Football: No shortage of talent among Southland’s big men

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The Southland is home to a pair of the nation’s top offensive linemen, perhaps the highest-profile being Agoura’s Kevin Graf, a senior tackle who orally committed to USC late in 2007. Arroyo Valley’s Michael Philipp is a close second and regarded by most colleges as one of the top guards in the country.

But make no mistake, there are plenty of other quality big men lining up throughout the region’s trenches, a fact that’s drawn Division I scouts out West this summer in an attempt to discover the next Southern California standout. Here’s a look at some of the best run-and-pass-blockers not named Graf or Philipp.

Nik Abele: The 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior from Irvine plays on both sides of the ball, but appears destined to play offense when he reaches the next level. Boise State, San Diego State and Utah are among the top five programs that have offered him a scholarship, and Arizona State and Colorado have also been in contact with him.

Jamaal Burrell: The senior from Compton Dominguez tips the scales at 6-foot-5 and 275-plus pounds and has the frame to get bigger. Suppose that explains why Arizona has a scholarship waiting for him. And there are reports about his appearance at an Arizona State camp about a month ago.

Jordan Johnson: You think Burrell is big? Get a load of Johnson. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound senior from Corona Santiago possesses the size most Pac-10 Conference programs are looking for. One problem: His athleticism has been questioned. But we’ll give that aspect of his game some time to develop.

Sebastian Valenzuela: Here’s a kid you might not have heard much about, but the 6-foot-2, 325-pound senior from Burbank Burroughs has plenty of upside. Apparently, schools such as Portland State and Utah State agree. Even Washington State has jumped on the bandwagon with an offer.

-- Sean Ceglinsky