Oregon 6A Defensive POY Candidates (Ranked #1-15)

Jordan Johnson November 3, 2022 @ 10:53 AM

As most know Player of the Year Awards have a lot to do with team success. You can be a highly recruited standout athlete, but if your team doesn't do well, you most likely won't be receiving many accolades. Have a look at Oregon's Defensive POY candidates as we head into the playoffs...       DEFENSE    1.[player_tooltip player_id='226949' first='Teitum' last='Tuioti'] Sr. DE Sheldon- Tuioti is your Oregon 6A POY without question. He has been absolutely dominant, leading the state in numerous statistical categories. His 65 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks are jaw dropping numbers.    2.[player_tooltip player_id='110179' first='Drew' last='Rodriguez'] Sr. DB Sprague - To say Rodriguez will be missed at Sprague would be a severe understatement. As referenced offensively, he will go down as one of the most versatile athletes to ever come out of the state, literally scoring TDs every way possible for 4 straight years at the Varsity level.    3.[player_tooltip player_id='270068' first='Josh' last='Merriman']-Sr. DT Sheldon- This kid has been unreal all year. If it wasn't for Tuioti's dominance he could be your POY. The big man has accounted for 46 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks, in what is an unquestioned 1st team all-state season.     4.[player_tooltip player_id='147240' first='Richie' last='Anderson'] Sr. DE Tualatin- Anderson has been borderline unblockable for two straight seasons. The Colorado St commit requires a consistent double team if you want to contain him. The accolades he receives will most likely be determined by his performance during the playoffs.   5.[player_tooltip player_id='147247' first='Earl' last='Ingle'] Sr. LB West Linn- The reigning TRL defensive POY did his thing again this season. He has gone somewhat under the radar from a recruiting standpoint, as some university is going to get a steal.    6.[player_tooltip player_id='110184' first='Campbell' last='Sager'] Sr. DE Westview- Sager has had a 1st team all-state season, breaking multiple school records statistically, with 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Give Westview credit for playing a tough schedule as they are deserving of being in the championship bracket.    7.[player_tooltip player_id='270181' first='Ben' last='Winjum'] Sr. LB West Linn- One of the most productive players to come out of West Linn in some time. Winjum has more than backed up his 1st team all-conference accolades from last season.   8.[player_tooltip player_id='342013' first='Zach' last='Wusstig'] Sr. DB South Salem- There isn't much Wusstig didn't do this season. His unique combination of size, speed, and unteachable instincts have him listed as one of the top overall athletes in Oregon. Look for multiple Big Sky's to offer the 3* in the coming weeks.    9.[player_tooltip player_id='147861' first='Luke' last='Leighton'] Sr. LB Sheldon- It's rare to see a 6-5 athlete be so mobile. Leighton has backed it up on both sides of the ball, earning 1st team all-conference honors on O & D as a Junior, while accounting for 106 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 4 INTs, over the last two seasons.    10.[player_tooltip player_id='205818' first='Noah' last='Staley'] Sr. LB Jesuit- Staley returns as a conference POY favorite after his 1st team all-Metro season one year ago. One of the hardest hitters in the state has been dominant.    11.[player_tooltip player_id='270064' first='Jake' last='Holmes'] Sr. DE West Linn- Coming off a 1st team all-conference season as a junior, Holmes should be considered a lock to earn 1st team all-state accolades, and be playing for the 6A title.    12.[player_tooltip player_id='152333' first='Lonnie' last='Burt'] Jr. LB Jesuit- It's hard to select just a few Crusaders for POY honors with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='152335' first='Liam' last='Cassidy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='110579' first='Garrett' last='Speer'] also in the mix. That said as I expect Burt Jr. to blow up over the off season, and also be one of Oregon's best RBs in 2023.    13.[player_tooltip player_id='152347' first='Hatimu' last='Letisi'] Jr. DL South Salem- Letisi has been an absolute nightmare for O lineman. His strength and overall ability to maneuver with his size, makes him one of the toughest defenders to account for in the entire NW.    14.[player_tooltip player_id='152355' first='AJ' last='Noland'] Jr. DB Tualatin- As of right now I would consider Noland the top DB in the state for the 2024 class. He is all of 6-2 and was equally impressive on offense.    15.[player_tooltip player_id='152360' first='Gabe' last='Staszak'] Jr. DE South Medford - The 6-6 220-pound DE is one of the fastest rising recruits for the 2024 class. South has fallen off over the last few weeks, but Staszak has continued to impress, currently listed among the state leaders in sacks.    15.[player_tooltip player_id='263787' first='Austin' last='Goetz'] Sr. LB Tigard- The 6-2 215-pound LB's overall athleticism is what's most impressive. Goetz and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='194897' first='Vaughn' last='Croxton'] have both had 1st team all-state type seasons, with Goetz currently tied for the state lead in INTs (5).