Northwest Showcase: MVPs and standouts (defense, specialists)

This weekend's Northwest Winter Showcase at Pacific University saw roughly 200 prospects take the field to test and compete against their peers, hoping to impress a large collection of small college coaches.   By the camp's end, there were dozens of Junior Day visits extended and the stock of several young Northwest prospects bumped up.   Here's a look at the notable defensive and special teams prospects and performances from the event:   DB Cooper Bonnett, Valley Catholic (2026) — The 5-foot-9 150-pound defensive back has picked up four small school offers, but remains on the market.   Despite his size, Bonnett held his own during one-on-one reps and should be a good addition for a D3 looking to add a cover guy.    DL Gabriel Arias, Kuna (2028) — The 6-foot, 210-pound defensive lineman isn't the biggest, but he's got a high motor and his speed causes significant problems for defenders.    DL [player_tooltip player_id='1200859' first='Angelo' last='Williams'], Life Christian (2028) — Williams had a solid day in one-on-one reps. He isn't the biggest at 5-foot-11, 273 pounds, but he proved to be difficult to block this weekend.    DL [player_tooltip player_id='1691687' first='Colten' last='Nibler'], Skyview (2027) — An all-conference performer last fall, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound lineman had a strong showing over the weekend.    DL [player_tooltip player_id='2090565' first='Brady' last='Nichols'], Mountain View (2027) — You can't coach size and Nicholas has it as a 6-foot-5, 260-pound lineman.   There's refinement to do, but there's also some upside.   Color me intrigued.    LB [player_tooltip player_id='2054695' first='Liam' last='Carmichael'], Lake Oswego (2027) — A former nose guard transitioning to more of a linebacker focus, Carmichael more than fit in at the Northwest Showcase at his new stop.   He caught my eye multiple times and looks like a late bloomer.    The 6-foot, 225-pound defender is on the rise!    LB Jackson Dalke, Monroe (2027) — Dalke had a solid day and displayed improved footwork in drills, particularly those in coverage.   His team struggled last fall, but he was a clear playmaker.   That was on display yet again this weekend.    LB [player_tooltip player_id='1878396' first='Aidan' last='Galusha'], Dallas (2027) — I've seen Galusha at two camps over the past month.   He was arguably the overall MVP at both.   The 6-foot-1, 205-pound ‘backer has run hand-timed 4.48, 4.54 and 4.58 40s and been equally impressive in drills.   His stock should be rising very quickly - with Division 1 buzz.   Galusha, an all-state edge and conference player of the year, has been the real deal this offseason.    LB Lyric Silafau, North Medford (2027) — The 6-foot-1, 180-pound ‘backer had a solid day and stood out multiple times as a talented playmaker.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='2065193' first='Chase' last='Gersack'], Ballard (2027) — I'm intrigued by Gersack, and it's difficult not to be.   He was an all-league lacrosse performer with impressive speed, and has transitioned by safety to corner where he has performed admirably.   Gersack, who measures in at 6-foot-2, registered the most interceptions in nearly a decade.   DB Oliver Grimm, Oakland (2028) — Grimm had an impressive day at the Northwest Showcase and is a player to watch going forward.   He had several good reps and was extremely physical at the catch point.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='2130645' first='Charlie' last='Finch'], Annie Wright Schools (2027) — The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back does a little of everything for Annie Wright Schools.    Over the weekend, he had several good reps in coverage and impressed at the catch point.    He'll be a player to watch in the Northwest going forward, and it was a good in-person introduction to the good-sized DB.   DB Chace Jenkins, Cascade Christian (2026) — First-team all-leaguer has been solid on both sides of the ball during his high school career.   He impressed over the weekend.   Jenkins projects as a defender, but did have 641 yards and six scores last fall.   DB Vernard Scott, Destiny Christian (2027) — Scott has transferred to Destiny Christian this offseason.   The three-sport athlete caught my attention on a few reps, and I am eager to see his development.    DB [player_tooltip player_id='1990091' first='Landon' last='Tomlin'], West Salem (2027) — I'd have picked out Tomlin as having a solid day regardless, but I originally noticed him because of his head gear.   After that, his play made most of the noise.   Solid day.    DB Brock Morrical, West Albany (2028) — Morrical had a good day in coverage and has a solid 6-foot-2 frame.    His progress will be something to monitor going forward.   K/P Justin Uribarri, De La Salle (2026) — The overall MVP among specialists, Uribarri knocked down a 51-yard field goal and punted a 43-yarder with a 4.18 second hang time.   He has Division 3 opportunities, but should be able to climb higher.    K/P Max Ryusaki, Mountainside (2026) — Ryusaki had a strong day as a kicker (2nd) and kickoff (2nd).   It will be interesting to see what's next for the versatile specialist.    LS Ayden VanWinkle, Coffee County Central (2027) — Traveling all the way from Tennessee, the 6-foot-1, 270-pound prospect was the standout snapper of the day.   If you're going to travel across the country, it's good to leave as the MVP.   Nice day from him!

This weekend's Northwest Winter Showcase at Pacific University saw roughly 200 prospects take the field to test and compete against their peers, hoping to impress a large collection of small college coaches.