FAU newcomer Cole Cooke, Riverdale offensive lineman, on the 2024 Big 15
Riverdale offensive lineman Cole Cooke describes what makes him one of the SWFL’s top college football recruits.
The News Press
Offensive linemen don’t often get the spotlight, but no football team can function without a good group that works well together up front. This year’s crop of road graders is tall but also very athletic, ranging from high-profile newcomers to gems yet to be discovered.
You can have your say too as we conducted a poll on which lineman you think is the best in your area. You can also CLICK HERE to vote.
Here is our list of the region’s best offensive linemen in alphabetical order:
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Best High School Football Offensive Players in Southwest Florida for 2024
Jack Benaitis
Bishop Verot
Measurable values: 1.88 m, 137 kg, senior
Top university offers: Cornell, Ithaca, Thomas More
The 6-foot-2, 295-pound Benaitis was a standout offensive guard for the Vikings last season, helping the team average over 185 rushing yards per game and 43 rushing touchdowns.
Top seniors: Listing the 67 best SW Florida seniors for the 2024 high school football season
Cole Cooke
Riverdale
Measurable values: 2.03 m, 138 kg, senior
College Involvement: Florida Atlantic
The 6-foot-8, 300-pound offensive tackle helped the Raiders average nearly 260 yards per game last season, one of the most productive running games in the state.
The Big 15: The best college football recruits from Southwest Florida high schools ranked 11-15
Marcus Davis
Dunbar
Measurable values: 1.98 m, 142 kg, Senior
Davis will be the linchpin of the Tigers’ offense and will look to help the team reach its third consecutive Final Four appearance.
Joel Ervin
Fort Myers
Measurable values: 1.98 m, 145 kg, Junior
Top university offers: Florida, Miami, USC, West Virginia
Ervin started his career late in the sport, but that didn’t stop him from impressing as a tackle on the Green Wave’s offensive line, providing more than 3,300 yards of offense last season.
Georgios Haseotes
Community School of Naples
Measurable values: 1.90 m, 129 kg, Junior
Top university offers: Georgia, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame
Haseotes, who has nearly 30 college offers, helped the Seahawks average 330.7 yards per game and nearly 153 yards on the ground last season.
The Big 15: The best college football recruits from Southwest Florida high schools ranked 6-10
Taren Hedrick
Community School of Naples
Measurable values: 1.95 m, 138 kg, Senior
College Involvement: Mississippi
Hedrick was a key player for the Seahawks team that went 8-2 last year with an average margin of 29.3 points.
The Big 15: The best college football recruits from Southwest Florida high schools ranked 1-5
Logan Nibblein
Naples
Measurable values: 1.88 m, 113 kg, Senior
Top university offers: Miami (Ohio), Ball State
Nibbelin is a key player in the Golden Eagles’ attack, who will once again be among the best in the region.
Justin Prieto
Bishop Verot
Measurable values: 1.93 m, 138 kg, Junior
Prieto came from East Lee County and his size and physicality on offense paved the way for a 1,500-yard rusher, Jaguars running back Laz Rogers, last season.
Nick Purdy
sailor
Measurable values: 1.98 m, 127 kg, Senior
Top university offers: Davidson, Bryant
Purdy will lead an experienced Tritons offensive line that looks to be one of the team’s strengths in 2024.
Deuce Thornton
Lely-Gymnasium
Measurable values: 1.93 m, 132 kg, Senior
Top university offers: St. Thomas, St. Andrews
Thornton, a transfer from Peoria, Illinois, is recovering from a knee injury suffered last season but will look to lead the young Trojans’ offensive line in 2024.
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