Sports Hey PDX December 14, 2024 0 Comments

2025 Football Recruiting: Warriors in the Trenches

Call Oregon a finesse team all you want. But we aren’t one of the most efficient offenses in the nation without the road graders up front opening holes or keeping the QB upright. The latest recruiting class adds big bodies, quick feet, and a few nasty streaks to battle it out up front. We continue our series of recruiting articles wit a look at the offensive line recruits from the 2025 class.

Green Monster

Ziyare Addison .9470

Interior Offensive Line – Carrolwood Day High School – Tampa, FL

Standing at 6’5” and 290 pounds with an impressive 6’10” wingspan, this prospect brings both size and length to the offensive line. While he has primarily played tackle at the high school level, his skill set and physical traits suggest his highest potential may lie at guard. However, he possesses the athleticism needed to develop into a reliable edge protector with refined technique. He showcases quickness off the snap, initiating contact effectively and often taking control of blocks. His core balance allows him to seal run lanes with consistency and precision. While there are moments where he overextends or lunges in pass protection, his upper body strength enables him to recover and redirect defenders, maintaining control of the arc when properly engaged. If he shifts inside there may be a swifter path to playing time depending on movement in the depth chart ahead of him.

Zac Stascausky .9109

Offensive Tackle – Central Catholic High School – Portland, OR

Stascausky anchored the offensive line at left tackle for Central Catholic and has the size, agility, and skill set to excel at the position at the collegiate level. Standing nearly 6’6” and weighing 280 pounds, he boasts a well-proportioned frame with room to add more strength and bulk as he develops. Light on his feet and displays excellent mobility. As a pass protector, he’s fluid and capable of moving effectively in space, seamlessly engaging linebackers and safeties downfield. In the run game, he plays with an edge, consistently finishing blocks through the whistle. His combination of size, athleticism, and toughness makes him a prime candidate for finding playing time early as a rotation player.

Douglas Utu .9531

Offensive Tackle/Guard – Bishop Gorman High School – Las Vegas, NV

Versatile and experienced, he has excelled at both guard and tackle for the Gaels. Projecting as a prototype right tackle at the collegiate level, Utu also has the skill set to slide inside and thrive as a guard if needed. At 6’4” and 317 pounds, with excellent length and a tackle-ready frame, Utu pairs technical soundness with impressive athleticism. He moves well laterally, demonstrating good balance and footwork, and excels in both run blocking and pass protection. A physical presence in the trenches, he plays with strength at the point of attack, delivering a strong punch and finishing blocks with authority. Utu’s quickness allows him to recover against speed rushers, while his power holds firm against bull rushers.

Alai Kalaniuvalu .9210

Center/Guard – Bishop Gorman High School – Las Vegas, NV

A massive human being at 6’ 4” and 300 lbs, ESPN lists him as the No. 1 center nationally and the No. 3 recruit from Nevada, while Rivals grades him as the No. 3 offensive guard and No. 127 overall recruit in the 2025 class. As a senior, he helped lead Bishop Gorman to an 11-1 record, a No. 4 national ranking by MaxPreps, and a NIAA 5A state championship. A dominant run blocker at center, he anchored an offense that averaged 181.5 rushing yards per game, showcasing his strength and ability to control the line of scrimmage. While there is certainly playing time to be earned along the interior o-line, Alai’s best position may be as the back-up center and heir apparent when “Poncho” moves on in the next year or two.

Demetri Manning .8836

Interior Offensive Line – Bellevue High School – Bellevue, WA

Manning is a towering offensive line prospect at 6’7” and 345 pounds, with an impressive 83-inch wingspan, he combines elite size with a relentless, punishing style of play. Known for his edge and nastiness in the trenches, Manning doesn’t just block defenders—he buries them. His violent punch and finishing ability make him a force to be reckoned with. Though he played left tackle at the high school level and could transition to right tackle in college, his long-term potential lies as an interior lineman. Manning has all the tools to be an outstanding guard as he fires out of his stance with power, demonstrates sound technique, and keeps his feet moving through every block. His massive lower body allows him to anchor effectively, making him nearly impossible to move once he’s set. A dominant run blocker, Manning excels at the point of attack and can collapse entire sides of a defensive line, clearing paths to the second level with ease. He embodies the enforcer mentality, bringing physicality and a love for punishing his opponents on every play.

Building a Wall

Dan Lanning may be a defensive-minded coach, but the absolute beast of an offensive line Oregon has fielded during his tenure speaks to his ability to recruit and develop monsters for the trenches. Expect Oregon to make life miserable for opposing defensive fronts for several years to come when it is tossing these big, aggressive linemen out there to protect the passer or open up running lanes for the stable of capable running backs.