Graham-Kapowsin roster loaded with young upside: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense returns seven starters, but must overcome the losses of key contributors DJ Taape, Khris Norris and Jonathan Haas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like the offense, Graham-Kapowsin defense has a blend of experienced veterans and a young, upcoming nucleus with sky-high potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In its 4-2-5 look, the Eagles aren't the biggest squad up front, but - fittingly - they fly around and can be a disruptive bunch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The group should be hungry and is likely to grow over the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a detailed look at the defense (<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/graham-kapowsin-roster-loaded-with-young-upside-offense/">Offense preview</a>).&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive line</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles don't have a ton of size, but one characteristic stands out when looking at the roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We are fast,” Logan said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A collection of athletes will rotate in to keep the defensive line fresh - and they are all capable of cutting through an offensive line to create a negative play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those players include class of 2026 duo [player_tooltip player_id='1530860' first='Quinncey' last='Ratteray'] and Joey Savusa, and class of 2027 prospects  [player_tooltip player_id='1599632' first='Jeremiah' last='Leumuava'], Julius Hernandez, [player_tooltip player_id='1368358' first='Nidahs' last='Nomura'], Adrian Tela and Timo Ahkee. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That group could see key contributions from every player listed above - and that makes for an exciting bunch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Linebacker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two-year starting linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1368341' first='Derick' last='Manibusan'] returns and may be the heart of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>According to Logan, he's had a big offseason, including significant weight room gains.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Derick has taken a giant leap forward this year in his leadership role and has transformed his body,” he said. “He has worked extremely hard to put on size without compromising his speed and agility.”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebackers Gavin Deato and Deacon Ravary are two other names to watch who could have solid showing this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2029 linebacker Eurijah Maifea will be a special prospect in time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive back</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Graham-Kapowsin defensive backfield is young, but oozing with potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In fact, it could develop into an historic group.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2027 prospects [player_tooltip player_id='937738' first='Kase' last='Betz'] and Keyan Wilson return at safety and both could have big years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan pointed out Randy Reyes and Jhyson Laupatias players who have taken big steps forward and should contribute.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2029 safeties George Woods and Lazarus Kinchen are two young players to watch on the loaded Eagles roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a 4-2-5 scheme, sure-tackling is even more important with your nickel and safety positions, and the Eagles believe they have that caliber of athlete on the roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At cornerback, [player_tooltip player_id='985348' first='Jayce' last='Halasz'] (2028) and Keh'Ano Corpuz (2029) have major upside and have already generated Division I offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That duo could prove to be special in the coming years, wherever they line up on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior Coleton Brown and junior Raymond Lagat should help stabilize a deep, talented group.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->