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 Mission Viejo's Cole Smith tops OCVarsity's list of top offensive linemen going into the 2014 season. He has been offered by USC, UCLA, Cal, Arizona State among others.
Mission Viejo’s Cole Smith tops OCVarsity’s list of top offensive linemen going into the 2014 season. He has been offered by USC, UCLA, Cal, Arizona State among others.
Dan Albano. Sports HS Reporter.

// MORE INFORMATION: Staff Mug Shot taken August 26, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER.

With the start of the high school season quickly approaching, the Register has put together its lists of the top 10 players in the county at each position.

These lists are based on the observations of the Register’s reporters, the input of football coaches around the county and the amount of interest shown by college scouts.

Here is a look at the top offensive linemen going into the season:

1. Cole Smith, Mission Viejo, Sr.

The Diablos’ agile center is the lone returning first-team All-County offensive lineman and has added more weight (6-3, 275) for his senior campaign. USC is the latest school to offer Smith, son of former Rams All-Pro and Orange Coast College assistant Doug Smith. He also has been offered by UCLA, Arizona State and Cal among others. “He’s a coach’s dream,” Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson said.

2. Clayton Johnston, Servite, Sr.

The physical 6-foot-6, 290-pound tackle has emerged as the Friars’ latest standout offensive lineman, joining the ranks of Matt and Ryan Kalil, Travis Averill and Garrett Pendergast. Johnston has the ideal size and athleticism for a young tackle.

3. Austin Maihen, Santa Margarita, Sr.

At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, Maihen is another elite tackle prospect from the county. Aggressive and versatile enough to play guard, Maihen has offers from Cal and San Diego State among others.

4. Frank Martin, Mater Dei, Jr.

Martin held his own last season starting at right tackle. He is now 6-foot-6, 295 pounds and one of the county’s top juniors to watch. His list of offers reportedly includes Arkansas and LSU from the SEC and Washington from the Pac-12.

5. Keven Dixon, Buena Park, Sr.

The Coyotes’ left tackle is one of the fastest rising recruits in the county and good candidate to become a breakout player. He has several Pac-12 offers and recently landed an offer from Kansas State. The 6-foot-6 and 281-pound Dixon has long arms that help him with pass protection.

6. Luke Wattenberg, JSerra, Jr.

Wattenberg is arguably the top offensive lineman prospect to surface at JSerra. The left tackle (6-5, 265) has been offered by UCLA and Cal among others. He flashed his potential last season as a strong drive-blocker at right tackle.

7. Jake Nelson, San Juan Hills, Sr.

Don’t forget about this well-rounded left tackle. Nelson is 6-foot-4, 275 pounds and holds offers from New Mexico and Arkansas State. He impressed last season as a pass blocker and path-clearing run blocker.

8. Izrael Castellanos, Mission Viejo, Sr.

The left tackle (6-5, 280) is another reason to keep an eye on the Diablos’ offensive line. Castellanos has been offered by New Mexico. He was an aggressive drive blocker at right tackle last season.

9. Pat DiCarlo, Foothill, Sr.

The Knights’ lineman (6-3, 285) projects as a college guard and has reportedly been offered by Army. He is a key player for a team looking to reload.

10. Zach Hickman, Tesoro, Sr.

Hickman (6-3, 261) has been starting since his freshman season, so he’s one of the most experienced players in the county. The tackle will be an important blocker for quarterback Devon Modster and running back Anthony Battista.

Others to watch: Jake Bland, Mission Viejo, Sr.;  Tommy Garcia, Servite, Sr.; Emil Graves, Los Alamitos, Sr.; Jacob Keller, Los Alamitos, Jr.; Jotavi Leuta-Ulu, Servite, Jr.; Alex Losoya, Mater Dei, Sr.; Will Sorenson, Santa Margarita, Sr.; Joey Stukonis, Newport Harbor, Jr.;Tucker Scott of San Clemente, Jr; Sean Tulette, Los Alamitos, Jr.

RELATED:
OCVarsity rankings: Top quarterbacks

OCVarsity rankings: Top running backs

OCVarsity rankings: Top receivers and tight ends

OCVarsity rankings: Top defensive linemen

OCVarsity rankings: Top linebackers

OCVarsity rankings: Top defensive backs

OCVarsity rankings: Top kickers and punters

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com