Players to watch: Offensive linemen who will dominate the trenches

At 6-foot-7 and 345 pounds, Justin Johnson is a commanding presence at offensive tackle for Neumann-Goretti.

His run- and pass-blocking skills are crucial in the Saints' bid to put a miserable season behind them. They went winless in nine games, forfeiting the last two due to a shortage of players and injuries.

Johnson, who has committed to play at Oregon, transferred from Public League juggernaut Imhotep Charter for his final high school season. That switch was motivated, in part, by N-G's hiring of Albie Crosby, who tutored Johnson during his four years in charge at Imhotep, as head coach.

Crosby is thrilled to have the mammoth lineman as one of the centerpieces in the Saints' bid for success in the Catholic League and beyond. "He does great job of getting off the ball in the run game and his pass-protecting technique is steadily getting better," he said.

Johnson, a three-star recruit according to Scout.com, chose Oregon over Boston College, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan State, and Temple, among others. "I think he has all the potential in the world to become a young man who makes it to the NFL," Crosby said.

In addition to Johnson, the area has a number of rock-solid offensive linemen. The group includes Episcopal Academy's Adam Klein, a Temple recruit, and Pennsbury's Matt Rosso (Rutgers).

Episcopal coach Todd Fairlie said the 6-5, 260-pound Klein "could be the best player we have coached here by the time he finishes."

Looking to improve on last year's 5-5 campaign, Pennsbury second-year coach Dan McShane is banking on Rosso (6-6, 270) to be a stalwart in a no-huddle spread attack.

Malvern Prep's line is anchored by guard Joe Basiura (6-3, 290) and tackle Jake Hornibrook (6-4, 260). Basiura is giving serious consideration to Cornell and Penn; Hornibrook has drawn interest from Temple and Virginia.

Springside Chestnut Hill looks to run behind Anthony Marrone. The 6-4, 300-pounder has a scholarship offer from Morgan State. Monmouth, St. Francis (Pa.), Towson, and Wagner are also in the mix.

Staying in the Inter-Ac League, Germantown Academy junior Elijah Wroten (6-4, 295) has offers from Boston College, Connecticut, and Temple.

Archbishop Wood, the defending PIAA Class 5A state titlist, has a trio of rugged performers in Tom Walsh (6-4, 255), Albert Glasgow (6-2, 260), and Connor Bishop (6-3, 260).

The Catholic League also has stout linemen in La Salle's Chris Maloney (6-3, 225), Roman Catholic's Mike Leyland (6-3, 235), and St. Joseph's Prep's Nick DiPrinzio (6-2, 265).

The area also features Central Bucks East's P.J. Szymanski (6-4, 275), Downingtown East's Carter Regitz (6-2, 260), Imhotep's Arick Lochetto (5-11, 265), and North Penn's Matt Bevan (5-11, 235).

The Pioneer Athletic Conference has a pair of all-area candidates in Perkiomen Valley's Jahir Holmes (6-3, 250) and Spring-Ford's Noah Silva (6-2, 280).

Dan Adams, Father Judge, Sr. – He's a 6-foot-2, 230-pound tackle.

Vince Citrino, Bensalem, Sr. – The guard also excels in the classroom.

Quinton Derr, Upper Dublin, Jr. – A 6-foot, 255-pounder on the rise.

Jake Erley, Garnet Valley, Sr. – Has a pivotal role in a triple-option attack.

Colin Hirschmann, La Salle, Sr. – He has drawn interest from Towson.

Ormond Isom, Northeast, Sr. – He was a first-team all-Public selection.

Justin Johnson, Neumann-Goretti, Sr. – He has committed to Oregon.

Arick Lochetto, Imhotep Charter, Sr. – He is a 5-11, 265-pound guard.

Tom Lukens, Abington, Sr. – He's a stout two-way lineman for the Ghosts.

Brian Malinowski, Pennsbury, Jr. – He's a possible Division I-A recruit.

Bill Martin, Academy Park, Sr. – Clears space for Kareem Burton & Co.

Nafeei Minor, Simon Gratz, Sr. – A fixture at tackle for the Bulldogs.

Xander Utecht, Great Valley, Sr. – A catalyst in the Patriots' ground success.

Trevor Watts, Souderton, Sr. – He's a force as a 6-3, 265-pound tackle.

Christian Weber, Ridley, Sr. – His toughness is key for the Green Raiders.