You win football games in the trenches.
It's one of the oldest sayings in football because it's true. Fans remember the touchdown. They remember the quarterback throwing the pass and the running back crossing the goal line.
Coaches remember something different.
They remember the five guys who made it all possible.
Every big run starts with a block. Every deep pass starts with protection. Control the line of scrimmage, and you've usually got a good chance to control the game.
Offensive linemen don't play for headlines. They play to keep the chains moving, protect their quarterback, and wear down a defense. It's hard work that regularly goes unnoticed, but every coach knows just how important those five players are.
That's why 912 Suspence's preseason Top 5 Offensive Linemen in the 912 recognizes the players who make life easier for everyone around them. They may not score the touchdowns, but winning usually starts with them.
Here are 912 Suspence's Top 5 Offensive Linemen in the 912 entering the 2026 season.
No. 1 Jordan Dillon – Effingham County
Great offensive linemen set the pace long before kickoff.
Jordan Dillon has been doing that throughout his high school career.
The Georgia Tech commitment transferred from Savannah Christian to Effingham County for his senior season after becoming one of Georgia's top offensive line prospects. The three-star recruit has received more than 30 Division I offers and is expected to be a key piece of the Mustangs' success this fall.
Effingham County head coach John Ford says Dillon brings much more than talent to his football team.
"Jordan Dillon brings a level of focus, tenacity, work ethic and toughness to Effingham. He is a fine young man off the field and a dog on the field. He plays with his hair on fire, with a true love for the game."
Ford has coached some outstanding offensive linemen over the years and believes Dillon belongs in that group.
"As far as rating goes, he's as fine an offensive line prospect as I've ever been around. I'd put him with Seth McLaughlin, who played at Ohio State, and Amarius Mims at the University of Georgia."
No. 2 Lawson Bentley – Calvary Day
Championship teams need players willing to do the hard jobs.
That's exactly what Lawson Bentley did last season.
The University of South Florida commit, First-Team All-Region selection and AJC Class A-3A Private All-State performer helped lead Calvary Day to the GHSA state championship game while also playing defense, finishing with 15 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack.
Calvary Day head coach Jason Cameron says Bentley's toughness separated him.
"Lawson is a tremendously hard worker that has improved and developed so much since he got to Calvary. His toughness is what truly showed last year as he was really the only player that consistently played both ways for our team. He will be very successful on the offensive line at South Florida."
No. 3 Cameron Perry – Bradwell Institute
Good offensive linemen don't just block.
They understand the game.
Cameron Perry brings both to Bradwell Institute.
The returning starter has committed to Gardner-Webb University on a full athletic and academic scholarship after earning first-team all-conference and Honorable Mention All-State honors. He'll once again anchor the Tigers' offensive line while also seeing time on defense.
Bradwell head coach John Adams says Perry's football intelligence and work ethic makes him special.
"Cam has good football intelligence and an amazing work ethic. He processes well, has great size and is very athletic with great feet."
Adams also values Perry's versatility and leadership.
"He can play every position on the offensive line and will also play on the defensive line because of his fight and grit. He has length, will strike, and we're expecting a big season from Cam. He's also a great leader and one of our team captains."
No. 4 Reef Leonard – Benedictine
Every offensive line needs someone to make the calls.
That's the center's job.
Reef Leonard handled that responsibility last season and returns to anchor one of the Coastal Empire's top offenses again this fall. Now he's back where football coaches know him best, at the center of Benedictine's offensive line.
Leonard is one of Benedictine's top multi-sport athletes. Last spring, he moved into the starting goalie role after an injury to the Cadets' starter and made the most of his opportunity, earning All-Area 4A First Team honors. A goalie in lacrosse is equivalent to a center in football. Both are positions that demand quick feet, hand-eye coordination, and leadership.
Cadets head coach Danny Britt expects another strong season from his returning starter.
"Reef will be a junior and he started at center last year. No offers yet, but he's a very good player."
No. 5 Jett Ayala – Savannah Christian
Strength in the weight room doesn't always make a great offensive lineman.
Hard work does.
Jett Ayala has both.
The Savannah Christian right guard returns for his second season as a starter and will be the Raiders' only returning starter up front. He already holds offers from South Florida, FIU and Kennesaw State.
Raiders head coach Baker Woodward says Ayala leads by example every day.
"Jett is strong as an ox. He probably squats over 600 pounds. He's explosive off the ball, a really hard worker in the weight room, a good student and a great kid."
Football has changed over the years. Offenses are faster. Defenses are more athletic. The game looks different than it did a generation ago.
One thing hasn't changed.
If you can't control the line of scrimmage, it's hard to win football games.
These five players have earned the respect of their coaches by doing the tough work every Friday night. Now they'll try to lead their teams one block at a time this fall.
Photos courtesy of proshot_sports, and the players' social media accounts.
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Prep Sports Report Football Coverage Presented by Optim Orthopedics
Optim Orthopedics wants you in the game.
Keeping Savannah-area athletes healthy and ready for gameday all season long.
Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
