Fort Worth-area high school football: Top 10 area offensive linemen to watch
The Star-Telegram is releasing its list of Fort Worth-area players to watch by position groups. Check back for more players to watch as the high school football season approaches.
Introducing the top 10 offensive lineman to watch.
1. Felix Ojo, Senior, Mansfield Lake Ridge
Ojo, a Texas Tech pledge, isn’t just the No. 1 lineman in the Fort Worth area — he’s the No. 1 class of 2026 offensive tackle nationwide, according to 247Sports. He has a 6-foot-6, 275-pound frame.
In 2024, he earned Star-Telegram All-Area First Team honors. Although Ojo’s talent is undeniable, he endured a tough season with Lake Ridge; the team went 1-9 and winless in district play.
2. John Turntine III, Senior, North Crowley
Turntine III, a Texas pledge with a 6-foot-4, 285-pound frame, was a key component in North Crowley’s run to a Class 6A Division I state championship victory in 2024. As a member of “The Wall”, he helped pave the way for North Crowley’s area-leading run game.
With Henry Fenuku and more graduating, the Panthers’ offensive line will endure a shift in talent. Keep an eye on Turntine, 247Sports’ No. 8 overall recruit in the state of Texas, to set the tone.
3. Pupunagatoa Katoa, Senior, Euless Trinity
With a massive 365-pound frame, Katoa has the size and strength to dominate. The SMU pledge is a standout within Trinity, a program known for developing linemen and having huge, productive players in the trenches.
Katoa is 247Sports’ No. 179 recruit in the class of 2026. With JT Harris, the Star-Telegram’s No. 1 running back to watch, expect Trinity to have an area leading run game that steals the show.
4. Carey Clayton, Senior, Southlake Carroll
The Dragons’ offensive line is stacked, and Clayton’s experience and talent are key components. The Memphis commit has a three-star rating by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
Clayton has a 6-foot-3, 270-pound frame and made the District 4-6A First Team last season.
5. Tristan Dare, Junior, Southlake Carroll
Dare is the No. 1 ranked class of 2027 offensive lineman within the Fort Worth-area and 247Sports’ No. 62 ranked player in Texas. As a sophomore, he was named a Star-Telegram All-Area honorable mention.
With a 6-foot-4, 290-pound frame and offers from big time programs such as Texas Tech, Baylor, Penn State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan, North Carolina and many more, Dare is a key junior recruit to watch.
6. Rhett Gray, Senior, Weatherford
Gray made headlines on Sunday, flipping his commitment from TCU to Houston. Gray is ranked as the No. 124 class of 2026 player in Texas. He towers over the competition with a massive 6-foot-7, 290-pound frame.
As Weatherford looks to turn things around after a tough 2-8 season, keep an eye on Gray, the Roo’s best player.
7. Khalil Sanogo, Senior, Mansfield Legacy
Sanogo commanded respect in the recruitment realm, earning a No. 150 ranking within class of 2026 players in Texas. He went under the radar at first, but since January, his recruitment has skyrocketed. Now, he is an Arizona pledge.
With a 6-foot-6, 300-pound frame, expect Sanogo to set the tone as Legacy football looks to take the next step after a playoff appearance in 2024.
8. Payton Williams, Senior, Aledo
Williams, a UTSA pledge and a TSWA All-State selection, has a 6-foot-2, 310-pound frame. He is versatile, with an ability to play guard, tackle or center. Williams is a two-time state champion and also made the all-district first team last season. Look for him to be a key player as the Bearcats search for their 13th championship.
9. Eli Holbrook, Senior, Arlington
Holbrook, a Wake Forest Pledge, has a 6-foot-3, 290-pound frame. He is ranked as 247Sports’ No. 204 player in Texas within the class of 2026. Holbrook also competes in the shotput.
10. Brandon Heath, Senior, Arlington Martin
Heath, a Holy Cross commit, is one of Arlington Martin’s team leaders. He has a 6-foot-3, 285-pound frame. Keep an eye on Heath as Martin looks to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season.
More positions (Check back for updates)
This story was originally published July 28, 2025 at 1:19 PM.
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