KingCo’s Top Returners Next Season (Ranked #1-10) 4A/3A DEFENSE
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Referenced below are the most influential underclassmen returning in the 4A/3A KINGCO. This list is NOT just based on recruiting although it does factor in. Have a look at who could be next year’s POY’s within the conference.. DEFENSE 1. Casey…
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Continue ReadingReferenced below are the most influential underclassmen returning in the 4A/3A KINGCO. This list is NOT just based on recruiting although it does factor in. Have a look at who could be next year’s POY’s within the conference..
DEFENSE
1.
Casey Larson
Casey
Larson
6'2" | 200 lbs | ATH
Woodinville | 2025
State
WA
25′ CB Woodinville
As mentioned on offense he’s just a very good overall athlete with size. Larson was a 1st team all-conference kid on both sides of the ball, showing off unique agility and ability as a 6-3 200-pound Cornerback on D.
2. Peyton Cunningham Peyton Cunningham 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH North Creek | 2025 State WA 25′ S North Creek
Cunningham has totaled 2000+ yards offensively over the last two seasons but could project on D with 4 INTs and 6 PBU’s in his career. North Creek was better than 3-6 and Cunningham is the real deal in my opinion.
3. Ryken Moon Ryken Moon 5'11" | 200 lbs | ATH Bellevue | 2025 State WA 25′ OLB Bellevue
Moon was outstanding on D and could end up being a big-time player on offense as well next year. Defensively he earned 1st team all KingCo honors at OLB, averaging 5 tackles per game, with 5 total TFL’s, and 4 INTs.
4. Bryson Hodges Bryson Hodges 6'3" | 180 lbs | DB Eastlake | 2025 State WA 25′ S Eastlake
Hodges had a super impressive season earning 1st team all-conference accolades. He was one of the most impressive DB’s in the state, finishing with 5 INTs on the year.
5. Bryce Smith Bryce Smith 6'1" | 160 lbs | DB Bellevue | 2025 State WA 25′ S Bellevue
The 3* DB has an offer from Arizona and is a 1st team all-league returner. He has one of the fastest rising stocks of any player in WA, helping his team to the state title.
6.Johnny O’Connor 25′ DE Bellevue
O’Connor has one of the quickest first steps of any D lineman, moving incredibly well side to side. He led the team in sacks and was a 40+ tackle guy with double digit tackles for loss.
7. Elan Gotel Elan Gotel 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Mercer Island | 2025 State WA 25′ CB Mercer Island
Mercer had a good year going 6-4, after an 0-10 season the year prior. Gotel caught 40 passes for 561 yards, and 6 TDs. That said as he earned 2nd team all-league honors defensively, locking up his side of the field.
8. Taysean Taylor Taysean Taylor 6'2" | 215 lbs | DL Newport | 2025 State WA 25′ DL Newport
The 6-2 215-pound two-way lineman earned 2nd team all-conference honors on both sides of the football, having a standout season on D, with 48 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. Some of the best overall numbers in Washington.
9. Oliver Farivar Oliver Farivar 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Lake Washington | 2025 State WA 25′ S Lake Washington
One of the fastest rising Safety prospects in the state. Farivar made 68 total tackles with double digit PBU’s on the year, as him and Isaiah Villanueva will return as one of the better defensive combos in the KingCo.
10. Cooper Angellar Cooper Angellar 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB Woodinville | 2025 WA 25′ SS Woodinville
The talented baseball kid impressed on the football field all season, earning 2nd team all KingCo honors at OLB. He was consistently up in the mix, with multiple INTs and numerous tackles for loss.
Honorable Mention: Teddy Boden Teddy Boden DB North Creek | 2025 WA 25′ S North Creek, Zayne Kuewa Zayne Kuewa 5'11" | 270 lbs | DL Skyline | 2025 WA 25′ DL Skyline, Max Flax Max Flax DL Woodinville | 2025 WA 25′ DL Woodinville, Dane King Dane King 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB Liberty | 2026 State WA 26′ ILB Liberty.