Some of Oregon’s Elite Freshman (DEFENSE)

Some of Oregon&#8217;s Elite Freshman (DEFENSE)

Jordan Johnson December 17, 2022 @ 03:00 PM

Here we break down some of the state's elite freshman on both offense and defense. Most 9th graders will not get Varsity time so this list is very much preliminary, as you can expect to see numerous additions in the coming months. That said, have a look at a few of Oregon's best for the 2026 class...     *Athletes will only be listed on one side of the ball. There is no particular order     VIEW OFFENSE HERE: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/12/some-of-oregons-elite-freshman-offense/">https://prepredzone.com/2022/12/some-of-oregons-elite-freshman-offense/</a>         DEFENSE       [player_tooltip player_id='457009' first='Sam' last='Vyhlidal'] 6-3 180 RB/OLB Mountainside- Vyhlidal projects as a potential 1st team all-conference and all state kid the next three seasons, on both sides of the football. His size and multiple TDs at the Varsity level as a freshman speak to his overall ability. As good as he is on offense, he could very well project collegiately as a OLB/Safety type. He will have multiple options at the D1 level in football and baseball.    [player_tooltip player_id='402418' first='Marcus' last='Post'] 6-0 175 Safety/WR Lakeridge- Post had an unreal freshman season earning honorable mention all TRL accolades, while making 88 total tackles, with 6 PBUs and 1 INT, in the state's toughest conference. He also added 26 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown offensively.    Zach VandenBrink 6-1 195 LB West Linn- One of the top multi sports athletes on the west coast for his class. His brother Ryan is committed to OSU for baseball, ranking as the #1 recruit in the state. Zach has that type of ability on the football and baseball field.   Kalani Ioapo 6-2 270 DT/OL West Linn- Expect Ioapo to one of the best lineman in the state as a sophomore, while most likely projecting defensively. With the Lions already loaded roster he will be a problem for opponents.   Donnie Vercher 6-2 210 OLB Central Catholic- You will hear a lot about Vercher in the seasons to come, as he is a big physical athlete with speed. He had an outstanding year at TE but projects as more of an outside backer at the next level.   Yahkyll Noil 6-1 205 LB/QB Lakeridge- Noil comes from a phenomenal family with multiple standout student athletes playing at the division 1 level. He recorded 7 tackles and an INT on the year, while also playing a role offensively.   Bryce May 6-2 310 DL Cascade- This kid could blow up in the coming seasons. He started both ways as a freshman and should absolutely dominate 4A football in Oregon. He has the luxury of being coached by former Oregon St TE Mark Walsh.   [player_tooltip player_id='402392' first='Asante' last='Mims'] 5-11 225 OLB/DE Hillsboro- Mims moves incredibly well for a freshman as he recorded a handful of sacks at the varsity level. He comes from a talented family as you can expect him to be one of the best in the conference next year.    Lamar Stewart 6-2 220 DL Jefferson- Stewart earned all-conference honors on both sides of the football as a freshman, with 2nd team PIL accolades coming on D. With continued growth and progression he will have a shot.   [player_tooltip player_id='402397' first='Brison' last='Edwards'] 5-11 160 FS/WLB Lebanon- Outstanding overall 3-sport athlete. Look for him to get in the mix and be influential at the varsity level next season on both sides of the football. He could play a role similar to 2023 standout [player_tooltip player_id='110232' first='Brady' last='Crenshaw'].   [player_tooltip player_id='402410' first='Isaac' last='Reynoso'] 5-10 175 LB Glencoe- The son of one of the state's top head coaches in Ian Reynoso, the former starting lineman at the University of Oregon. Isaac is also a standout varsity wrestler who could play a key role for the Crimson Tide next season.    [player_tooltip player_id='402422' first='Rowen' last='Lewis'] 6-1 185 LB Jesuit- Expect Lewis to be one of the top defenders in the state, coming from an impressive family with D1 genes. He could play early for the Crusaders.    TaeSean Tarusan 5-10 145 CB Sheldon- Playing for the Irish and other top programs you typically have to wait your turn. This is the case here, playing for a deep Sheldon team. He will rank as one of the top DB's in the state for his class.