Leading up to the 2025 season, AL.com is highlighting the top high school football players in Alabama.

We looked at the best running backs in 1A, and now it’s time for the best offensive linemen in 1A.

We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

If you are an Alabama high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the summer.

BEST OFFENSIVE LINEMEN, ALABAMA 1A

Aiden Benson, sr., Meek

A rare five-year starter, Benson has been starting for the Tigers since eighth grade. “One of the smartest linemen I have ever coached,” coach Daniel Evans said. “He has more experience than anybody on our team in big games. We are looking for him to be a leader for us this year.”

Danny Boice, sr., Billingsley

Boice brings athleticism to the tackle position for the Bears. “Danny is a very athletic lineman and moves well for being 6-foot-2, 225 pounds,” coach Lanny Jones said. “He will be the backbone to both sides of the ball for our frontline.”

Liam Brown, jr., Meek

Though not as experienced as some of his teammates, Brown’s work ethic stands out. “Liam does not have as much experience as the others but he works just as hard as everyone else,” coach Daniel Evans said. “We expect big things from him this year.”

Jabari Burns, sr., Wadley

Burns will pillar the Bulldogs’ offensive line and serve as a force on defense, where he earned first-team all-state honors in 2024. His leadership will be crucial as first-year head coach Dake Rivers takes over the championship program. “Jabari will be our anchor and leader on both lines,” Rivers said.

Kamari Burse, sr., Winterboro

The veteran leader of the Bulldogs’ offensive line posted impressive numbers in 2024 with 34 pancake blocks and an 85 percent grade. Coach Skylar Mansfield, entering his sixth year as head coach, describes Burse as “calm, disciplined and highly respected. A true cornerstone of the offense.” Burse will captain the line while mentoring younger linemen in his final high school season.

Gabe Cardenas, jr., Billingsley

Another early starter for the Bears, Cardenas has been in the lineup since eighth grade. “Gabe brings a lot of experience and grit to our program,” coach Lanny Jones said. “Gabe knows our system well and is a great leader.”

Davin Chestang, sr., Leroy

A four-year starter on the offensive line, Chestang serves as the anchor for the Bears’ front five. Coach Chan Lowe, in his second year as head coach, will rely heavily on Chestang’s experience and leadership as Leroy tries to make some noise in Class 1A.

Marctavious Crittenden, sr., Georgiana

Crittenden, a fifth-year starter, has started every game on the offensive line since Panthers coach Berry Bess arrived during Crittenden’s eighth-grade season. “He also has started or played in multiple games on the defensive line,” said Bess, who is entering his fifth year at Georgiana. Few Class 1A linemen can match Crittenden’s experience and consistency.

Jaquez Dixon, sr., Sweet Water

A three-year starter, Dixon will be called upon to play offensive tackle and anchor the Bulldogs’ defensive line this season. Pat Thompson, entering his 11th year as head coach and 31st overall, is counting on Dixon’s experience and leadership to bolster Sweet Water’s playoff hopes in 2025.

Brye Dollar, sr., Addison

Dollar brings three years of starting experience to the Bulldogs’ offensive line. “He has become one of our strongest players and most dominant offensive lineman,” said first-year head coach Mark Hastings. “He also is one of the most physical of our linemen, (and he) challenges not only himself but the rest of the players around him to be better.” Dollar contributed 30 tackles and two fumble recoveries on defense last season.

Landon Gilliland, jr., Wadley

“Landon is heading up the line playing center for us,” Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers said of the junior who also will serve at the defensive tackle position. His development will be key to Wadley’s repeat title aspirations.

Cam Grace, sr., Meek

“No one works harder than him,” Tigers coach Daniel Evans said of Grace. “He got better and better as the year went on last season. He will be extremely important as a senior.”

Dale Gray, sr., Berry

Gray recorded 30 tackles (17 solo, 13 assists) last season and contributed on both lines. His gridiron experience will be valuable for the Wildcats as they try to improve on an 11-2 record.

Casen Hill, sr., Addison

A three-year starter on both lines, Hill brings versatility and leadership to the Bulldogs’ front. “He is very versatile and can play any of the positions on the offensive line,” coach Mark Hastings said. “He is the true definition of a team player. He has worked hard on gaining weight, getting stronger and faster so that he can contribute at the highest level.”

Terry Hilliard, jr., Brantley

Entering the 2025 season as a junior, Hilliard has established himself as a dominant force. “He is a very hard worker with outstanding talent,” said first-year Brantley coach Andrew Lowery. “He is a guy that dominates up front with his size and strength. He provides an anchor on the offensive and defensive line.”

Jordan Jackson, sr., Berry

Jackson was a force in 2024, recording 56 tackles (43 solo) with eight sacks at defensive end. Coach Danny Raines, in his 16th year at Berry across two stints, will count on Jackson’s disruptive abilities on both sides of the ball as the Wildcats aim to make a playoff push.

Aiden Jenkins, sr., Millry

Part of the Wildcats’ experienced offensive line trio, Jenkins returns as a starter at left guard. Coach Shane Hendry will look for Jenkins’ work ethic and competitive nature to help drive the Millry offense.

Braxton Jenkins, sr., Millry

The center of the Wildcats’ veteran offensive line, Jenkins brings stability and experience to the position. His ability to make line calls and direct traffic will be vital to Millry’s offensive success.

Jeremiah Jones, sr., Pickens County

Coach Michael Williams describes Jones as a “big athlete that has improved every year.” His continued development will be important for the Tornadoes’ success in 2025.

Jay Maness, so., Sweet Water

Though only a sophomore in his first year as a starter, Maness already has caught coach Pat Thompson’s attention. “He plays hard with a mean streak,” the veteran coach said of the young lineman, who could develop into a standout over the next three seasons.

Kiyen McCoy, fr., Winterboro

McCoy’s imposing 6-foot-3, 330-pound frame has him slated to start on both lines immediately. “High ceiling, strong work ethic, and already showing varsity-level footwork and strength for a ninth-grader,” coach Skylar Mansfield said. “Kiyen will be a mauler in our offense.”

Blaine McDuffa, sr., Hackleburg

A four-year starter and leader on the offensive line for the Panthers, McDuffa also excels off the field, winning first place in the state for beef production entrepreneurship in the Alabama FFA Association Beef Production Proficiency Awards.

Mason Parr, sr., Berry

Parr tallied 32 tackles (14 solo, 18 assists) in 2024, when he played on both sides of the ball. Berry coach Danny Raines will count on Parr to lead his team in the trenches this season.

Dom Patterson, sr., Hackleburg

Hackleburg coach Rod Hudson describes Patterson as a “good, experienced interior player.” His time and talent at center will be imperative to the Panthers’ offensive continuity.

Trace Payne, sr., Maplesville

Payne has been starting at center since his freshman year, giving him invaluable experience heading to his senior season. Red Devils coach Brad Abbott, in his seventh year at Maplesville, will rely on Payne’s consistency and knowledge of the offense.

Lane Plott, jr., Billingsley

Like his teammate Gabe Cardenas, Plott has started since eighth grade. “Lane brings a lot of experience and leadership to our program,” coach Lanny Jones said. “He works hard every day and has the drive and passion to make our team as successful as it can be.”

Jamal Stallworth, sr., Georgiana

A three-year starter, Stallworth has an interesting background. “His first year playing school football was his sophomore year, and he stepped into a huge role for us and has held it down ever since,” Panthers coach Berry Bess explains. “Jamal does a good job leading for us.”

Dekevion Staples, sr., Wadley

“Dekevion is our leader on the offensive line,” Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers said of the senior who also will get time on the defensive line. His leadership will be crucial as Wadley transitions to a new head coach after its undefeated title run in 2024.

Xavier Taylor, sr., McIntosh

“An up-and-coming senior who has had a great offseason and continues to impress with his work ethic,” first-year Demons coach Joshua Harris said. Taylor’s continued development will be important to the McIntosh offensive attack.

Desmond Thomas, so., Wadley

Despite his youth, Thomas already stands out physically at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds. “Desmond could be the next big recruit to come out of Wadley if he keeps working hard,” Bulldogs coach Dake Rivers said. “He will be our starting left tackle. On the defensive side of the ball, he will play DT, lining up beside (Jabari) Burns to anchor the interior of our defense.”

Bryson Tinker, jr. Ider

First-year Hornets head coach Josh Clements describes the two-way Tinker as a leader on and off the field. Tinker and Ider will try to get off the schneid after an 0-10 season that included four shutouts.

Luke Ward, sr., Berry

A standout two-way player, Ward racked up 95 tackles (67 solo, 28 assists) at linebacker in 2024. His ability to excel on the offensive line while being one of the Wildcats’ leading tacklers showcases his athleticism and football IQ.

Drew West, sr., Millry

Another of the Wildcats’ trio of senior offensive line returners, West anchors the left tackle position for coach Shane Hendry’s squad. “All are great kids that love to work and compete,” said Hendry, who is entering his fifth season as head coach and 23rd year overall.

Kaderius Williams, sr., Georgiana

Williams is a two-year varsity starter who stepped up when needed last season. “Kaderius stepped into a role on the offensive line last season due to injury and allowed our offense to continue to flow,” Panthers coach Berry Bess said. “He works extremely hard in the weight room and drills. We expect him to have a great season for us, building on his offseason work.”

Mosiah Williams, sr., Pickens County

Williams is returning from an ACL injury that sidelined him late last season. “He’s fully recovered and ready to go,” Tornadoes coach Michael Williams said of the senior, whose return will bolster the offensive line and linebacker corps.

Brodie Willingham, sr., Addison

Willingham is a versatile three-year starter who can play any position on either line. He is one of the Bulldogs’ strongest players. “Very coachable and does everything asked of him,” coach Mark Hastings said of the senior, who recorded 37 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery last season.

Ethan Woods, jr., McIntosh

Woods tallied eight pancake blocks and 11 tackles as a sophomore. Demons coach Joshua Harris will look for continued improvement from the two-way lineman.

Luther Wright, sr., Valley Head

Wright will anchor the offensive line for the Tigers as they try to build on a first-round playoff appearance and 6-5 finish in 2024. Valley Head coach Charles Hammon, entering his fourth year, will look to Wright for leadership up front this season.

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit AL.com’s high school sports section throughout the season.