Northwest Showcase: MVPs and standouts (offense)

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 prospects and performances from the event (*Denotes absence from camp):   QB [player_tooltip player_id='2056041' first='Jude' last='Buck'], Cleveland (2029) — Cleveland is not known as a football hotbed by any means, but that doesn't mean they can't produce talent.   Buck flashed some upside over the weekend and is a player I want to see more closely going forward, especially since there are a few good moments on film.    QB [player_tooltip player_id='1750393' first='Cole' last='Burton'], Wilsonville (2028) — A solid-looking 6-foot-2, 185-pound signal-caller, Burton hails from Wilsonville, which seems to lead the state in passing nearly every year.   If/when he does take over the reins of the offense in the coming years, he could put up monster numbers.    QB [player_tooltip player_id='1539446' first='Ryker' last='Rohaley'], Sheldon (2028) — After completing over 70 percent of his passes as a sophomore, Rohaley has showcased that accuracy twice that I've seen this offseason - once at Prep Redzone (admittedly not his best showing) and the Northwest Showcase (much better).   Sheldon struggled last fall but has a young core that could re-establish the program.   Rohaley is at the center of that growth and development, and should put up strong numbers this fall.     QB [player_tooltip player_id='2088802' first='Carter' last='Powers'], Tualatin (2028) — There's still work to be done here, but Powers is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound signal-caller with some potential.   He'll have to refine some things, but the size and potential are interesting.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1188108' first='Brayden' last='Paulino'], Emerald Ridge (2027) — The 5-foot-11, 165-pound signal-caller caught my eye with a few really nice throws.   He's not the biggest prospect, but flashes some promise this weekend.    He also threw the ball well when I got eyes on him.   QB Lincoln Heinrich, Walla Walla (2028)* — Walla Walla had its best season in years last fall, and there's a young core of prospects that are intriguing.   Heinrich leads the charge from the quarterback position.   Last fall, he threw for 1,893 yards with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.   If he can cut down on the turnovers, Heinrich could take another significant step forward.   He missed the event this weekend, but Prep Redzone is eager to see him in person soon.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1612598' first='Quenton' last='Lake'], Silverton (2028) — The 6-foot-4, 200-pound passer had a good day and continues to intrigue this offseason.   He's becoming a player to keep an eye on.    Last season, Lake accumulated 1,742 total yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions.   A breakout season is forthcoming!   QB Emmitt Distefano, Thurston (2027) — Distefano is a 6-foot, 195-pound signal-caller who had a strong day at Pacific.   The three-sport star was a first-team all-league and second-team all-state selection.   It was easy to see why over the weekend.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1358899' first='Cole' last='Sazue'], Pendleton (2027) — The 6-foot-2, 195-pound signal-caller caught my eye a few times at the Northwest Showcase.   Athletes from across the state are sometimes hard to get eyes on, but it was great to see him competing out there and making some big plays.   QB [player_tooltip player_id='1611487' first='Nolan' last='Wolfe'], Glencoe (2028) — Glencoe's offense is known for powerful linemen and an explosive running back.   Wolfe provides further intrigue as a passer, as he is 6-foot-4, 205 pounds.   It was good to see him out there competing this weekend.    RB [player_tooltip player_id='1125493' first='Reece' last='Ballew'], Mountainside (2027) — Coming off a Prep Redzone Showcase in which he was the RB MVP, Ballew was again the position MVP.   An injury derailed his junior campaign, but he looks the part of a player who might just explode onto the scene as a senior.   Ballew has risen in my personal rankings as much as any running back in Oregon this offseason.    RB [player_tooltip player_id='1615869' first='Kael' last='Copeland'], Kennedy Catholic (2028) — A. first-team all-league selection as a sophomore, Copeland is showing early signs of stardom.   His fall breakout could lead to all-state honors down the road.    RB [player_tooltip player_id='1563740' first='Mason' last='Girt'], Lakeridge (2029) — Lakeridge has another young group of playmakers coming up.   Girt stood out at the Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase a few weeks ago, and continued that trend over the weekend.   He's going to be a real playmaker — with size as the only real question mark right now.    RB Kalama Roberson, Walla Walla (2028) — Not only did Roberson have a solid day, but he also clocked a 4.54 hand-timed 40 for one of the fastest times of the day.   RB [player_tooltip player_id='1680318' first='Julian' last='Morales'], Century (2028) — An all-league breakout season last fall shows that Morales could be a name to watch in the Metro League in the years to come.    RB [player_tooltip player_id='1591586' first='Luke' last='Ortner'], Jesuit (2027) — After putting together an historic season at Jesuit, Ortner will enter his senior campaign with a lot of "new" - offensive line and coach.   For his recruitment, the 40 will go a long way in determining the 5-foot-9 running back's ultimate landing place.   There's no questioning the production, as he's a record-setter at one of the most decorated high schools on the West Coast.   RB Jaylen “J.D.” Harper, Milwaukie (2028) — Harper showed some explosiveness - enough that he's worth watching in the fall.   He'll need to excel academically to maximize his opportunities, but there's a path ahead of him if he seizes it.    RB [player_tooltip player_id='1517165' first='Ty' last='Rogers'], Ridgefield (2027) — The 5-foot-11, 195-pound ball-carrier had a good day in limited reps.   Rogers is a player to watch next fall.    WR [player_tooltip player_id='2065188' first='Derrick' last='Bingham'], Walla Walla (2027) — The 5-foot-11, 175-pound pass-catcher displayed good route-running skills, strong hands and a knack for making plays during his reps.   Bingham was my WR MVP, and he performed extremely well in all aspects this weekend.    WR [player_tooltip player_id='1605387' first='Owen' last='Gallo'], Ballard (2027) — A two-way second-team all-league selection at tight end and safety, Gallo was a player I was excited to watch this weekend.   He played well.   Expect his numbers to take a significant leap next fall, as he hauled in 18 balls and registered 27 tackles in the fall, but shows potential to significantly add those numbers.    WR [player_tooltip player_id='1119903' first='Bryson' last='Walker'], Cascade Christian (2027) — Walker isn't the biggest prospect at 5-foot-6, 155 pounds, but he was a two-way all-league performer last fall.   And he showed up and showed out this weekend with a strong day.    WR Levi Wolters, South Medford (2027) — A small, speedy receiver who showcased the ability that make him an intriguing slot.    TE [player_tooltip player_id='1855541' first='Malakai' last='Belz'], Lakeridge (2029) — Lakeridge's young core is eager to build on the foundation built by the classes before them.   Belz is an eager and promising young prospect, and it is encouraging to see guys like him and Girt eager to compete and prove themselves.   The early boxes are all being checked.    Defensively, he registered 12 sacks last fall and could be a two-way standout sooner rather than later!   OL [player_tooltip player_id='1620620' first='TJ' last='Strilcov'], Peninsula (2027) — The 6-foot-2, 250-pound lineman - with a self-reported 75-inch wingspan - had a solid day.    Perhaps that was to be expected of the all-league performer, but it was nice to see first-hand.   Strilcov performed admirably.   OL [player_tooltip player_id='1396593' first='Mayes' last='Mayovsky'], Kennewick (2027) — The first-team all-league lineman had a solid day, building off a strong junior campaign.   The 6-foot-1, 255-pound interior lineman could take another step forward in the fall.    OL [player_tooltip player_id='1635865' first='Lucas' last='Wetzel'], Tigard (2028) — The 6-foot-3, 285-pound lineman built off a strong Prep Redzone Showcase with another good day.   Wetzel could pop as he continues to grow and get reps against the ultra-competitive Three Rivers League.    OL Carl Myers, Liberty Christian (2027) — The all-state lineman not only performed well, but went out of his way to connect with coaches on a variety of staffs.   He handled business on and off the field, making sure he played well and then approaching as many coaches as possible.   Myers took the most business-like approach to the day, and he should be praised for seizing the opportunty.   That's what the camp is all about, performance and then access to coaching/coaches.   OL [player_tooltip player_id='1750258' first='Lyric' last='Samuelu'], Nelson (2028) — The 6-foot, 300-pound lineman had a strong day and looks the part of an immovable piece inside for the Nelson O-line going forward.

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.