Some of the NW's Top Freshman (2029) Defense

With the rankings being updated in the coming weeks, we highlight a few of the NW's top freshman who excelled this past season, many of them at that the varsity level. There are numerous individuals not mentioned who will be listed on the rankings board. Have a look as we break down the offensive and defensive side of the ball.          DEFENSE         [player_tooltip player_id='1969806' first='Kitiona' last='Tupua'] 6-2 270 DL Puyallup  WA   Tupua had an unreal freshman season, earning 1st team SPSL honors, while totaling 26 tackles, 4 TFL's, and 2.5 sacks. He is already blowing up on the recruiting front with offers from the likes of Texas A/M, Minnesota, UNLV, and New Mexico.    [player_tooltip player_id='1397364' first='Kamari' last='Wilson'] 6-5 290 DT/T Mount Tahoma WA   The big man can play on either side of the ball and got in the mix on D with multiple tackles and TFL's for a Mount Tahoma team that reached the state title game. He has elite D1 size receiving his first offer from San Jose St after being named MVP at their camp.    [player_tooltip player_id='2079669' first='Toa' last='Haertling'] 5-11 205 LB/RB Southridge  WA   Haertling was exceptional as a freshman doing a little bit of everything for a 6-5 Suns team. Defensively he was a team leader as a 9th grader which is etremely rare, making 65 tackles with 4 sacks at the varsity level. He also rushed 19 times for 114 yards and 2 TDs.    [player_tooltip player_id='1557819' first='Romiece' last='Taviuni'] 5-9 185 SS Lakes WA   Taviuni was a 1st team all conference selection as a freshman defying all odds. To say he has no fear is probably an understatement finishing among the state leaders in tackles with 76.    [player_tooltip player_id='2054820' first='TyVelle' last='Hill'] 5-9 165 CB Roosevelt OR   One of the top 29's in Oregon. Hill earned 1st team all PIL honors as a freshman, something incredibly tough to do at such a young age. Look for the multi sport standout to excel and be a top recruit with continued growth.    [player_tooltip player_id='1566765' first='Cash' last='Arbow'] 6-0 180 OLB/RB Mountainside OR   Arbow was the only freshman playing varsity ball for a solid Mountainside team, working in at RB while projecting as more of an OLB. He is an outstanding baseball player and should be one of the state's top two-sport athletes.    [player_tooltip player_id='2079670' first='George' last='Woods'] 5-9 175 Safety  Graham Kapowsin WA   This kid is the real deal. The brother of record setting WR Jabez Woods had a phenomenal freshman season, making 46 tackles with 3 INTs for a top ranked GK team that will compete for a title every year.    [player_tooltip player_id='1397388' first='Ahmire' last='Rooters-Hart'] 6-0 175 CB Mount Tahoma  WA   Mount Tahoma made a statement losing a close one in the 3A state title game to O'Dea 21-14. Rooters-Hart was a big part of that, finishing with 35 tackles, 11 PBU's, and 2 INTs. Unreal numbers for a youngster.    [player_tooltip player_id='1557829' first='Miguel' last='Martinez'] 6-1 235 LB/DE Emerald Ridge WA   Martinez will be one of the best in the state for his class on the defensive side of the ball. He was influential as a freshman finishing with 28 tackles, 5 TFL's and 1 sack.    [player_tooltip player_id='2079675' first='Sam' last='Nute'] 6-0 250 DL/OL Lake Oswego OR   Nute has been a standout on the O line but projects more on D due to his current stature. If he continues to grow, he will be one of the top ranked lineman in Oregon for his class.    [player_tooltip player_id='2079677' first='Jett' last='Wong'] 5-6 155 CB/WR Sheldon OR   Really like this kid. He's undersized but super talented and will be one of the best in the conference on both sides of the ball. He got in the mix as a freshman at DB making a handful of varsity tackles.    [player_tooltip player_id='1563740' first='Mason' last='Girt'] 5-8 155 Safety/ RB Lakeridge OR   Girt has done well from a young age and will be a guy for the Pacers next year as they graduate 35 seniors. He's undersized but tough and could be an all TRL standout as a sophomore similar to [player_tooltip player_id='937113' first='Shane' last='Peters'] of West Linn.    [player_tooltip player_id='1705965' first='Dylan' last='Baltz'] 5-10 155 DB West Linn OR   One of the young up and coming standouts for the 2029 class. Expect him to grow with his 6-4 brother Drew Baltz being one of the more underrated players in the state a few years back.    [player_tooltip player_id='2079671' first='Gabe' last='Walker'] 6-1 210 LB Moses Lake WA   As a freshman Walker stepped up for one of the top 4A teams in the state, making 15 tackles with 5 TFL's and 3 sacks. He has elite size for his age group and played beyond his years.    [player_tooltip player_id='2079672' first='Porter' last='Rhode'] 5-11 160 S/WR Garfield WA   One of the only athletes in the region to earn all conference honors on both sides of the ball as a freshman. He is a bright light for a Garfield program that struggled.