Life in football's trenches is far from glamorous.
You won't find players with eye-popping times in the 40-yard dash here or ones with the ability to break tackles and make acrobatic catches.
No, this is real big-boy football.
With that in mind, we look at the top high-school offensive and defensive linemen in Central Florida based on their production, potential and value to their team.
Offensive line
5. King Belin
Orlando University won its first district title last year, thanks in large part to an offensive line led by Belin. Many of the Cougars' linemen, including the 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior, return. "He was the nastiest offensive lineman we played last year," Lyman coach Jeff Gierke said.
4. Brock Merritt
The 6-5, 300-pound tackle proved to be a great run-blocker in Lyman's option offense last year. After dropping 25 pounds, his quickness and agility should improve. UMass, Buffalo and Southern Miss have extended offers.
3. Chris Miller
First Academy rushed for nearly 4,000 yards last year behind a big, physical offensive line led by Miller (6-4, 305). He dropped basketball two years ago and has blossomed into a technically sound and versatile lineman who can play guard and tackle.
2. Gage Bostwick
Lake Brantley's three-year starter at guard is undersized at 6-2, 255 pounds, but his aggressive nature and strength rank highly. "He's the strongest kid in our school," Lake Brantley assistant Skip Clayton said. "He's a good enough athlete to play any spot on the line, including tight end, and he's as good as any lineman we've had in a while."
1. Martez Ivey
The 6-6, 270-pound junior has skyrocketed up the national recruiting rankings, recently appearing as ESPN's No. 6 prospect for the Class of 2015. After helping lead the Blue Darters to a state championship in December, offers have poured in from top programs, including Florida, Alabama and Oklahoma.
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Defensive Line
5. Tyree Owens
The 6-4, 230-pound senior defensive end has played football for only two years. Owens collected 76 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and six sacks last year for Oviedo. He committed to West Virginia on Monday.
4. Trent Harris
One of the state's best pass rushers, Harris attracted 19 offers before committing to Miami on Monday. The 6-2, 240-pound defensive end recorded 48 tackles, 11 for loss, with nine sacks for Winter Park last year.
3. Traevon Sharp
Evans will have several new faces this year, and the team will lean on Sharp, a fierce and unrelenting three-year starter at defensive end. Top college programs, including Florida State and Louisville, covet the 6-5, 230-pound senior, but he will need to improve his grades before National Signing Day in February.
2. Isaiah Buehler
Buehler (6-3, 225) leads a defensive line at Apopka that should be among the best in the state. The physical, intelligent senior had more than 50 tackles and six sacks last year for the state champs. A shoulder injury has slowed his recruitment, but FIU and FAU, among others, have extended offers.
1. Adam Torres
The area's top interior lineman committed to Florida State on Monday. The senior tackle's play was key for Lake Mary last year as the Rams allowed 722 total rushing yards and shut out five opponents. With many of last year's defensive starters gone, Lake Mary will rely on Torres even more in 2013.
crking@tribune.com
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