They are the unsung heroes of the football team – the ones who don’t get much credit but often get plenty of undeserved blame in struggling offenses.
They are offensive linemen, aka the big boys.
As the first day of official practice July 29 draws near, here’s a look at 18 offensive linemen to watch out for this season:
Issac Baxter, White Oak: The senior brings experience to the Vikings, who went 5-7, but won their first playoff game since 2004.
Zach Bentz, Croatan: The senior is expected to be a leader for the Cougars, who went 11-2 overall, shared the Coastal Conference title at 5-1 and advanced to the fourth round of the 5-A playoffs.
Brody Blizzard, East Duplin: The senior returns as a starter after he helped the Panthers go 9-3 overall, 5-0 in the East Central Conference and advance to the third round of the 4-A playoffs.
Zaire Brown, Southwest: The senior looks to spearhead the line for the Stallions as they hope to improve from last year’s 2-8 mark.
Luke Carroway, East Duplin: The senior is another returning starter who helped the Panthers compiled 3,042 yards rushing.
Jacob Davis, Dixon: The senior will be tasked to step up and be one help replace three first or second-team offensive linemen who helped the Bulldogs go 6-6.
Justin Hardison, Northside: The senior was second-team all-area after he helped the Monarchs go 11-3 overall, shared the Coastal Conference title at 5-1 and advanced to the 5-A East Regional final.
Drake Hopkins, Northside: The senior tight end is another experienced players the Monarchs will use as a blocker and a pass-catcher.
Bhodi Johnson, Dixon: The senior center is another returning starter who helped the Bulldogs compile 5,518 yards rushing.
Tanner Jones, Jacksonville: The senior is the most experienced returning member of the line for the Cardinals, who compiled 3,597 yards on the ground en route to going 12-1 overall, 5-0 in the Big Carolina Conference and advancing to the 6-A East Regional final.
Ledger Lewis, Liberty Christian Academy: The senior provides experience to the Heat, which went 6-5 and compiled 1,740 yards rushing last year.
Zion Morris, Northside: The junior third-year starter was third-team all-area after he helped the Monarchs compile 2,250 yards on the ground.
Nehemiah Pickett, Swansboro: The junior returner looks to spearhead the line for the Pirates, who hope to improve from their 2-8 mark.
Anderson Puac, East Duplin: The senior is a third returning starter for the Panthers, who averaged seven yards per rush lats year.
Kaleb Sparks, Richlands: The senior center was third-team all-area for the Wildcats, who look to bounce back from last season’s 3-8 record.
Luke Tranfaglia, Dixon: The senior tight end is another returning starter that should beef the line in the Bulldogs’ running game.
Jayden Wiener, White Oak: The senior is another experienced blocker who looks to lead the Vikings, who compiled 2,965 yards rushing.
Aiden Wilson, Croatan: The senior nicknamed “Big Tuna” was second-team all-area after he helped the Cougars compiled 2,173 yards on the ground.
Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.