The NW's Top Underclassmen: Safety (Ranked #1-12)

Over the next few weeks we will be breaking down the NW's top underclassmen by position. Please note this list incorporates athletes from both state's in all three classes 2025-27′.           *Individuals will only be listed on one side of the ball..         SAFETY         1.[player_tooltip player_id='1136301' first='Bryce' last='Smith'] 6-1 170 25' Bellevue WA OFFERS (1) Arizona   One of the fastest rising prospects in the region. Smith played the CB spot but projects as more of a Safety. He was key in the Wolverines recent title run, earning 1st team all KingCo honors with 45 tackles and 3 INTs.    2.[player_tooltip player_id='205682' first='Brock' last='Beaner'] 6-1 185 25' Anacortes WA   The 1st team all-state, 3* athlete, put up one of the most impressive stat lines anywhere, helping Anacortes to the 2A state title. On the year he had 95 total tackles, 9 sacks, 16 TFL's, 2 INTs, and 5 PBU's. Offensively he was equally ridiculous totaling 1,542 rushing & receiving yards and 22 TDs. He will be a multi offer D1 kid.     3.[player_tooltip player_id='693730' first='Brady' last='Beaner'] 6-0 180 25' Anacortes WA   Brady put together one of the most impressive seasons statewide, totaling 103 tackles and 10 PBU's. Much like his brother the 3* athlete was dominant at the 2A level going for 1300+ yards on 112 touches. His play on the camp circuit helped as well earning recognition at the Northwest Showcase (Western Oregon), the region's premier event.     4.[player_tooltip player_id='726151' first='Dante' last='Saladino'] 6-3 190 26' Kennedy Catholic WA   Saladino is ranked the top outfielder in Washington and will project at the D1 level on the football field as well. He earned 1st & 2nd team all-conference honors, while projecting on D. He finished the year with 46 tackles and as one of the state leaders in INTs with 6. Offensively he averaged 15 yards per catch, with 619 total yards and 6 TDs.    5.[player_tooltip player_id='693728' first='Jayden' last='Rice-Claiborne'] 6-1 185 25' Curtis WA OFFERS (1) Nevada   Really like this kid. Rice-Claiborne played a lot of CB but will likely project as more of a safety. Watch the film and you see an outstanding tackler with elite anticipation. He finished the year allowing only 1 catch, with 46 tackles, 2 PBUs, and 3 blocked kicks.   6.[player_tooltip player_id='1136335' first='Bryson' last='Hodges'] 6-3 180 25' Eastlake WA   The 6-3 safety was one of the best defenders in Washington. He excelled offensively with 27 catches for 472 yards and 5 TD's, but likely projects on D. Hodges is incredibly fluid and agile for his size, consistently making difficult tackles and tying the school record for INTs with 6.   7.[player_tooltip player_id='693686' first='De'Arius' last='Hawkins'] 5-11 175 25' Spanaway Lake WA   Hawkins is one of the most versatile kids in the state and someone that every coach wants on their team. The 1st team all PCL Safety & WR has over 100 tackles in the last 2 seasons, with 2 INTs this past year. On 47 touches he added 428 total yards and 3 TDs offensively.    8.[player_tooltip player_id='285873' first='Kellen' last='Hicks'] 6-1 175 25' Mountainside OR   One of the fastest rising prospects in Oregon. Hicks earned 1st team all-Metro honors, finishing with 5 INTs and 58 total tackles. He is a big reason the Mavericks will rank as a top 5 program next season.    9.[player_tooltip player_id='402418' first='Marcus' last='Post'] 6-0 180 26' Lakeridge OR   Post racked up all conference honors on both sides of the football as a freshman, finishing as a 2nd team all TRL selection this past year. He currently ranks among the top 10 players in the state for his class and should be able to back that up this off season. In only 3 games as a sophomore, he totaled 25 tackles with 2 INTs.   10.[player_tooltip player_id='693720' first='Rasaan' last='Thomas'] 6-4 195 25' O'Dea WA OFFERS (1) Nevada   Thomas earned 1st team all-Metro honors and is a physical presence at the Safety spot. Even with his length he will need to work on his first step and side to side agility.    11.[player_tooltip player_id='285876' first='Kameron' last='Rague'] 6-1 195 25' South Medford OR   Last year's Oregon 3A POY made the transfer to South from Cascade Christian & continued to do well at the 6A level. Rague was a 2nd team all-conference selection at DB and possesses some unique intangibles on both sides of the football.    12.[player_tooltip player_id='406770' first='Trevin' last='Laird'] 6-2 200 25' Tigard OR   I would expect Laird to make a significant jump up the rankings board if he continues his play. The 2nd team all TRL DB was clutch all year, finishing with 77 total tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 INTs, and 7 PBU's. One of the top stat lines in the conference. His combination of size and ability to make plays on the perimeter will have him listed as one of Oregon's best.