2026 Rankings: New Additions & Some of OR’s Fastest Rising Athletes – Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong> The 2026 Oregon rankings were just updated and here we take a look at a few of those athletes who were added or made a nice jump up the rankings board. Check it.. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Full List: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/oregon/rankings/2026-rankings/">https://prepredzone.com/oregon/rankings/2026-rankings/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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>[player_tooltip player_id='914291' first='MJ' last='Kennybrew'] 6-1 170 DB West Linn-&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kenneybrew has had an outstanding off season on both the camp and 7v7 circuit as part of Team Lillard. He has good length and is technically sound at the corner spot. Look for him to be a key contributor on D for a top ranked Lions team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1232736' first='Wyatt' last='Horner'] 6-3 190 Safety/ATH Redmond-&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just a super talented overall 3 sport athlete with a 40-inch vert. Horner was one of the team leaders in tackles with 35 and would be a top target offensively, but the Panthers rarely throw the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1112394' first='Geovoney' last='Burks'] 6-1 210 LB/ATH Roosevelt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burks was a PIL all conference athlete on both sides of the football, looking like one of the most versatile sophomores at the 6A level. Head coach Ryan McCants has the Roughriders program headed in the right direction with Burks being a big part of the future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1112467' first='Brayden' last='Miller'] 6-2 175 DB/ATH Scappoose&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller had an outstanding sophomore season making 50 tackles, with 4 tackles for loss, and 3 INTs. He will project as one of the top 4A players in Oregon this coming year with his overall athleticism (basketball) speaking to his game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1110919' first='Liam' last='Tobin'] 6-1 195 LB Lake Oswego&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not easy to earn all conference honors in the TRL as a sophomore, but Tobin did just that. The tradition rich Lakers will be a top 5 program which will help put more eyes on some of the underclassmen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1232740' first='Ty' last='Hattenhauer'] 6-2 175 S Caldera&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2nd&nbsp;team all conference DB is a talented overall athlete (baseball) with size. Look for him to be a POY candidate in the Intermountain Conference this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1136115' first='Cruz' last='Gray'] 5-11 205 LB Thurston&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray was all over the place as a sophomore, earning honorable mention all-conference honors and finishing with 57 tackles and 7 tackles for loss. His film shows a unique ability to read and consistently be in the right place.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1342025' first='Reed' last='Hicks'] 6-2 230 DL Mountainside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hicks was able to get in the mix as a sophomore and play a decent amount for a good Mavericks team. He will project as one of the top D lineman in the Metro over the next two seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='914317' first='Alekzander' last='Diaz'] 6-2 255 South Medford&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is still a lot not yet known as it relates to Diaz, but he could be one of the better DL in the South/Central Conference this year. He moves well for young athlete with his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1341893' first='Danner' last='Frost'] 6-2 190 LB/WR Ridgeview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frost has looked good on the camp circuit, while playing a limited role for a Ravens team that went 1-8. He will be one of the X factors if they are to turn it around.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->