Texas high school football: Top 10 offensive linemen in the Austin area

As the 2024 Texas high school football draws near, the American-Statesman is ranking the best players by each position group.

High school reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon will start with offensive linemen and end with quarterbacks next week.

The top 10 offensive linemen in the Austin area

(Players listed in alphabetical order.)

Warren Scott Erwin, Johnson center

The senior leads a senior-heavy offensive line that gives the Jaguars high hopes of a playoff berth out of District 29-6A. 

MORE FOOTBALL: American-Statesman’s 2024 Central Texas top-10 preseason countdown

Zephaniah Franks, Glenn offensive tackle

A massive human being at 6 feet 3, 280 pounds, the junior has the attention of college scouts and helps pace a slot-T offense. 

Terrence Lackey, Stony Point offensive tackle

A first-team all-District 25-6A pick last fall, the junior has just scratched the surface of his potential. 

Sam Lopez, Georgetown offensive tackle/guard

Big and physical, he’ll help as the Eagles make the transition to new starters at quarterback and running back. Lopez was a first-team all-district pick as a sophomore. 

MORE ON THE EAGLES: Why Georgetown comes in at No. 10 in our preseason rankings

Jerald “JJ” Mays, Weiss guard and tackle

Mays can do it all, and he’s still just a junior. A first-team all-Central Texas and all-district pick a year ago, the left tackle has college scouts drooling. Arizona football, Baylor and Duke has each offered Mays a scholarship.

3 KEY QUESTIONS: These players, answers could define Weiss’ season

Eric Mathews, LBJ guard

A first-team all-district selection a year ago, the junior will have the potential to dominate with the Jaguars’ drop to Class 4A. 

Why LBJ is a bonafide state contender after realignment

Mason Rieger, Rouse tight end

The lone tight end on the list, he excels at both blocking and catching passes. The senior is garnering plenty of looks from colleges and has visited Navy. 

Jared Risinger, Westlake offensive guard/center

Along with Mays, he’s one of only two players on the list that received all-Central Texas honors last year, garnering a third-team nod. The senior also first-team all-District 26-6A. Concord and Northeastern State have offers to Risinger.

Jacob Slaughter, Cedar Park tackle

A junior part of a very talented offensive line, the first-team all-district pick a year ago will pave the way for one of the better rushing attacks in the Austin area. 

Bennett Wilkin, Westlake center

The senior returns to start for another year and will help lead a bruising Westlake running game. 

PAYBACK: No. 1 Westlake football hopes to redeem itself after 2 straight trips to state semifinals

Also keep an eye on: Joseph Stiggers, sr., Elgin; Wyatt Valiente, sr., Cedar Park; Jaxon Taylor, sr., Bastrop; Kolton New, jr., Liberty Hill; Braxton Bishop, sr., McCallum; Micheal Otutu, jr., Weiss; Richard Grigg, sr., Westlake