It takes a special player to be on the offensive line. O-linemen sacrifice recognition to help their team win the most important, yet the most underappreciated battle on the gridiron: the battle in the trenches. No one ever congratulates a lineman for not giving up a sack. But when they do give one up they’re scolded for it. This list will give some of the hardest working players the credit they deserve. These are our top 5 offensive linemen in the SAC for 2019.
#1: Randy Holtz- Snider
If 6’7”, 312 lbs. doesn’t intimidate you, nothing will. Holtz is big and athletic and likes to finish on every play, so watch out. He’s a senior this year and a big-time recruit as both Indiana and Purdue are showing interest in him. He was apart of an offensive line that helped John Barnes Jr. to accumulate 1,672 total yards last year. The Panthers also had the SAC’s leading running back last year in Anyis Lockett who tallied 1,294 yards. Holtz should be a steady presence on the line in 2019 for Snider, which bodes well for the Panthers stable of running backs.
#2: Luke Wiginton- Bishop Dwenger
The Indiana commit is looking to go out with a bang in his final year at Dwenger. Wiginton was left off the All-SAC team last year, which should spark a fire in the 6’5″, 280 lbs. senior. He was, of course, a major factor in the great season the Saints had running the football in 2018. Devon Tippmann had 1,238 yards on the ground last year and the Saints as a whole ran for 2,931 yards. Dwenger should have similar success this season behind the front five, which will include Wiginton and the next player on our list.
#3: Joe Henry- Bishop Dwenger
Coming in at 6’3” 280 lbs., Joe Henry is another very experienced lineman that the Saints can rely on to open holes for Devon Tippmann and company. Most SAC schools are lucky enough to have 1 talented and experienced o-lineman, but Dwenger will roll into 2019 with 2 guys who should pave the way for another state championship run. Dwenger alum Jason Fabini coach’s the offensive line. Fabini played 11 seasons in the NFL suiting up in 152 games and starting 129 of them. The Saints o-line is in good hand’s, and is in good shape heading into 2019!
#4: Will Derrick- Bishop Luers
Luers lost most of their offensive weapons from last year including QB Norman Knapke, RB/WR Jordan Presley, WR Justin Gaston, and WR Janarion Moore. While it will be difficult to overcome those losses, senior o-lineman Will Derrick is a big returning starter and could give this offense a boost with some protection for quarterback Christian Fly to be able to make plays. Derrick was a first-team All-SAC defensive lineman a year ago and was second-team as an offensive lineman.
#5: Orion Chenery- Carroll
Chenery is another senior offensive lineman that will lead an important task in giving sophomore quarterback Jeff Becker time to throw. But along with protection, Chenery will be snapping the football to his new QB at the center position. He will be the leader of the Chargers’ offensive line and will have to gain some chemistry this season with Becker. Carroll lost some major offensive weapons from a year ago, but with Chenery, who was an All-SAC first-team center a year ago, the Chargers have a real leader in the center of their offense.
Honorable Mention(s):
Simon Twiss- Wayne
You will likely find Twiss playing other positions such as fullback and linebacker this year. But on the offensive line, he will have another key role in the running game with standout RB Keshaun Fields looking to have a big year.
Reeve Muncie- Carroll
Muncie has the look of a big-time offensive tackle. He had much success last year as a heavyweight wrestler winning a sectional and regional title as a sophomore. He’s also grinder in the weight room. At 6’4″, he has the athleticism of a multi-sport athlete. He’ll help pave the way for a bunch of Chargers looking to make a name for themselves.
