Pinellas County's Elite Wall: A Look at the Top Offensive Linemen for the 2025 Season

As the 2025 high school football season rapidly approaches, the trenches in Pinellas County are once again stacked with formidable talent. While the spotlight often shines on quarterbacks and skill players, the success of any offense truly begins with the big men up front. This year, the county boasts a stellar lineup of offensive linemen, headlined by a mix of committed stars and uncommitted powerhouses.

Leading the charge at the top spot is Calvary Christian's Michael Ionata, a dominant force who has already pledged his services in 2026 to Florida State University. Ionata, last season's #1 offensive lineman, sets the standard for excellence in the county and the region. You can check out last season's pre-season article where Ionata claims the #1 spot as junior offensive lineman for Calvary at left tackle here:  https://pinellashighmedia.com/blog/-michael-ionata--calvary-christian-s-junior-offensive-tackle--now--1-ranked-offensive-lineman

However, hot on his heels at #2 is Lakewood High School's senior sensation, Mark Holloway. Despite being ranked second, Holloway is undeniably the headline offensive lineman for the Spartans. Standing tall and powerful, Holloway has garnered significant attention from collegiate programs across the nation, boasting an impressive 10 offers from schools including Colorado, Jackson State, Tulane, and East Carolina University. His recent announcement to graduate early and enroll in college next spring speaks volumes about his dedication and readiness for the next level.

"I can't even give myself any credit," Holloway humbly shared with Pinellas Highschool Media Group. "I was just around a great group of people who all saw the vision and potential."

The Spartans are embarking on a new era under the guidance of highly respected Head Coach Dante Fowler Sr., taking over for the legendary Coach Cory Moore, who is now a full-time scout with the Rams. Holloway spoke about this transition: "With Coach Fowler taking over, it's really nothing to us. Nothing changed about the program; it's still the same as if Coach Moore is here or isn't. The team has been working very hard. I feel like this year everyone is working as hard as they can and doing what it takes to be the best version of themselves."

For his senior season, Holloway has clear objectives for his team and the younger players. "Right now, our goal as upperclassmen is to get the young guys prepared for high school classwork, etc., getting them to be developed," he stated. "Right now, I'm super proud of the young guys that have come along; they are just grinding and learning, which I'm really impressed with. Our goal as a team is to win a state championship, maintain the standard at Lakewood. We will win a state championship this year; this is the team."

The cohesion of the offensive line is paramount, and Holloway emphasized this point, highlighting the returning talent. "This year, we have five linemen that have varsity experience coming back: three starters and two upcoming sophomores who played big roles for us," he explained. "Just seeing them motivates me because I was in their shoes. Just seeing them grind and learn from our offensive line coach, Jermaine Ledbetter, is great."

Looking to his future, Holloway is excited about his collegiate opportunities. "What I look for in a program is a coach and players that are close with God," he detailed. "I'm looking for an offensive line coach that believes in me, willing to develop me not just as a football player but as a son, brother, dad, etc. I'm also looking for a program that just wants to get better. Academically, I can adjust to that, but I'm majoring in journalism in college." His decision to graduate early is a strategic move: "What motivated my decision on that is that I get to learn early, get a head start on the college lifestyle so when I get there, I won't be trying to adjust. Just learning, really, and offensive line coaches get really excited when I tell them that, and I'm at an advantage over the other freshmen that enroll in the summer."

While many top recruits feel college-ready, Holloway remains grounded. "Well, everyone has things they need to work on. Everyone has something they want to get better at," he said. "I would want to get better at everything, really. Just getting one percent better every day is my goal, so I really can't answer this question. I don't feel college ready right now; there are still things I have to learn."

Holloway promises to bring intensity to the field. "The impact I'm going to make on the field is, I'm a dog. I will take you 20+ yards down the field, maul you every play. In practice, I'm not a guy teammates like to practice with, but off the field, I will love and care for my teammates. I just get overly competitive at times," he admitted. "Off the field, my goal for the first year is making the biggest impact I can on the team and coaches."

Beyond the gridiron, Holloway revealed a passion for recreational activities. "Well, I like to golf, play tennis," he shared. "I love being an impact on people, just a grinder, a fun person to be around."

 
The offensive line talent in Pinellas County doesn't stop with Holloway. Right behind him at #3 is another Lakewood Spartan, the imposing Chancellor Campbell. At 6'8", 303 lbs, Campbell is a University of Florida commit who commanded offers from collegiate heavyweights like Ohio State University and The University of Miami, all while maintaining an impressive 3.7 GPA. His combination of size, skill, and academic prowess makes him a truly elite prospect.

Clearwater High School's Jamaar Jackson, our #4 ranked lineman, is a versatile prospect. At 6'2", 308 lbs, Jackson showcased his ability to play center during spring practices, solidifying his reputation as one of the county's top guards. Uncommitted as of now, Jackson is expected to be a highly sought-after talent come signing day 2026.

Rounding out our top five is Calvary Christian's Jaxon Corey. The 6'3", 275 lbs right tackle is a Furman University commit, having also received offers from Jacksonville State and the University of Rhode Island. Corey's athleticism and power make him a key component of Calvary Christian's formidable offensive front.

With this wealth of talent in the trenches, the 2025 high school football season in Pinellas County promises to be an exciting one, driven by the powerful presence of these exceptional offensive linemen.