Some of Oregon’s Top 4A Returners- DEFENSE

4A football in Oregon doesn’t get a lot of notoriety, but here we take a look at some of the top athletes returning within the state on the defensive side of the ball. &nbsp; <strong>*No Particular Order</strong> <strong> Sidenote: There are a few 4A schools from last year which have dropped to 3A with athletes represented here</strong> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="272218" first="Mitchell" last="George"] 23’ LB Marshfield- Statistically George had one of the best seasons of any player in Oregon, making 106 total tackles, with 23.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He was a 1st team all-league kid but got snubbed on the all state list. [player_tooltip player_id="147250" first="Brayde" last="Owen"] 23’ DB Gladstone- Owen has made a name for himself on the field and the 7v7 circuit. He is maybe the state’s top return man and a 4A POY candidate on both sides of the football. [player_tooltip player_id="271448" first="Dominic" last="Nacoste"] 23’ DL Estacada- As noted he is one of the best players in Oregon at the 4A level. He earned 1st team all-conference and 2nd team all-state accolades on D, to go along with his POY recognition on offense. <strong>Waylon Riedel</strong> 23’ LB Estacada- Some of the most impressive film of any athlete within Oregon at the 4A level. He was an absolute terror on D, earning 1st team all-conference honors on both sides of the football. [player_tooltip player_id="209673" first="Aiden" last="Hazen"] 24’ LB Marist- Hazen had a nice sophomore season making 53 total tackles (36 solo) while earning all-conference honors. The talented three sport athlete has a legit frame (6-0 205 pounds) and should be a POY candidate defensively the next two seasons. [player_tooltip player_id="272292" first="Devon" last="Anderson"] 23’ DB/QB North Eugene- Anderson has a stock that is rising quickly, projecting on the defensive side of the ball. His 4 INTs and 5 PBUs in 6 games was impressive while racking up 1st team all-league honors. [player_tooltip player_id="147869" first="Daevon" last="Vereen"] 23’ DL Banks- Vereen had a breakout junior season putting up some ridiculous #s (70 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 9 sacks). The 6-1 210-pound D lineman projects as more of a LB at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="291229" first="Sam" last="Keen"] 24’ DL Marist- One of the most versatile linemen in Oregon for 2024 regardless of classification. He racked up 2nd team all conference honors as a sophomore impressing with his mobility. [player_tooltip player_id="147865" first="Toby" last="Johnston"] 23’ DL/OL Marshfield- Johnston did a great job as an undersized lineman (6-0 210) grabbing 1st team all-conference accolades on D, while making 48 total tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss. <strong>Cory James</strong> 23’ QB Estacada- The Tri Valley Offensive POY can also play a little D, grabbing 1st team all-conference and honorable mention all-state accolades. He could very well play in the secondary collegiately. <strong>Jackson Farris</strong> 25’ DL Valley Catholic- Give this kid a lot of credit. The 6-2 225-pound freshman did an outstanding job grabbing 1st team all-conference honors for an extremely young VC team. <strong>Noah Holub</strong> 24’ LB Valley Catholic- Definitely not your prototypical sophomore LB at 6-4 175 pounds. He racked up 2nd team all-conference accolades and has all the potential in the world with his size. <strong>Jack Lyda</strong> 23’ DB Banks- Lyda comes from a talented family. He had a nice junior year making 30 total tackles and 5 pass deflections, earning 1st team all-conference honors. <strong>Jarrett Armstrong</strong> 23’ DL LaGrande- Not the biggest kid from a line standpoint but talented. Armstrong earned 1st team all-conference honors on both sides of the ball, projecting on D at 5-11. <strong>Tyler Moncrief</strong> 23’ DB Tillamook- One of the only underclassmen to earn all-state honors, also racking up 1st team all-conference DB accolades. He was the do it all kid for the Cheesemakers. <strong>Jaxon Logsdon</strong> 25’ DB Baker - Baker HS has been one of the better small school programs in Oregon over the years. They have a good one coming up in Logsdon who grabbed 1st team all-conference honors as a freshman.