Twenty Oregon Sophomores you should know about
Referenced here are a few of Oregon’s top Sophomore’s for the 2023 class. With the season being postponed there will be numerous athletes added to this list once the year gets underway. For the time being have a look at a few of the standouts we already know about heading into the upcoming season.
*Please note we will be updating the 2023 rankings within the next few months
Kaden Huppin– 6-0 185 ATH Westview- Potentially the #1 recruit in the state for the 2023 class. Projects at the D1 level on both sides of the football. Unreal quicks and acceleration. Will be one of the state’s best this year.
Donald Stephens Jr. 6-0 200 RB Grant- Stephens is one of the best in Oregon and maybe the west coast for 2023. Even with a loaded Generals roster, this is a special kid who could potentially carry the load for a very talented team.
Chip Allers- 6-3 200 LB Summit- This kid is a freak. If testing is any indication look for him to blow up on the recruiting front and be one of the best to ever come out of Central Oregon.
Sam Leavitt 6-1 185 QB/S Westview- Currently playing for Pleasant Grove HS in Utah most are familiar with the Leavitt name. Sam will be one of the state’s best. His brother Dallin is currently in his 3rd year with the Oakland Raiders.
Jackson Shelstad 6-0 180 WR West Linn- Most are aware that he is one of the top basketball players in the nation for his class. That said as he is also a standout on the football field. Shelstad caught 8 passes for 69 yards as a freshman as West Linn will be ranked the state ‘s #1 team for the for seeable future.
Sully McDaniel 6-3 215 LB Clackamas- One of the region’s top lacrosse athletes and equally dangerous on the football field. Played some varsity ball as a freshman. Projects on D although he could be one of the better TEs in the state.
Jayden Moses 6-0 200 LB Grant- The only freshman at the 6A level to earn all-conference accolades (2nd team). Also earned CO underclass 2023 MVP honors at the National Preps Collegiate Showcase. With continued growth and progression the sky’s the limit.
Colton Gaffney 6-4 215 DE Gresham- Super impressive kid who played varsity ball as a freshman. Plays and looks well beyond his years. Has the potential of being a big time national recruit.
Brock Thomas 6-0 175 QB Sheldon- As most know the Irish have produced numerous talented athletes at QB over the years. This could be next. He has excelled on the 7v7 circuit playing for one of the fastest rising programs in the West in MVP.
Joe Merlino 6-2 245 OL/DL Central Catholic- Still a lot yet to be determined here, but the defending state champs have been a factory when it comes to churning out top lineman. Look for him to play early at CC.
Hogan Carmichael 6-5 180 QB Summit- All comes down to progression and what he’s able to do with that impressive god given frame. Him and Allers could make it a worthwhile drive for recruiters.
Zach McEwen 5-10 160 ATH/DB Sheldon- Another kid who could play early for Sheldon. The 2023 group out of Eugene has the potential of being legit. Much like some of the teams in years past.
Mykell King– Jefferson 6-0 200 LB Jefferson – Tough and very versatile kid. He should be considered one of the top defensive players in the state for his class. Will most likely play early for a talented Jeff squad.
Vaun Halstead 6-0 205 LB Thurston – Good looking athlete who contributed on both sides of the football for one of Oregon’s best 5A teams as a freshman. Has the potential of being an all-conference type kid this year.
Hudson Davis 5-10 170 RB Newberg- Davis carried the ball 64 times for 445 yards and 2 TDs as a freshman. The Tigers are a program on the rise and continue to produce more and more young talent who can play early.
Grafton Robinson 5-9 160 WR Sheldon- Coming from a talented football family expect to hear Robinson’s name consistently mentioned in the coming years. The Irish program is still the team to beat in the SWC until someone else proves otherwise.
DeMarcus Houston 5-10 170 ATH West Albany- Had an outstanding National Preps Collegiate Showcase event a few weeks back, and played varsity ball as a freshman for the Bulldogs. Very versatile kid.
Elijah Markowitz 6-1 290 DL/OL Liberty- Elijah has been training with one of the top line guys in the nation in Alex Linnenkohl at Line Pro. With continued progression he could be one of Oregon’s best.
Hunter Reeve 5-9 155 WR Aloha- Reeve stepped up as a freshman catching 4 passes for 59 yards and a TD. He has the potential of being an all-conference kid as a Sophomore, as Coach Volk has been airing it out the last few seasons.
Elijah Garcia 5-6 160 RB Century- Ran the ball 22 times for 67 yards and a TD as a freshman. Look for him to be a go to guy in the Jaguars system this year.