By Mike London
mike.london@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Salisbury left tackle Tonydale Pagan has nice length to his name and his frame.

Pagan stands 6-foot-5 (and a half), weighs 240 pounds, with very little fat content, and is expected to keep growing.

“Look at those long arms,” Salisbury head coach Clayton Trivett said.

There’s no denying that young Pagan, who is only a junior, has the wingspan of a 6-foot-8 NBA forward.

The Hornets discovered Pagan on their roster in 2023. He became a fixture in the lineup at left tackle for the second half of the season.

“Started the second half last year and then he’s really come into his own this year,” said Trivett. “Getting better with every game. His best game of the season, as far as putting run-blocking and pass-blocking together, was our first-round playoff game with West Davidson. He had another good game in the second round against Walkertown and he even helped us out some on defense.”

Trivett, a former offensive lineman at Thomasville High and Catawba College, has an appreciation for offensive linemen. He’s confident the biggest improvement for the Hornets from the start of the season to now has come on the offensive line.

“We had some running-game struggles early, but Tonydale and those guys upfront have turned it up a notch,” Salisbury QB Hank Webb said. “They’ve all played like they had something to prove, and they’ve made it possible for me to have the passing numbers I’ve had.”

Webb has thrown 30 touchdown passes.

Pagan has been proud to be part of a strong OL unit. Experience helps, and he’s gotten physically and mentally stronger as the year has gone on.

“I know the first time that we played West Davidson I didn’t have a good game at all,” Pagan said. “But I came into the playoffs with a clearer head, ready to play. Things have worked out well so far.”

Hs favorite play calls are the counters, and he has the size and mobility to do some damage. If he gets to a 200-pound linebacker, he can just about physically remove him from the stadium.

Everyone asks Pagan about basketball. He’s tried it. He figures he’s better free-styling on the playground than in a structured team setting.

“I’ve played enough basketball to know that football is my game,” he said with a laugh.

With his size and ability, he’s got a chance to be a college recruit. That’s the goal.

“That’s what I’m working for, and that’s what I’m praying for,” Pagan said.

Salisbury will be home against Forest Hills for a third-round playoff game on Friday at 7 p.m.