Oregon's Top LB's for 2024 (Ranked #1-20)

Over the next few weeks we will be breaking down Oregon's top athletes by position for the 2024 class. Have a look at the state's top LB's. The overall rankings with the Top 150 is referenced here      <a href="https://prepredzone.com/oregon/rankings/2024-rankings/">https://prepredzone.com/oregon/rankings/2024-rankings/</a>         *Athletes will only be listed on one side of the ball. Per usual rankings are based on who projects highest at the collegiate level     1.[player_tooltip player_id='278367' first='Brysen' last='Kachel'] 6-3 235 West Albany- Kachel had another phenomenal season, being named the MWC Defensive Player of the year and a unanimous 1st team LB/TE. Look for multiple schools to finally catch on and be vying for his services.    2.[player_tooltip player_id='279169' first='Dexter' last='Foster'] 6-4 210 Roosevelt- Foster projects as the top recruit in the PIL, earning 1st team all-league honors for the second season in a row. He has great size and speed, finishing as one the state statistical leaders in tackles for loss.    3.[player_tooltip player_id='152332' first='Ethan' last='Biondine'] 6-0 220 Lakeridge- Biondine made 147 tackles in 11 games, with 13 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. His 2nd team all-league honors put into perspective how tough the TRL is. He could end up one of the conference's all-time statistical leaders as a 4-year starter next season.    4.[player_tooltip player_id='343699' first='Brian' last='Smith'] 6-3 210 Tigard- Smith could very well be Oregon's breakout player of the year next season. He has the size and overall athleticism to be a legit division 1 recruit, earning honorable mention all TRL honors on D. I like him as more of an outside linebacker but he can play the defensive end spot equally well.    5.[player_tooltip player_id='278405' first='Clay' last='Martineau'] 6-3 210 Oregon City- Martineau had an outstanding junior season, earning 2nd team WR and honorable mention LB accolades. He's big and fast, with the numbers speaking for themselves. On the year he caught 39 passes for 488 yards and 4 TDs, while making 63 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks on D.    6.[player_tooltip player_id='511788' first='Tobia' last='Tagliabue'] 6-2 220 Lake Oswego- One of the fastest rising stocks of any player in Oregon. You will hear a lot about Tagliabue in the future as the Lakers were young. He stepped up big, earning 1st team all TRL accolades against the state's best.    7.[player_tooltip player_id='278444' first='Andy' last='Soles'] 6-2 215 Canby- Look for Soles to be a 5A conference and state POY candidate next season, making 55 total tackles with 4 tackles for loss in 9 games. The Cougars were plagued by injuries and should get back in the mix in 2023.    8.[player_tooltip player_id='278414' first='Tyson' last='Hunt'] 6-4 215 Tualatin- Hunt proved himself on both sides of the football, earning honorable mention all TRL accolades. Over the last two years he has learned a great deal from the likes of teammates and fellow big men [player_tooltip player_id='147240' first='Richie' last='Anderson'], Kellen Hale, and Peter Burke.    9.[player_tooltip player_id='278370' first='Mitch' last='Mahlum'] 6-3 235 Liberty- Mahlum earned 1st team all league honors on the offensive front, but could play a key role and project to a higher level defensively. He brings a lot to the table coming from a football family.    10.[player_tooltip player_id='206850' first='Luke' last='Fahner'] 6-1 195 Barlow- Fahner made the move to Barlow after an all-conference sophomore season at Gresham. He earned 2nd team all Mt Hood honors for the Bruins and continues to move up the rankings board.    11.[player_tooltip player_id='209682' first='Tashi' last='Crofut'] 5-11 205 Lakeridge- Statistically Crofut had one of the best seasons of any defensive player in the NW. He finished with 138 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss. with 11.5 hurries and 2 INTs/Sacks. His stock continues to rise.   12.[player_tooltip player_id='511315' first='Grover' last='Melo'] 6-2 215 Central Catholic- Melo had a breakout all conference season, finishing the year with 38 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. He should be one of the more talked about players this off season.    13.[player_tooltip player_id='383828' first='Noah' last='Holub'] 6-4 200 Valley Catholic- Holub's size and first team all-league honors the last two seasons speak for themselves. Look for him to get out on the camp circuit and do well.    14.[player_tooltip player_id='511300' first='Houstyn' last='Lee-Perry']- The Defensive Lineman of the year in the Pacific Conference. Lee-Perry made a statement and should rank as one of Oregon's top hybrid OLB/DE's.    15.[player_tooltip player_id='209673' first='Aiden' last='Hazen'] 6-0 205 Marist- Hazen played lights out all year, racking up defensive POY honors within the conference. He is an outstanding overall athlete (baseball) who finished with 88 total tackles and 5 tackles for loss.    16.Jonathan Berrien Jr. 6-1 210 Mountainside- One of the best players in the Metro this season. Berrien earned 2nd team all conference honors, and was a key piece defensively during the Mavericks (9-2) season.    17.[player_tooltip player_id='278441' first='Keaten' last='Fried'] 6-1 190 Sherwood- One of Oregon's breakout performers. Fried was the defensive player of the year in the Pacific Conference, and could climb this list quick with a good off season.    18.[player_tooltip player_id='209500' first='Luke' last='Newell'] 6-2 205 Thurston- Newell comes from an impressive family with his brother Jacob Newell playing TE at Arizona St. Luke earned 1st team honors on offense, while projecting on D.    19.[player_tooltip player_id='520388' first='Owen' last='Hunt'] 6-2 200 Nelson- Hunt had an outstanding season, earning 1st team all-league honors, while averaging 5 tackles per game and double digit tackles for loss on the year. His size and ability to fly around separated him.    20.[player_tooltip player_id='520386' first='Alex' last='Hager'] 6-0 230 Sandy- His 1st team all league honors were definitely well deserved. Hager stepped up averaging 8 tackles per game, while looking like one of the hardest hitters in the conference.