Oregon 5A Offensive & Defensive POY Candidates

As most know Player of the Year Honors always has a lot to do with the team’s success and how they finish the season. This isn’t just referencing recruiting and where that player is ranked. Check the list below with the season just a few short months away *Up Next 4A POY &nbsp; <strong>5A OFFENSE</strong> &nbsp; 1.[player_tooltip player_id="28884" first="Gavin" last="Knights"] 5-9 160 ATH 22’ Thurston- Knights film speaks for itself. Last spring he went for over 1300 all-purpose yards, including 956 rushing yards (11.8 ypc), and 15 total TDs in 6 games. If we are talking about the most exciting athletes state wide he sits towards the top of the charts. 2.[player_tooltip player_id="108135" first="Mikey" last="Gibson"] 6-2 200 QB 22’ Canby- Gibson is one of Oregon’s best 3 sport athletes. As stated numerous times he has already drawn comparisons to former D1 QB’s Kevin Riley-Cal and Sam Noyer-Colorado/OSU, both coached by head coach Jimmy Joyce. That’s bold, but Canby should be in the state title hunt which will help with the accolades. 3.[player_tooltip player_id="143914" first="Logan" last="Person"] 6-1 190 RB 22’ Dallas- I’m a big advocate of Person as he is a phenomenal overall athlete (Safety/Kicker). Last season he totaled 973 all-purpose yards and 8 TDs to go with 41 total tackles on defense. A lot of credit to head coach Tracy Jackson as the Dragons should be one of the best in the state at the 5A level. 4.[player_tooltip player_id="28876" first="Riley" last="Peterson"] 6-0 160 Slot 22’ La Salle- Peterson was the only player state wide to earn all-state honors as a Sophomore at the 5A level. He followed that up nicely last season, dominating most of the competition, while leading 5A with 10 TD receptions. He will require a consistent double team all year long if you want to contain him. 5.[player_tooltip player_id="28853" first="Jordan" last="McCarty"] 6-1 185 QB 22’ Silverton- McCarty earned 1st team all-league honors as a Sophomore, throwing 12 TDs/0 INTs in the regular season. They return the state leader in receiving yardage in [player_tooltip player_id="28915" first="Vandon" last="Fessler"] (703 yards, 32 receptions), which will help. Jordan is the guy every coach wants leading their team. 6.[player_tooltip player_id="147245" first="Josiah" last="Davis"] 5-11 205 RB 23’ North Salem- This kid can play, ranking 4th in the state at the 5A level, and rushing for 766 yards and 8 TDs in 6 games. The question becomes whether or not the Vikings can make a playoff run, which determines a lot when considering POY accolades. &nbsp; <strong>5A DEFENSE</strong> &nbsp; 1.[player_tooltip player_id="28871" first="Brycen" last="Indell"] 6-0 210 LB 22’ Willamette- One of the most impressive kids in Oregon regardless of classification. Indell racked up 84 tackles (60 solo) and 11 tackles for loss in just 6 games, while adding 9 TDs offensively. If the Wolverines can make a playoff run, he will have a shot at POY honors. 2.[player_tooltip player_id="28848" first="Joe" last="Brauckmiller"] 6-4 195 OLB 22’ Canby- Over the last two seasons this kid has been one of the state’s best on the defensive side of the ball. In just 6 contests Brauckmiller averaged 8.8 tackles per game (53 total), with 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. The Cougars are projected to make a deep playoff run and he is a big reason why. 3.[player_tooltip player_id="110176" first="Demarcus" last="Houston"] 6-2 185 CB/WR 23’ West Albany- From a recruiting standpoint Houston is the best player in the state at the 5A level. Oregon St has already offered and you can expect other collegiate programs to be vying for his services as well. Expect to see him in the mix for Offensive POY honors also. 4.[player_tooltip player_id="28856" first="Waylon" last="Wolfe"] 6-1 225 LB 22’ Lebanon- Waylon earned 1st team all-league and honorable mention all-state honors as a Sophomore. His physicality and ability to anticipate from his LB spot puts him in a class by himself at the 5A level. 5.[player_tooltip player_id="108142" first="Austin" last="Ratliff"] 6-2 205 DB 22’ Silverton- Ratliff is a physical DB who might end up playing the LB spot at the next level. The Foxes are typically one of the top teams in the state at the 5A level which could help shine a light on Austin’s abilities over the course of the season. 6. [player_tooltip player_id="110215" first="Vaun" last="Halstead"] 6-0 205 LB 23’ Thurston- Halstead is a playmaker and always up in the mix causing problems for opponents. He was all over the field during the spring, making 35 total tackles with 8 tackles for loss. Look for him to be a leader on a #1 ranked Colts group. &nbsp; &nbsp;