Baxter: Westwood’s Boone tops strong group at OL

As we continue to mark off the days in the “countdown to kickoff” for the 2015 season, I want to begin releasing the Midlands top players. Each year prior to releasing the Midlands Top 25, I always go through position rankings and today, we will begin with the offensive linemen.

This group is going to be strong. Westwood’s Torey Boone leads the way, and is drawing attention from some FCS schools this off-season.

Lexington’s Hunter Blackmon, at No. 2, is just a rising junior but the left tackle is athletic, plays with good leverage and gets and keeps good separation with his hands.

The sleeper in this group is at No. 4. Airport’s Trumaine Fleming demonstrates good initial quicks off the ball, is explosive and aggressive, and finishes his blocks. He also plays with good leverage and is better than average as a run blocker.

Here’s a look at my top 10 Midlands offensive linemen:

1. Torey Boone, Westwood, Sr.

2. Hunter Blackmon, Lexington, Sr.

3. Raqwon Niles, Richland Northeast, Sr.

4. Trumaine Fleming, Airport, Sr.

5. Braylen Waldo, A.C. Flora, Sr.

6. Mois’e Vidro, Blythewood, Jr.

7. Cole Armstrong, Lugoff-Elgin, Sr.

8. Ben Wilson, Heathwood Hall, Sr.

9. Prince Howard-Whitaker, Spring Valley, Sr.

10. Cameron Muller, Ridge View, Jr.