You'll want to check out these 22 centers making an impact in the Shreveport area

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