect, Mauigoa clearly heads the list of top returning offensive linemenin Florida, and is squarely in the conversation for top player at the position nationally.
2. Lucas Simmons (Clearwater Academy International)
One of the fastest-rising offensive linemen in Florida is Simmons, who started for Clearwater Academy International at left tackle a year ago. Originally from Sweden, the 6-foot-7, four-star prospect is also considered a Top 20 player nationally at the position.
3. Roderick Kearney (Orange Park)
The state’s top-rated interior offensive line recruit, Kearney is a multi-year starter at Orange Park who has seen time at both tackle positions. A multi-sport athlete at Orange Park as well, Kearney is rated as a four-star prospect.
4. Payton Kirkland (Dr. Phillips)
A multi-year starter at left tackle for Dr. Phillips, Kirkland is coming off a junior season in which he received MaxPreps Second Team Junior All-American honors. At 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds, Kirkland is rated as a four-star prospect, as well as considered as a Top 20 offensive tackle nationally.
5. Jason Zandamela (Clearwater Academy International)
Likely Florida’s top offensive lineman in the Class of 2024, Zandamela is the second name on this list from what will be a strong Knights offensive front in 2022. A four-star prospect, Zandamela is considered one of the Top 10 interior offensive linemen in the 2024 class.
6. Knijeah Harris (IMG Academy)
IMG Academy’s second name on this list, Harris was the Ascenders’ primary left guard a year ago, his second consecutive season starting at the position for one of the nation’s top teams. Also a MaxPreps Second Team Junior All-American selection last season, Harris is rated as a four-star prospect, and is currently committed to Florida.
7. Clay Wedin (Carrollwood Day)
Similar to other names on this list, Wedin has been a multi-year starter at Carrollwood Day. A four-star prospect, Wedin has seen time at the tackle position, but is rated as one of the Top 15 interior offensive linemen in the 2023 class.
8. Jonathan Daniels (Pine Forest)
Alongside Zandamela as one of top offensive linemen in the 2024 class is Daniels, a three-star prospect from Pine Forest. The starting right tackle for the Class 6A runner up a year ago, Daniels is set for a massive season as one of the state’s top junior offensive lineman.
9. Bryce Lovett (Rockledge)
The second of two Florida commits on this list, Lovett has started at right tackle for the Raiders across each of the last two seasons. The Rockledge rising senior is rated as a three-star prospect, and should play a significant role along the Raiders offensive front once again in 2022.
10. Tommy Kinsler (Trinity Catholic)
The final spot on this list of top returning offensive linemen goes to Kinsler, a versatile player who has seen time at multiple positions the last two years at Trinity Catholic. The Celtics star projects to be an offensive tackle at the next level, where’s rated as a three-star prospect.
Honorable Mention:
William Larkins (Chaminade-Madonna), Jordan Church (IMG Academy), Deandre Duffus (Chaminade-Madonna), Frankie Tinilau (La Salle), Gernorris Wilson (Lake Gibson), Brendan Black (Bolles), Chrisdasson Saint-Jean (Evans), Joey Colosi (American Heritage), Chenellson Exume (Edison), Elijah Walker (Spruce Creek)
