2024 Metro League POY Candidates- DEFENSE

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENSE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.[player_tooltip player_id='457009' first='Sam' last='Vyhlidal'] LB 26' Mountainside&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mavericks are loaded on offense where the ball is going to be spread around. Defensively they are legit everywhere as well, led by the 6-4 200-pound multi-sport prospect. Vyhlidal's 72 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tfl's are just a glimpse of his arsenal. Over the next two seasons he could make 200+ tackles and score a handful of TDs on D. He's that type of playmaker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.[player_tooltip player_id='285873' first='Kellen' last='Hicks'] S 25' Mountainside&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hicks is one of the fastest rising prospects in the NW and will return as one of three Mavericks to earn 1^st&nbsp;team all-Metro honors last season (Vyhlidal, Tanuvasa). Expect one of Oregon's INT leaders (5) from last year to be a 1^st&nbsp;team all-state safety and contribute as a return man as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3.[player_tooltip player_id='1059015' first='Justin' last='Craigwell'] LB 26' Sunset&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Apollos project as one of the fastest rising programs in the state in the coming seasons. Craigwell totaled 100+ tackles as a sophomore and has been physically dominant from a young age. You will hear his name constantly over the next two seasons. Expect him to be that guy on D after an outstanding 2^nd&nbsp;team all-league season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4.[player_tooltip player_id='511859' first='Madden' last='Tanuvasa'] DB 25' Mountainside&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've talked a lot about Tanuvasa in years past with Madden earning 1^st&nbsp;team all-conference honors as a Junior. Most are familiar with the name and the family's success, which makes his upside that much more appealing. There are multiple Mavericks who will have a shot from a POY standpoint next season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5.[player_tooltip player_id='1104022' first='Kevin' last='Keanaaina'] LB 25' Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Oregon's breakout junior's last season. Keanaaina earned 1^st&nbsp;team all-Metro honors and got to see firsthand with teammate [player_tooltip player_id='152333' first='Lonnie' last='Burt'], what a POY Type season looks like. The Crusaders won't run away with next year's conference title and his leadership will be key.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6.[player_tooltip player_id='1110925' first='Alex' last='Esuk'] DL 26' Sunset&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-1 250-pound D lineman made a name for himself as a sophomore racking up 2^nd&nbsp;team all league honors. Esuk has a presence about him on the interior and with continued growth and progression will be one of Oregon's best defensively.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7.[player_tooltip player_id='1104029' first='Sam' last='Hunt'] LB 25' Jesuit&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunt had a big junior season earning 2^nd team all-Metro honors, while learning from elite talent in teammates in [player_tooltip player_id='152333' first='Lonnie' last='Burt'], [player_tooltip player_id='520433' first='Elias' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='152334' first='Jace' last='Burton'], and [player_tooltip player_id='152335' first='Liam' last='Cassidy']. All D1 offered guys. He and fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='1104022' first='Kevin' last='Keanaaina'] will be called upon to lead next season, which will be no easy task will all of the graduating talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8.[player_tooltip player_id='904370' first='Maximilian' last='Kane'] DE 25' Beaverton   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-5 220 pounder is a legit recruit. The biggest question comes with the Beavers as a team and whether or not they can compete. If they end up in the mix and in playoff position, Kane will reap when the accolades are announced. He earned 2^nd&nbsp;team honors as a junior.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->