Editors note: This is the fourth story in the eight-part “YPS Top 40” series from Your Prep Sports highlighting 40 of the top returning football players for the 2023 season.

Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The YPS Top 40 is an eight-story series highlighting 40 of the top returning football players in the Your Prep Sports area by position group.

Following three stories to start the series that covered the offensive skill positions (quarterback, running back and receivers) the attention turns to the big guys up front for the final offensive article in the series.

The series continues today with a look at some of the best returning offensive linemen in the Your Prep Sports area.

In the next few days four other position groups, defensive line, linebacker, defensive back and special teams will all be featured.

Trey Dervrich

Senior, City High

The leader of a talented and experienced returning offensive line group for the Little Hawks Dervrich was a Mississippi Valley Conference and all-district pick last season as a junior.

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound Dervrich played right tackle last season but has the position flexibility to move inside to guard this season if needed.

Dervrich helped pave the way for City High to average 185 rushing yards, 450 total yards and 44 points per game last season.

Cameron Hamers

Senior, Liberty High

Among the biggest reasons Liberty High was among the most improved teams in the state last season was the play of the offensive line and Hamers was at the center of that improvement.

A first-team all-district pick last season Hamers is one of three players returning from an offensive line that that helped the Lightning average 130 rush yards, 378 total yards and 36.9 points per game last season.

The 6-foot-4, 211-pound Hamers is a good athlete with the ability to be a difference maker on the offensive line, the defensive line or both.

Carson Nash

Senior, Clear Creek Amana

For Clear Creek Amana to improve on its 3-6 record from a year ago the Clippers will need to be better up front.

With Nash among four players returning with starting experience on the offensive line the expectations are for the offensive line to be a strength for the Clippers this season.

Nash is the leader of the Clipper front.

A 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior, Nash isn’t the biggest o-lineman but he plays with energy and passion and should be a key in a resurgent Clipper season.

John Devery

Senior, Regina

Even coming off a strong junior season Devery is a candidate for a breakthrough year up front after an impressive offseason in which he gained nearly 40 points.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Devery gained praise from the Regina coach staff for his offseason work that includes improved football.

Look for Devery to be a major impact play on both lines this season for Regina.

Grant Wilson

Junior, Solon

A starter last season as a sophomore expect Wilson to take a major step forward this season in his second year of varsity football.

The 5-foot-11, 230-pound Wilson was an honorable mention all-district pick last season after starting every game at center.

A nimble athlete for his size, Wilson joins returning senior starters Mason Scott and Marcus Richard up front for the Spartans on an offensive line that should be a team strength for Solon.

Max Lodge

Senior, West Branch

One of two returning three-year starters on the Bear offensive line Lodge is a leader and an anchor on a West Branch line that should be among the best in Class 1A.

Lodge joins all-stater Logan Wright as three-year starters on a unit that also returns starters senior Quinton Rocha and sophomore Michael Montgomery.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Lodge is a bulldog that moves well for his size and has good technique.

Winner Ndjibu

Senior, West High

One of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in the area Ndjibu has a rare combination of strength, size and athleticism.

At 6-foot-4, 270-pounds Ndjibu is a big, strong offensive lineman that has worked hard on building strength.

Ndjibu is a good athlete at his size and possesses good feet which has helped me pick up off-season scholarship offers from Bemidji State and Maine.

Look for Ndjibu to become a force on a West High offensive line that will look to improve in 2023.

Joe Cook

Senior, City High

A three-year starter Cook is one of the leaders for a City High offensive line that will look to take a step forward from a strong season last fall.

The 6-foot, 200-pound Cook has played both guard and center in his career and that versatility is important as the Little Hawks look to form a cohesive unit up front.

Cook plays with good leverage and toughness and uses his athleticism to his advantage.

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