The 10 Best Players in the GSHL 4A/3A/2A DEFENSE

Jordan Johnson July 31, 2023 @ 09:29 PM

Here we breakdown the top players in the GSHL regardless of classification. The Criteria being used includes how valuable that individual is to his team, not just his overall recruitment. As we head into the 2023 season both Skyview and Camas have the potential of making a 4A title run with others at the 3A/2A level also looking like top 10 programs.       *Athletes will only be listed on one side of the ball       DEFENSE     1.[player_tooltip player_id='206273' first='Aiden' last='Nicholson'] ATH 24' Mt View   Nicholson could be listed at the top of the charts on either side of the ball. The 3* ATH dominated opponents at receiver averaging 25 yards per catch with 8 TDs in 4 games, before going down with an injury. That said as I could see him being one of the top safeties in the Pac 12 or wherever he ends up.    2.[player_tooltip player_id='338847' first='Payton' last='Stewart'] DL 24' Kelso   The 6-7 270-pound lineman is currently ranked one of the top O lineman on the west coast, committing to Oregon St as a tackle, over the likes of Arizona St, Cal, and Washington St. One of his most appealing traits was his overall versatility where he earned 1st team all-league honors on D, and nothing offensively, hence the defensive selection.    3.[player_tooltip player_id='348177' first='Mark' last='Williams'] LB 25' Evergreen   Hands down one of the top defensive players in the state of Washington. The incoming junior earned 1st team all-conference honors as a sophomore and will be a leading candidate for GSHL POY honors this season.    4.[player_tooltip player_id='524278' first='Jacob' last='Champine'] LB 24' Battle Ground    Just a flat out really good football player and overall athlete. He's undersized for the position but consistently the best player on the field. He was the only BG defender to earn 1st team all GSHL accolades last year, after making 70 total tackles with 6 tackles for loss. He also led the team in rushing.    5.[player_tooltip player_id='348165' first='Hezachariah' last='PoChing'] LB 25' Skyview   I expect PoChing to have a POY type season with the Storm being a conference and state title contender. The 6-0 230 pounder is fast and explosive and should build upon his 2nd team all-conference honors from a season ago.    6.[player_tooltip player_id='693691' first='Nikko' last='Speer'] LB 25' Camas    Look for the 6-2 215-pound LB to be ranked one of the top defenders in the state for his class. Speer has great size and moves well, earning 2nd team all GSHL honors as a sophomore. If the Papermakers make a run come playoff time it will be because Speer and the D steps up.    7.[player_tooltip player_id='884672' first='Cameron' last='Crooks'] DB 24' Skyview   Crooks had a breakout junior year and will be a leader for the Storm. Look for the 1st team all-league returner to step up in big games against the likes of Oregon power Jesuit to start the season and traditional foe Camas.    8.Mekhi Parker DL 24' Mt View   The 6-1 240-pound DE is physical and dominates much bigger O lineman. Mekhi shows off his overall athleticism running the ball, and should be a 2A GSHL Defensive POY favorite   9.[player_tooltip player_id='693731' first='Chase' last='Lofton'] CB 25' Union    One of the only sophomores in the GSHL who started on both sides of the ball. The talented two-way standout earned 2nd team all-conference accolades on D, while accounting for close to 400 yards and 5 TDs on offense.    10.[player_tooltip player_id='847872' first='Gavin' last='Poffenroth'] DL 24' Skyview    One of the NW's most talented baseball players also earned 1st team all-conference honors at DE last season. The undersized d lineman is just a really good overall athlete who can play multiple spots on the field.