NW Winter Showcase Preview: Defense

Here we take a look at a few of the standouts we are expecting to see at the NW Winter Showcase on both sides of the football. As of right now there looks to be between 250-300 kids from 10 different states represented.         Speaking on the event the director of the showcase Michael Snyder says, "Looking forward to being back at Pacific University for our 4th Northwest Winter Showcase. Pacific has amazing facilities including an indoor. This showcase is a great opportunity for seniors who are still looking for a home next season. Colleges attending use this showcase to fill up their recruiting class. This is also a great opportunity for underclassmen to get in front of college coaches early to start the recruiting process and get ready for camp season."         [player_tooltip player_id='1691687' first='Colten' last='Nibler'] 27' 6-3 255 DL Skyview WA   The 1st team all league DE had a phenonemal junior season bringing a unique combination of size and speed to the table. What he did was made even more impressive with the Storm having a down year. Look for Nibler to be a potential MVP of the showcase.    [player_tooltip player_id='1878396' first='Aidan' last='Galusha'] 27' 6-1 205 LB Dallas OR   One of the best players in Oregon at the 5A level. Galusha showed up at the PrepRedzone event a few weeks back and killed it. He was the Mid-Willamette Conference D lineman of the year while projecting at LB. He also carried the ball 70 times for 590 yards and 13 TDs. As of right now, he ranks as a top 50 prospect for the 2026 class. I could see him listed in the top 30.    Chace Jenkins 26' 5-11 170 DB Cascade Christian WA     Another guy universities should pay attention to. The 1st team all league athlete had an outstanding season on both sides of the football, while projecting as a DB. Offensively, he caught 36 passes for 641 yards and 6 touchdowns as a senior.    Reece Achen 26' 6-1 290 DL Kalama WA     Some university could get a steal with Achen. The 4-year starter has proven what he can do on the field earning 1st team all-league honors on both sides of the football this past season. I would expect him to be one of the more sought-after players at the event.    [player_tooltip player_id='1990091' first='Landon' last='Tomlin'] 26' 5-11 180 DB West Salem OR     Tomlin was an honorable mention all conference selection with the Titans losing a couple close ball games to end the year, but doing well overall at 6-4. This is a kid who could be a multi year starter at the D3/NAIA level, finishing the season with an impressive 56 tackles, 10 PBU's, and 3 INTs.    [player_tooltip player_id='1200859' first='Angelo' last='Williams'] 28' 5-11 275 DL Rogers WA   Williams is undersized for the position but an absolute beast on the interior. He recently made the move from 1A Life Christian to Rogers HS. He has earned 2nd team all conference honors the last two seasons but will now be playing 4A ball in arguably the state's toughest conference (SPSL). This event should be telling to see where he is at.    [player_tooltip player_id='2065193' first='Chase' last='Gersack'] 27' 6-2 170 DB Ballard WA     One of the fastest rising 2027 prospects in the state of WA. Gersack was a 2nd team all Metro selection at DB with the most INTs of any Ballard player in the last 8 years. He also earned all conference honors in Lacrosse. His combination of size and speed makes him a legit collegiate recruit.    Vernard Scott 27' 5-11 170 DB Oakland Tech CA     The 3-sport standout was one of the league leaders in INT's and should be in the MVP conversation at the Winter Showcase. It says a lot about the individuals making the trip from Cali and other distant states.    Gabriel Arias 28' 6-0 210 DE Kuna ID   Arias is a good looking lineman out of Idaho. Kuna wasn't exactly a state power at 2-7, but you can expect him to be one of the better defenders in the conference the next two seasons.    Jackson Dalke 27' WLB/SS 6-0 185 Monroe WA   This kid can play. As a team it was tough with Monroe going 1-9, but Dalke put up legit numbers, making 36 tackles, with 6 TFL's, and 2 sacks from his OLB/Nickel spot. He could be a good addition to the universities in attendance.    [player_tooltip player_id='1855541' first='Malakai' last='Belz'] 29' 6-0 180 TE/OLB Lakeridge OR     Look for Belz to be on the Oregon 2029 rankings board as a defensive athlete. He had a tremendous season at the lower level for the Pacers, finishing with 50 tackles, 24 TFL's, and 12 sacks. That said as he will play TE at the Winter Showcase.    Oliver Grimm 28' 6-1 175 DB Oakland CA    You have to like Grimm's willingness to get out there and travel making the trip from the Bay area. He was solid for an Oakland HS team that finished 8-3. Expect a big showcase event where he will likely be one of the better DB's in attendance.    [player_tooltip player_id='1119889' first='Pena' last='Moors'] 27' 6-1 240 LB West Albany OR   Moors played varsity ball as a freshman and earned honorable mention all Mid-Willamette honors as a junior. He's definitely one of those kids I want to see in person. West Albany is traditionally one of the better 5A teams in Oregon, and he will need to be a leader for them next season.    Roland Bruning 28' 6-2 240 DL Cashmere WA   Bruning has limited tape but it's good. The sophomore was part of a Cashmere team that reached the 1A state title game losing by a point. He played opposite UNLV D line commit [player_tooltip player_id='1704116' first='Prin' last='Fox'] so he knows what talent looks like.    [player_tooltip player_id='2108460' first='Ruben' last='Aguilar'] 27' 6-1 235 DL Union WA   With Coach Steve Pyne at the helm I would expect Union to be relevant once again, with guys like Aguliar being the beneficiary of that. He will be one to watch at the showcase.