Some of Oregon’s Top 4A Returners- DEFENSE
In this article:
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. *No Particular Order Sidenote: There are…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading4A 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.
*No Particular Order
Sidenote: There are a few 4A schools from last year which have dropped to 3A with athletes represented here
Mitchell George Mitchell George 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB Marshfield | 2023 State OR 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.
Brayde Owen Brayde Owen 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Gladstone | 2023 State OR 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.
Dominic Nacoste Dominic Nacoste 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Estacada | 2023 State OR 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.
Waylon Riedel 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.
Aiden Hazen Aiden Hazen 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Marist | 2024 State OR 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.
Devon Anderson Devon Anderson 6'2" | 170 lbs | ATH North Eugene | 2023 State OR 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.
Daevon Vereen Daevon Vereen 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Banks | 2023 State OR 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.
Sam Keen Sam Keen 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Springfield | 2024 State OR 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.
Toby Johnston Toby Johnston 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Marshfield | 2023 OR 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.
Cory James 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.
Jackson Farris 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.
Noah Holub 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.
Jack Lyda 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.
Jarrett Armstrong 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.
Tyler Moncrief 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.
Jaxon Logsdon 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.