Some of Washington’s Elite Freshman (DEFENSE)
In this article:
Referenced below are some of Washington’s top 26’s. As most know there are numerous freshman who won’t play varsity ball due to team depth and a host of other reasons. That said have a look at a few of…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingReferenced below are some of Washington’s top 26’s. As most know there are numerous freshman who won’t play varsity ball due to team depth and a host of other reasons. That said have a look at a few of this year’s standouts.
DEFENSE
FA Siale FA Siale 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL O'Dea | 2026 State WA 6-3 240 DE O’Dea (OFFERS: Oregon, Washington, Miami, Louisville) Siale projects as one of the nation’s top edge rushers for his class as indicated by the early offers. He earned 2nd team all conference honors as a freshman and will be a POY candidate in the years ahead.
Wassie Lugolobi Wassie Lugolobi 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Eastside Catholic | 2026 State WA 6-2 195 S Eastside Catholic (OFFERS: Colorado, Louisville) The talented freshman got in the mix for EC this season, helping his team reach the state finals. He has landed two Power 5 offers in the last month, as you can expect his recruiting to sky rocket in the coming off season.
Derek Colman-Brusa Derek Colman-Brusa 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Kennedy Catholic | 2026 State WA 6-4 230 DE Kennedy Catholic (OFFERS: Washington, Wash St) Another athlete who will be a big time recruit, already holding offers from the in state schools. Colman-Brusa possesses elite size and agility, totaling 14 tackles for the season.
David Schwerzel David Schwerzel 6'4" | 255 lbs | DL O'Dea | 2026 State WA 6-3 235 DE O’Dea (OFFERS: Louisville) Schwerzel has the size and all the tools. He earned honorable mention all conference honors as a freshman, and will be a serious problem for opponents the next three years. O’Dea is in good shape with two division 1 offered freshman coming off the edge.
Dante Saladino 6-3 180 DB Kennedy Catholic- One of the nation’s top baseball players was also instrumental in helping Kennedy Catholic reach the state title game. Saladino had an incredibly impressive season, earning 2nd team all league honors, while making 15 total tackles with 3 INTs on the year.
Zamarie Tellez 5-8 165 CB Federal Way- As most know it’s rare for any freshman to earn all conference honors. Tellez racked up 2nd team all league accolades, for an 8-3 Federal Way team that lost a close one to Skyline in the playoffs.
Jasonni Prum 5-9 165 CB Deacatur- The Golden Gators struggled as a team (3-6), but Prum had a breakout freshman season, earning honorable mention all conference honors from his DB spot.
Izayiah Cruz 5-11 250 DL/OL Bethel- Cruz earned honorable mention all conference honors as a freshman on the O line, with the Bison finishing (4-5) on the season. From a projection standpoint look for him to be more of a factor on D due to size.
Anthony Mancao 5-11 260 DL/OL Lincoln- Mancao had a phenomenal freshman season, racking up 2nd team all conference accolades offensively. Expect him to be more of a defensive stopper in the years ahead, making 13 total tackles with 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks on the season.
Apela Sarte 6-0 275 DL Lakes- This kid will be one of the state’s best on the interior in the years ahead. His honorable mention all conference accolades as a freshman speak to that, having a breakout game against Mount Tahoma with 6 tackles.
Nate Brown Nate Brown 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Mountlake Terrace | 2026 WA 6-3 220 LB Mountlake Terrace- The big freshman finished 2nd on his team in tackles with 55, and will be a player of the year canddiate within the conference the next few seasons.
Phillip Riley 6-2 180 DL Auburn Mountainview- Riley stepped up big at the end of the season, making 11 total tackles in the last two games. He will project as an all conference kid next year.
Tau Mareko 6-0 190 OLB Lakes- Mareko earned honorable mention all conference honors on the season, finishing with 26 total tackles, and 2 sacks for a top 10 Lakes team.
Brett Heryford 6-0 190 LB Tumwater- The Thunderbirds are a traditional 2A power, going (9-2) on the year. Heryford is part of the future, earning honorable mention all conference accolades.
Liam Green 5-10 165 CB Gig Harbor- One of the top young DB’s in Washington. Green finished with 17 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 INT.