![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3cZQKO_0vIoECKm00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=3cZQKO_0vIoECKm00)
Who controls the ball with the first touch for your football team? Here's a look at 22 of the top centers in the Shreveport area to watch and what some of their coaches said about them.
Also check out these stories on the favorites to win District 1-5A , District 1-4A and District 1-2A in Northwest Louisiana. Previously, we took a look at the top defensive linemen and offensive guards , along with the top tackles , in the region.
Here are some of the area’s best:
Franklin Bridwell
Glenbrook, So.
Ht: 5-foot-11 Wt: 250 pounds
The skinny: “Franklin is our most improved player this summer. He’s gained a lean 50 pounds in a year.” – Coach Reagan Smith
Justyn Brown
Southwood, Sr.
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 225
The skinny: “J.B. is a returning starter on the O-Line. He’s quick, strong and aggressive.” — coach Mike Green
Grant Bunch
Benton, Sr.
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 270
The skinny: “Grant is another big body and is very underrated. He does a great job starting the play for us and getting us in the right protections.” — coach Reynolds Moore
RETIRED COACH: Here’s why Sean Koeppen was honored at Monday’s Lions Club coaches’ dinner
TOP GUARDS: Here are 28 top Shreveport area offensive guards to watch in the 2024 football season
DISTRICT 1-5A: Which team is expected to win 9-team District 1-5A football in 2024? Where is your school?
Eli Campbell
Lakeside, Sr.
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 240
The skinny: “Eli is one of three seniors in the offensive line who will be the key to our overall success on offense. All three are strong at the point of attack and bring leadership to the huddle.” — coach John Ware
Logan Childress
Haynesville, Sr.
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 210
The skinny: The Tors advanced to the LHSAA Non-Select Division IV state championship game last season thanks to guys like Childress.
Hayden Darner
Calvary, Sr.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 270
The skinny: “Hayden generates zero bad snaps and is super consistent.” — coach Rodney Guin
Garret Dooly
Minden, Sr.
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 270
The skinny: “Garret has a commanding presence on the offensive line. He plays with tenacity in the trenches. Garret is consistent in his work ethic and provides guidance to our younger players.” — coach Spencer Heard
Hunter Evans
North Webster, Sr.
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220
The skinny: “Another returning starter for the Knights who is highly intelligent and very aggressive in the run game.” — coach Christopher Wilson
D-LINEMEN: Run stoppers: Here's 31 Shreveport area 2024 defensive linemen who deserve attention
Pat Gray
Parkway, Jr.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 290
The skinny: “Pat started eight games last season at left tackle and makes the transition to center. He has a high football IQ and loves the game.” — coach Coy Brotherton
Omorion Houston
Woodlawn, Sr.
Ht: 5-9 Wt: 220
The skinny: “Omorion is a three-year starter who is the anchor of the O-line. He demonstrated toughness and heart by playing through injuries last season.” — coach Thedrick Harris
Royuan Jackson
Huntington, Jr.
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 310
The skinny: “Jackson came into his own last season, starting 10 games at guard and center and earning All-District honors. Jackson has Division 1 ability, strength, toughness and smarts, he will be our anchor up front for what I believe is a very good OL.” — coach Steve Dennis
Kedrick King
North Caddo, Sr.
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 215
The skinny: “Kedrick is a returning all-district center. He is very consistent in his snaps, and has the quickness necessary to block nose tackles one-on-one.” — coach Chase Thompson
Joshua May
Union Parish, Sr.
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 300
The skinny: “May is a leader on the team. He’s a great player and person.” — coach Joey Spatafora
Cane McCoy
Logansport, Jr.
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 245
The skinny: “An extremely strong, physical player who will allow our two running backs to flourish in the run game.” — coach Kevin Magee
Cayleb Randolph
Captain Shreve, Sr.
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 265
The skinny: “Cayleb has a ton of experience at the varsity level and really takes charge of our calls up front. Looking for a big year out of Cayleb.” — coach Jeremy Wilburn
Keyan Richardson
Green Oaks, So.
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 260
The skinny: “Keyan was all-district honorable mention last season. He is very aggressive and loves playing the game.” — coach James Bradford Jr.
Joesph Salvaterra
Arcadia, Sr.
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 200
The skinny: “Joseph is the leader of our offensive line.” — coach Taylor Perron
Sadaar Stevens
Jonesboro-Hodge, Jr.
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 345
The skinny: “This will be his first year at this position. He snaps well, is very smart, and will be an asset when we play teams with a nose guard.” — coach Terrance Blankenship
Brody Towns
D’Arbonne Woods, Sr.
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 227
The skinny: “Brody has been starting at center for four years for us and is the anchor for us on the offensive line.” — coach David DeMoss
Jake Tyler
Ruston, Sr.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 235
The skinny: Tyler was a key component in Ruston’s run to a 14-0 record in 2023.
Darrien Wells
Mansfield, Jr.
Ht: 5-8 Wt: 245
The skinny: “Darrien has quick feet and is the leader of our offensive line.” — coach Darrell Barbay
Caden Williams
Bossier, Sr.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 310
The skinny: In his second year starting, Williams shows that he is ready to lead the offensive line. Caden is a force to be reckoned with, occupying space in the interior offensive line with his ability to both anchor-down and generate push.” — coach CJ Morgan
Jimmy covers Louisiana sports him for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: You'll want to check out these 22 centers making an impact in the Shreveport area
Comments / 0