Oregon’s Best Defensive Lineup (2024) + Analysis

If selecting and putting together the best offensive and defensive lineup in the state of Oregon for the 2024 class, these are the 15 individuals I would have listed on each side of the ball. Athletes will only be listed on O or D. Have a look.. &nbsp; <strong>DE</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="278371" first="Ryder" last="Swanson"] 6-3 220 Oregon City- Swanson is part of a talented group of young athletes coming up at OC. He had a breakout sophomore season earning 2nd team all-conference honors in the state’s toughest conference. His abilities coming off the edge are very apparent. <strong>DT</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152335" first="Liam" last="Cassidy"] 6-5 305 Jesuit- The big man has the potential of being the state’s next top recruit. His 1st team all-Metro accolades as a Sophomore, and god given size, are necessary to play in the tranches at the highest level. <strong>DT</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="278373" first="Patrick" last="Wooley"] 6-5 350 Liberty- Wooley is a massive human being and has impressed with his play on the interior from a young age. He almost off sets numbers by himself with his size. He will return after earning 1st team all-Pacific conference honors last season. <strong>DE</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152360" first="Gabe" last="Staszak"] 6-5 210 South Medford- We’ve talked a lot about Staszak over the off season as he has the potential of being one of the state’s top defensive recruits for his class. He made 41 total tackles, with 7 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks as a sophomore. <strong>SLB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="278367" first="Brysen" last="Kachel"] 6-3 225 West Albany- One of the top recruits in the 2024 class and an unquestioned multi offer D1 kid. He was the only Sophomore in Oregon to earn all-state honors on both sides of the football. Expect him to blow up shortly. <strong>SLB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152336" first="Gus" last="Donnerberg"] 6-4 200 West Linn- I can’t say enough good things about the Donnerberg kids. It’s still up in the air where they end up playing positionally at the next level, as they provide numerous options with their size and overall versatility. <strong>ILB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152332" first="Ethan" last="Biondine"] 6-0 220 Lakeridge- Biondine went off as a Sophomore, after starting as a freshman. He made 88 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks after earning 2nd team all-league honors. He will be a conference and state POY candidate the next few seasons. <strong>ILB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152361" first="Ryan" last="Vandenbrink"] 6-1 205 West Linn- One of the nation’s top baseball players can also play some football. He earned 2nd team all TRL accolades, making 55 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks as a Sophomore. He could play D1 football as well if he chose to pursue that route. <strong>WLB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152337" first="Wiley" last="Donnerberg"] 6-4 200 West Linn- As noted by his overall ranking I’m a big advocate of Wiley, as he’s typically the best player on the field in my opinion. I consider Donnerberg one of the few athletes with that "IT" factor. Expect him to be a double digit D1 offer kid. <strong>WLB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="209499" first="Sam" last="Kline"] 6-2 180 Sheldon- Kline had a successful freshman season at the Varsity level on the offensive side of the ball and backed that up nicely on defense as a Sophomore. Look for him to be one of the top two-way athletes in the NW after making 30 tackles, with 7 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks last season. <strong>CB</strong> <strong>Timmy Mitchell Jr.</strong> 5-10 170 Central Catholic- Mitchell could be one of the most decorated athletes in Oregon history before he is done. As most know as a freshman he earned MVP honors in Oregon’s all-star Les Schwab Bowl and then helped the Rams to last year’s state title. <strong>CB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152334" first="Jace" last="Burton"] 5-10 160 Jesuit- You can’t teach the genes and what Burton was able to accomplish as a sophomore, earning 1st team all-Metro honors on D along with 2nd team accolades on O. Look for him to be an early offer D1 athlete. <strong>DB</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152355" first="AJ" last="Noland"] 6-1 175 Tualatin- One of the top overall players in Oregon and a kid who will have multiple options at the D1 level in my opinion. He comes from a talented family with his brother Lucas residing in the Oregon Ducks secondary. <strong>DB </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152344" first="Hunter" last="Haines"] 6-1 170 West Linn- Expect Haines to be a 1st team all state athlete and one of the top players in Oregon this coming season. Brother Gavin was special, currently playing RB at OSU. Hunter has that type of potential. <strong>Utility</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="152362" first="Ethan" last="Burkhead"] 5-11 165 Thurston- One of the fastest players in Oregon and someone who’s projection will depend on continued growth. He was hampered by injury as a Sophomore, but should be a 5A conference and state POY candidate the next two seasons.