Position Preview: Offensive Line
- Huguenot Football
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
RICHMOND, Va. – Huguenot enters the 2026 season with no shortage of playmakers across its offense.
But for the Falcons to reach their potential, everything starts up front.
The offensive line enters camp under the direction of newly hired offensive line coach Bruce Jones, who has quickly established a strong connection with the group while bringing a demanding, physical approach to the position.
At the center of it all is returning starter AJ Gary, who offensive coordinator Javonte Bentley views as the leader of the unit.
“Our center, AJ Gary, will lead that group up front,” Bentley said. “As a returning starter he has complete grasp of our scheme, established leadership already with the offense, and has been a tone setter for the group all summer long.”
For an offense with high expectations, Gary’s experience in the middle gives Huguenot an important foundation.
Gary Sets the Tone
Playing center requires more than size and physicality.
Gary’s understanding of Huguenot’s offensive system has made him an important part of a unit responsible for protecting the quarterback, establishing the running game and allowing the Falcons to operate at the tempo Bentley wants.
His experience becomes even more important as Huguenot continues developing the players around him.
Throughout the summer, Gary has established himself as a leader not only within the offensive line but throughout the offense. Bentley has seen him become a tone setter for a group being challenged to play with greater physicality and consistency.
That leadership will be important for a line that will be responsible for creating opportunities for an offense loaded with skill-position talent.
Jones Brings a New Mentality
The offensive line also has a new voice leading the room.
Bruce Jones took over the position this season and spent the summer building relationships with his linemen while pushing the group to its limits.
His approach has centered on accountability, technique and toughness.
“Bruce has brought accountability, and a physical mentality,” Bentley said. “He has challenged the group to be technically sound while also establishing an expectation that we have to be the tougher unit up front.”
That mentality fits directly into the identity Bentley wants for the entire offense.
Huguenot wants to be explosive, but it doesn’t want to become an offense dependent solely on big plays through the air. The Falcons want to establish the run, dictate tempo and force defenses to account for every area of the field.
That requires an offensive line capable of imposing itself physically.
Jones has spent the summer working to establish that standard.
His connection to the program also extends beyond the offensive line room. Jones is the father of running back Jahmeer Jones, one of several weapons expected to contribute in Huguenot’s backfield this season.
Depth and Competition Building Up Front
While Gary provides an established presence in the middle, Huguenot has several other linemen competing for roles around him.
Seniors Benjamin Thompson and Romel Bradley bring additional varsity experience to the group, while Josiah Lloyd has been one of the more encouraging developments of camp.
Offensive line coach Bruce Jones said Lloyd has had an amazing camp and will compete for playing time as the Falcons continue evaluating the group up front.
Jason Mosby is also expanding his responsibilities this season. After playing only on the defensive line last year, Mosby will now work on both sides of the ball and provide another option along the offensive front.
Mykel Coleman will be in the mix as well during his first season at the varsity level, giving Huguenot another player competing for an opportunity in the rotation. Clyde Neblett is also firmly in the mix up front and is expected to see significant playing time this season.
Freshman Hayden Anderson remains part of the program’s young group of linemen after establishing himself as a promising player at the JV level.
Bentley has been encouraged by the development taking place behind the veterans.
“I’ve seen significant improvements from the younger lineman this offseason,” Bentley said. “They are a big, physical group of kids that have learned from the veterans and are ready to prove themselves.”
The combination of experienced players and younger linemen pushing for opportunities has created competition throughout the room. For Huguenot, that gives the staff more options as it continues working toward the right combinations before the regular season begins.
Everything Starts Up Front
Bentley has made the expectations for the offensive line clear.
“We have to be physical and establish dominance,” Bentley said.
For Huguenot, that means protecting Charles Scott Jr., creating movement for the running backs and eliminating the negative plays that can derail possessions.
The talent surrounding the offensive line makes those responsibilities even more significant.
The Falcons have an established quarterback, a deep running back room and a receiving corps filled with experienced playmakers. If the offensive line consistently gives those players opportunities to operate, Bentley believes the possibilities are considerable.
“If we can protect the quarterback, create movement in the run game, and eliminate negative plays, this offense has a chance to be record breaking,” Bentley said.
That’s a significant expectation.
It’s also why the development of the offensive line could ultimately determine just how dangerous Huguenot becomes.
Built to Be Physical
Bentley’s vision for the 2026 offense can be summarized by four characteristics: physical, explosive, disciplined and unpredictable.
The offensive line is responsible for establishing the first one.
Huguenot wants to dictate the flow of games rather than simply react to what opposing defenses give them. The Falcons want to run the football effectively, create explosive plays and make defenses defend the entire field.
For the offensive line, that means winning the battle at the line of scrimmage consistently.
Gary provides the veteran leadership in the middle. Bruce Jones has brought accountability and a more physical mentality to the room, while competition from Thompson, Bradley, Lloyd, Neblett, Mosby, Coleman, Anderson and others has continued to build depth throughout the unit.
There is still work ahead.
Bentley has identified consistency as the biggest area the offense must continue improving. The talent is there, but eliminating mental mistakes and executing the small details every day will determine how high the offense can climb.
For the offensive line, the assignment is straightforward.
Protect. Create movement. Eliminate negative plays. Be the tougher group.
If Huguenot can consistently accomplish those things up front, the Falcons believe the offense surrounding them has a chance to be special.
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