The Times’ high school lineman of the year: Wyatt Davis of St. John Bosco

If you can’t hear Wyatt Davis when his big footsteps pound the ground, you can probably tell he’s nearby when he’s verbally trying to fire up teammates.

At 6 feet 5, 315 pounds, Davis has stamped himself as one of the top offensive linemen as a junior at St. John Bosco. He was the co-lineman of the year in the powerful Trinity League. And he has been selected the lineman of the year in Southern California by The Times.

“If you look how well we were running all year and pass protection, being the left tackle, it all started with him,” Coach Jason Negro said.

St. John Bosco went 13-1, and 12 of its 14 games featured running clocks in the fourth quarter because of mercy rules.

It was Davis protecting quarterback Quentin Davis (no relation), who passed for 3,612 yards and 40 touchdowns. It was Davis helping to open holes for running back Sean McGrew, who rushed for 1,852 yards and scored 27 touchdowns.

Known for his agility and physicality, Davis was a devastating blocker for the Braves.

“He has all the characteristics you want in a left tackle,” Negro said. “He’s a really good athlete and good on his feet and you never see him on the ground.”

Davis said learning as a freshman from such a standout lineman as Matt Katnik helped prepare him to take charge. It seems the best is yet to come.