15 of Oregon's Biggest Sleepers Heading Into next Season

There isn't necessarily a specific criteria picked out for the individuals referenced below. Some already rank as top 50 athletes within their class. A few of the others haven't played much varsity football yet. What they do have in common is a belief that they will be listed as top players within their league and maybe even the state next season. Have a look..       *No Particular Order           [player_tooltip player_id='384689' first='Eli' last='Johnson'] South Salem 6-4 200 WR 24' South Salem   Eli has elite size and genes but has been overshadowed by a bunch of talented kids at South the last two seasons. In 2022 he finished with 14 catches for 187 yards and 2 TDs. Over the off season thus far he has been one of Oregon's breakout players on the 7v7 circuit, looking like the best player on the field at times. Look for him to have a monster senior campaign opposite talented athlete [player_tooltip player_id='130391' first='Parker' last='Williams'].   [player_tooltip player_id='406774' first='Baird' last='Gilroy'] 6-4 200 QB 25' West Linn   Whoever ends up taking the snaps for the Lions is going to do well. [player_tooltip player_id='278385' first='Nick' last='Sakys'] is ranked one of the top QBs in the state for 2024, but Gilroy is a player and has a chance to step in and do well. If given the opportunity expect big things from the underclassmen.    [player_tooltip player_id='412223' first='Hudson' last='Whipple'] 6-5 215 TE 25' West Salem   Whipple projects as one of the top players in the state for his class, but most aren't aware yet, as the Titans underperformed as a team last season. The last name speaks for itself as he could blow up in 2023.    [player_tooltip player_id='285867' first='Grant' last='Valley'] 6-0 180 WR 25' Jesuit    Valley has looked outstanding as part of the EForce 7v7 group. He is one of the fastest athletes in the state and could thrive with all of the attention that will go to 1st team all-Metro two-way athlete [player_tooltip player_id='152334' first='Jace' last='Burton']. If the Crusaders air it out a little more he could put up some big numbers.    [player_tooltip player_id='613489' first='Cameron' last='Nix'] 6-0 190 WLB 25' North Medford   I will be the first to admit I was not aware of how talented Nix is. As a sophomore he flew around with a presence and demeanor rarely seen with young athletes. His 77 total tackles and 18 tackles for loss speaks for itself. Look for him to be one of the top players in the SWC next season.    [player_tooltip player_id='512148' first='Michael' last='Urias'] 5-10 240 DT/G 24' Sheldon   Urias is deserving of recognition but doesn't necessarily get it as a 5-10 lineman. He had one of the most impressive seasons of any OL in Oregon, earning 1st team all-league honors in a brutally tough conference, which combined the SWC and Valley.    [player_tooltip player_id='472195' first='Kaden' last='Hale'] 6-3 205 QB/ATH 24' Forest Grove   As most know Forest Grove is not a traditional football power. That said as Hale has legit size and put up some incredibly impressive numbers in multiple weeks during 2022. He can play a handful of spots on the field and impresses with his overall versatility.    [player_tooltip player_id='225517' first='Jerrik' last='Wangler'] 5-11 185 RB/LB 24' North Salem   It's hard to even call Wangler a sleeper as he was one of the best players in his conference this past season. With the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id='147245' first='Josiah' last='Davis'], he could have a field day offensively. Look for him to be one of the top two-way players in the state.    [player_tooltip player_id='278403' first='Niko' last='May'] 6-0 180 WR/DB 24' Central Catholic   May quietly had an outstanding season for the Rams catching 24 passes for 282 yards and 3 TDs in 2022. He has excelled on the 7v7 circuit as part of Team Lillard and has the potential of being a dude in the secondary as well.    [player_tooltip player_id='511300' first='Houstyn' last='Lee-Perry'] 6-1 210 DE/OLB 24' Liberty   The 3-sport athlete was one of Oregon's breakout performers this past season, earning Pacific Conference Player of the Year honors from his D end spot as a junior.    Jonathan Berrien Jr 6-1 210 OLB 24' Mountainside   Berrien was one of the more impressive underclassmen in the Metro League. He earned 2nd team all-Metro honors and was a big reason for the Mavericks defensive success and 9-2 record.    [player_tooltip player_id='511303' first='Rocco' last='McClave'] 6-3 180 QB 24' Cresecnt Valley    McClave had a phenomenal season even with the Raiders going (1-8). Universities like what he brings to the table. Statistically he led 5A Oregon with 28 Passing TDs/4 INTs, averaging 323 yards per game.    [player_tooltip player_id='511789' first='Conor' last='Croteau'] 6-4 195 TE 24' Lake Oswego   Another kid who has been making a name for himself both on the 7v7 circuit and during the 2022 season. Croteau could be one of Oregon's featured athletes next year, returning as an all TRL TE, with the Lakers projecting as a top 5 team.    Xavier Orozco 5-11 220 DL 24' Silverton   The defensive lineman of the year within the conference. Orozco will be a 5A POY candidate next season after earning 1st team all state honors in 2022. He's undersized for the position but continuously disrupts on the interior.