SWC Player of the Year Favorites

It still early with a lot yet to be determined before next season, but have a look at who projects as the conference POY favorites in each league.. &nbsp; UP NEXT: PIL &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>OFFENSE</strong> 1.[player_tooltip player_id="110187" first="Brock" last="Thomas"] QB 23’ Sheldon- Thomas was unreal as a junior, literally putting the team on his back at times. He accounted for 43 TDs (22 passing, 21 rushing) and close to 4000 total yards in 10 games. He is one of the top dual threat QB’s anywhere in the West. Look for him to have a big year with a line and a lot of talent returning. 2.[player_tooltip player_id="206846" first="Cayden" last="Eckel"] RB 24’ Roseburg- Most aren’t aware of Eckel yet, quietly having a 1st team all-conference sophomore season, while helping to put the Indians back on the map. RHS returns one of the more impressive lines in the state so he could have a monster year statistically. 3.[player_tooltip player_id="147861" first="Luke" last="Leighton"] WR 23’ Sheldon- Leighton earned 1st team all-conference honors on both sides of the football. I would consider him maybe the top recruit in the state without an offer yet. His 43 catches for 660 yards and 8 TDs put into perspective how talented he is. 4.[player_tooltip player_id="119072" first="Ty" last="Pugliano"] RB 23’ North Medford- One of the top two-way athletes in Oregon. The Black Tornado return a legit line with Pugliano having a 1st team all-conference season as a Junior. He will be in the mix on both sides of the football for POY honors. 5.[player_tooltip player_id="206761" first="Andrew" last="Walker"] WR 23’ South Medford- Walker has one of the fastest rising stocks of any player state wide. He racked up 1st team SWC accolades on both sides of the ball as a Junior and has helped himself out on the camp circuit. 6.[player_tooltip player_id="152358" first="AJ" last="Pugliano"] TE 24’ North Medford- I think the offers speak for themselves (Oregon, Ore St, Arizona). He’s a 4* recruit and one of the top players in the West for the 2024 class. That being said, he plays the TE spot and was a 2nd team and honorable mention guy last year. It’s rare for any tight end to earn Player of the Year honors. 7.[player_tooltip player_id="110218" first="Grafton" last="Robinson"] RB 23’ Sheldon- Robinson had a big Junior season accounting for 12 total TDs as one of the best receiving backs in the NW. He earned 1st team all-league honors catching 26 passes for 400 yards (15.4 ypc). He will be back even stronger. 8.[player_tooltip player_id="110216" first="Zach" last="McEwen"] ATH 23’ Sheldon- One of the more versatile athletes in the state. He was a primary target out of the slot for Thomas, catching 40 passes for 533 yards and 7 TDs, while earning 2nd team all SWC honors. Expect big things as he is electric when in space. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>DEFENSE</strong> 1.[player_tooltip player_id="205815" first="Tiger" last="Black"] DT 23’ Roseburg- The reigning conference POY will be a favorite for state player of the year honors as well. He is a big reason for the turnaround at Roseburg, also garnering recent offers from Air Force and Army. Summit coach and former Oregon Duck QB Tony Graziani said it well, "He was the best player we saw all year." 2.[player_tooltip player_id="147861" first="Luke" last="Leighton"] OLB 23’ Sheldon- There is very little this kid didn’t do last season. His overall fluidity and ability to move at 6-5 was impressive on D. The 68 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2 INTs were just a glimpse of his potential dominance this coming season 3.[player_tooltip player_id="119072" first="Ty" last="Pugliano"] DB 23’ North Medford- Pugliano has an unmatched work ethic and is beloved by his teammates. He will need to have his cardio in check come season, as the primary ball carrier and one of the top defensive players in the SWC as well. 4.[player_tooltip player_id="226949" first="Teitum" last="Tuioti"] OLB 23’ Sheldon- The 3* transfer from Lincoln Southeast HS (NE) has offers from the likes of Cal, Nebraska, Kansas St, Boise St, and Ole Miss. He will be a clutch addition to an already talented Irish squad, returning numerous all conference athletes. 5.[player_tooltip player_id="209499" first="Sam" last="Kline"] OLB 24’ Sheldon- Kline broke out as a freshman on the offensive side of the ball catching 17 passes before making the transition to D as a Sophomore. His 30 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks last season highlight his combination of talents. Expect him to be one of the most productive two way threats in Oregon. 6.[player_tooltip player_id="270068" first="Josh" last="Merriman"] DT 23’ Sheldon- Most aren’t aware of Merriman. The big man quietly made a name for himself on the interior last season, earning 1st team all-league honors while making 30 total tackles, with 8 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. It will be tough to account for him especially with Leighton and Tuioti flying around as well. 7.[player_tooltip player_id="206761" first="Andrew" last="Walker"] DB 23’ South Medford- As referenced on offense he is one of the most talented kids in the state if we are talking overall versatility. He was one of the only underclassmen in Oregon to earn 1st team all conference honors on both sides of the football. 8.[player_tooltip player_id="232315" first="Parker" last="Jarvis"] DT 23' Grants Pass- Jarvis is a talented kid who created problems for opponents on the interior. He earned 2nd team all-conference honors last season, and will be called upon to lead up front, especially with GP struggling and finishing (1-8). &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;