Southwest Conference POY Candidates O & D

You can be the #1 ranked player in the state and not be a Conference POY favorite. There are numerous variables which go into who is selected, including the team’s overall success. Have a look at who I would have as the SWC’s leading candidates for POY heading into the season. *No Particular Order &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="110187" first="Brock" last="Thomas"] 23’ QB Sheldon- If I’m a betting man I will take Thomas all day as my POY favorite heading into year. In 4 games last season he accounted for 13 TD’s/4 INT’s (8 passing), while hitting on 70% of his passes. His ability to run    compliments his overall arsenal, averaging 4.5 yards per carry with 259 yards rushing and 5 TDs in those 4 contests. [player_tooltip player_id="108140" first="Bryce" last="Dyer"] 22’ WR North Medford- I have the 6-5 Dyer ranked one of the top WR’s in Oregon and for good reason. His overall athleticism and unique body control with his size, makes him a potential D1 kid. His play on D last year was    also very impressive. [player_tooltip player_id="119072" first="Ty" last="Pugliano"] 23’ RB/LB North Medford- Look for Pugliano to go off this year and put-up [player_tooltip player_id="28754" first="Devin" last="Bradd"] type #s. He might not be a big-time national recruit like his brother, but he is a guy everyone wants on their team. [player_tooltip player_id="147861" first="Luke" last="Leighton"] 23’ WR Sheldon- Leighton could end up being a legit D1 recruit with continued progression as his stock continues to rise. He is another athlete with size (6-4 185) who is equally dangerous on both sides of the football. Last year’s stat line in 4 games read 17 catches for 183 yards with 28 tackles and 1 INT. Look for Thomas to target him often. <strong>Tiger Black</strong> 23’ DL Roseburg- Black (6-1 245) burst onto the scene as a Sophomore, earning 1st team All SWC accolades, for a group that went 1-4 during the Spring. Look for him to make a big jump up the 2023 rankings board when updated. [player_tooltip player_id="110244" first="David" last="Fuiava"] 23’ DL North Medford- Fuiava should cause numerous problems for opponents on the interior, also being ranked one of the top D lineman in Oregon. It’s still a wait and see from a collegiate projection standpoint but the Black Tornado will feature one of the top lines in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="28904" first="Carson" last="Joe"] 22’ LB/RB South Medford- The kid with the backwards name could be a POY candidate on both sides of the football, breaking out as a Sophomore and earning all-conference honors. He is tough and explosive running the ball and epitomizes everything you want in a teammate (4.1GPA). [player_tooltip player_id="145317" first="Tilman" last="Ritchie-Tuisue"] 22’ DL/C Sheldon- Look for Ritchie-Tuisue to have a big year on D while most likely projecting collegiately at center. The Irish have numerous athletes on the perimeter and he will be the key up front. [player_tooltip player_id="152358" first="AJ" last="Pugliano"] 24’ TE North Medford- Even with the Oregon offer Pugliano is still young and playing TE which typically doesn’t help statistically. That said as he will be a big-time national recruit and could end up catching numerous passes. <strong>Sam Kline</strong> 24’ WR/LB Sheldon- You will hear a lot about Kline in the years ahead as he is one of top players in Oregon for 2024. The Irish are loaded on the perimeter, so the ball could be spread around, with Leighton and [player_tooltip player_id="110216" first="Zach" last="McEwen"] also listed as one of top slot’s in the state. <strong>Andrew Walker</strong> 23’ WR South Medford- Walker had a nice Sophomore spring and is currently one of the fastest rising 23’s in the state. He has good size (6-1 175) and great speed (4.49). We should hear a lot about him moving forward. <strong>Caleb Martinez</strong> 22’ ATH Grants Pass- Martinez played behind Oregon 6A state statistical leader Hunter Gonzales last year. He is an outstanding overall athlete (baseball) as you can expect him to be one of 6A’s breakout players of the year.