Oregon's MVP Elite 2026 class full of sleepers, breakouts

One of the top 7-on-7 programs in the state of Oregon is MVP Elite, which consists of athletes primarily outside the greater Portland Metro area.   Because of this, these athletes sometimes get lost in the shuffle, as media coverage centers on the Three Rivers League, Metro League and Mt. Hood Conference.   But to overlook these standouts would be a mistake, as the players out of Salem, Eugene, Medford and Bend/Redmond don't get the credit they deserve.   So, I talked to MVP Elite head coach about his class of 2026 athletes - and the group has more than its share of potential late risers in the Oregon recruiting rankings.   MVP Elite Class of 2026    WR/S  [player_tooltip player_id='769995' first='Evan' last='Wusstig'], West Salem; @EvanWusstig - "One of the top 2-way players in the state. Had a huge off season dominating the 7-on-7 circuit on both sides of the ball. With better QB play, poised for a big senior season at West Salem.”    ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1560662' first='Rocco' last='De La Rosa'], Philomath;  @RoccoDeLaRosa1 - “Another outstanding 2-way player. Spent most of his time in the offseason at cornerback, but picked up an offer from Air Force on the offensive side of the ball. Will be a first-team all-state player on both sides for Philomath.”    ATH [player_tooltip player_id='914278' first='CD' last='Nuno'], Philomath; @cd_nuno - “Big and athletic. Has been dominating the 4A level at safety and WR. Picked up an offer form Boise state as a linebacker this spring. Another player that will likely be all state on both sides of the ball at Philomath. Dad played at BYU.”    DB [player_tooltip player_id='1232759' first='Cameron' last='Gilhuber'], Sheldon; @CameronGilhuber - “Cam is a lock down defender. Dealt with an arm injury early this offseason, but came out and dominated every camp he went to, including earning DB MVP at San Jose Camp. Cameron can play both corner &amp; safety. In a position to carry the load on both sides of the ball at Sheldon with the departures they have had. His recruiting is picking up.”    OL [player_tooltip player_id='1569372' first='Aiden' last='Lewey'], Willamette; @aidenlewey08 - “Aiden was an all-league guy at Sheldon last year on their semifinal team. He is making the switch to Willamette for his senior season. Has had a great offseason working on his technique and will anchor their OL. Picked up a Portland State offer this spring.”    RB [player_tooltip player_id='1654724' first='Hunter' last='Vaughn'], Willamette; @Hunter4Vaughn - “The 2A player of the year last year is making the jump to 6A Willamette. Also switching from RB to WR on the 7-on-7 circuit this year showed he is one of the fastest players in the state. Was uncoverable in man coverage. With a big senior season, projects as an FCS kid.”   ATH [player_tooltip player_id='914281' first='Koen' last='Campos'], West Salem; @campos_koen - “Made the switch from Crescent Valley to West Salem for his junior season and it paid off with a big season. A very consistent player that has good speed for his size but can also run between the tackles well. Has picked up NAIA offers this spring and is close with some (higher-level) schools.”    LB [player_tooltip player_id='1043374' first='Parker' last='Gibson'], Redmond;  @parkerg003 - “Parker's film from his junior year at Redmond is impressive. Has great burst for his size, but is a true linebacker. Parker makes plays on both sides of the ball. Is gaining a lot of traction in recruiting.”    WR/FS [player_tooltip player_id='1232736' first='Wyatt' last='Horner'], Redmond; @Wyatt_Horner08 - "One of the better basketball players in the state, Wyatt showed that athleticism this offseason. Sat our his junior year of football with an injury, but is back healthy and was a great target. Can get up and high point the ball with the best of them.”    QB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='402397' first='Brison' last='Edwards'], Lebanon; @brison_edwards3 - “Lebanon's starting quarterback each of the last two seasons. Has a cannon for an arm and really improved his short to intermediate passing this spring. Is a 2 way player. Brison is the kind of athlete that could play QB or DB at the next level.”    ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1112464' first='Caleb' last='Jones'], Thurston - "Caleb is gym freak. This kid never quits working. Has played as an undersized DE at Thurston the last few years because he shuts down one side of the field. Projects well as an OLB in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Runs and covers well.”    WR Matt Newell, Thurston; @MatthewNew66137 - One of the top two wide receivers in the state, statistically,  last season at the 5A level. Has great route awareness and understanding of getting open. With a new quarterback at Thurston and quite a few of their top wide receivers graduating he is poised to put up another big year.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1136115' first='Cruz' last='Gray'], Thurston; @CruzGray05 - “Tough middle linebacker at Thurston that leads their defense. Headed into his third year as a starter there. Thurston has produced some very good middle ‘backers over the years and Cruz is the next guy. Has incredible feel for the game and finds himself in the right place most of the time.”

One of the top 7-on-7 programs in the state of Oregon is MVP Elite, which consists of athletes primarily outside the greater Portland Metro area.