A look at the ranking of the top-10 offensive linemen in the Midlands as decided by The State newspaper staff for the 2024 season.

1. Jack Laird, Cardinal Newman: Anchor of the Cardinal Newman offensive line. He committed to Marshall earlier this summer.

2. Christian Smith, Lugoff-Elgin: Senior guard has picked up FCS offers in the offseason and will be a big factor for Demons’ offensive line.

3. Nathan Gilley, Chapin: Three-year starter for Chapin who had more than 50 pancake blocks last season. Gilley is a Lenoir-Rhyne commitment.

4. Josh Benson, Dutch Fork: The 6-foot-7, 305-pound lineman is one of big guys up front in Silver Foxes’ offensive line. Picked up Division I scholarship offers over the spring and summer.

5. Pac Pitts, River Bluff: Three-year starter on the Gators’ offensive line and has six Division I offers.

6. Ryan Love, Irmo: The 6-2, 260-pounder can play guard or center on the Yellow Jackets offensive line.

7. Daniel McCaskill, Lugoff-Elgin: The 6-6, 280-pound senior will be a big factor for the Demons upfront this season and has picked college offers this spring.

8. Kaleb James, Pelion: All-state selection as a junior and anchor at guard for the Panthers offensive line.

9. Reed Paolucci, Blythewood: Sophomore was inserted into the starting lineup as a freshman and has big potential. Picked up his first offer from Liberty this summer.

10. Donovan Sims, White Knoll: Part of a veteran offensive line for the Timberwolves, who played for a state championship last season.

Others to watch: Jordan Browning, Brookland-Cayce; Bryson Moore, Irmo; Vernen Hairens, Irmo; Seon Allen, Columbia; Matt Wilkie, Lexington; Dexter Gunter, Eau Claire

Media_Day039.JPGChristian Smith of Lugoff-Elgin High School

August 8, 2024 
State, The: Web Edition Articles (Columbia, SC)
Author/Byline: Lou Bezjak, The State
Section: high_school