Oregon 26’s Who Could Blow Up (Defense)

Oregon 26&#8217;s Who Could Blow Up (Defense)

Jordan Johnson February 23, 2025 @ 08:27 PM

Here we will breakdown some of Oregon's top 2026 athletes who have the potential of blowing up on the recruiting front in the coming months. Most of these individuals do not hold division 1 offers as of right now but do project at that level. Have a look..         [player_tooltip player_id='770047' first='John' last='Ching'] 6-6 210 DE Jesuit    Ching has a chance to blow up in the coming months, much like his teammate Wicklow. They both earned 2nd team all-Metro honors last season, but more importantly have elite D1 size and the necessary athleticism to play a high level of collegiate ball.    [player_tooltip player_id='769922' first='Zach' last='VandenBrink'] 6-2 220 LB West Linn   One of the state's best baseball players can also play a little football. VandenBrink was an honorable mention all-conference LB, but went somewhat under the radar on a deep Lions roster. Look for him to potentially be a 1st team all-state guy as a senior.    [player_tooltip player_id='770005' first='Makana' last='Brown'] 6-0 190 ATH South Medford   Brown did a great job playing QB for South but will project on D where he is one of the best in the state for his class. From a recruitment standpoint a lot will depend on what type of film he puts together, and what he does this off-season.    [player_tooltip player_id='777410' first='Roman' last='Mallard'] 6-0 180 ATH/S Jesuit    Mallard has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the state. We've talked multiple times about his NFL genes, with his 2nd team all-Metro season last year speaking to his projection. On the recruiting front I could see the Big Sky's getting in the mix sooner than later.    [player_tooltip player_id='1585700' first='Cole' last='Thomas'] 6-1 195 Safety    Thomas actually just landed his first D1 offer from Ivy League Penn. He had a breakout junior year, racking up 1st team all conference & all-state honors from his Safety spot. He comes with impressive speed and physicality, also excelling as a wrestler.    [player_tooltip player_id='402410' first='Isaac' last='Reynoso'] 6-1 195 WLB Glencoe   Another kid who possesses D1 genes with his father and head coach Ian Reynoso starting for the Ducks on the offensive front. The standout wrestler will be a conference POY favorite next season, coming from a football family.    [player_tooltip player_id='1169947' first='Hudson' last='Gasperson'] 6-1 175 DB Lake Oswego   I could see Gasperson being a 1st team all-state selection next season after a 2nd team all TRL performance as a Junior. He has some of that "It" factor and will have a chance to play a high level of collegiate ball with continued progression.    [player_tooltip player_id='1585702' first='Jaiden' last='Robinson'] 6-3 170 Safety/CB Central Catholic   Robinson is a rangy DB who made the move from Barlow to Central Catholic, after earning 2nd team all Mt Hood accolades for a Bruins team that struggled last season. Expect his notoriety to pick up significantly playing for the Rams.    [player_tooltip player_id='402422' first='Rowen' last='Lewis'] 6-1 210 LB Lake Oswego   Lewis is another kid who comes from a talented family with D1 genes. He is currently excelling on the 7v7 circuit as part of Team Alpha and showing off his overall athleticism. Look for him to potentially be the TRL's breakout player of the year next season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1112475' first='Cole' last='Wilson'] 6-4 245 DE Banks/[player_tooltip player_id='1345172' first='Jarrett' last='Martin'] 6-0 185 ATH Banks    Wilson and Martin could be two of the more decorated 3A players to come out of the state in some time. Both have numerous universities stopping by BHS with each being listed on multiple D1 recruiting boards.