Willamette has loaded roster and high expectations (Defense)

A year after suffering a narrow loss to Central Catholic in the 6A state quarterfinals, the Willamette Wolverines return a significant portion of its lineup and are ready to make a statement.   While stalwarts Tony Cumberland and Aiden Lewey (Oregon Ducks) both move on, the defense is absolutely loaded with top-end talent and playmakers.   The group is hard-working and brings enough versatility to mix things up in the trenches.   “We're going to mix up our fronts, but we are primarily a 4-3,” Willamette coach Josh line said. “We'll do some odd stuff up front with Tripp's ability, but we're a base 4-3.”    Here's a look at the Willamette defense:   Defense line   [player_tooltip player_id='937281' first='Tripp' last='Johansen'] was among the state leaders in sacks last season (12), but will no longer benefit from teams double-teaming Tony Cumberland, who signed with Oregon.    “It'll be tougher for him because he doesn't have Tony Cumberland gobbling up two or three blockers, but he's been working on pass-rushing moves,” Line said. “He's as good as anybody I've seen on film (in the state). He's a 4.0 student. He watches film. He's a hard worker.”   Johansen has double-digit offers, including several from the Ivy League, and should be one of the state's best two-way players.    Junior-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='1609799' first='Brennan' last='Christian'] is a returning starter, but the hope is that he's made some major strides since last season.    “He's going to have to take a huge step forward,” Line said. “He was crushing it in the weight room. He started as a freshman, probably not being totally ready for varsity football because we didn't have anyone better. So he had a trial-by-fire a little bit, but he's coming into his own.    Zayden Howard and Kaimana Nelson will provide depth, but the hope is that other young players emerge to allow them to focus on the offensive side of the things.   It's a talented group that is still working on the exact rotation, but that is to be expected in spring after losing a pair of Power 4 conference football players.    Linebacker   Senior-to-be [player_tooltip player_id='791149' first='Kawai' last='Chamberlin'] is quite possibly the best linebacker in the state, maybe the Pacific Northwest.    “He's going to be tough to block with his weight and speed,” Line said. “He's faster, quicker and bigger than last year. He's got the lay of the land and he's emerging as a leader. He's the best linebacker I've ever coached.”    Senior-to-be Brayden Reyes is a returning starter and will take on a leadership role potentially this fall.    “He'll be tough for anyone to beat out,” line said. “I'm excited to see what he'll do this season because he can play a little less careful as he's a year older and more comfortable in our system. He can come down and tackle or drop back into coverage.”   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1612600' first='Rowen' last='Peterson'] has made strides since the end of last season and will have a crack at earning the starting gig.    “He's gotten a lot better this offseason,” Line said. “He played a lot last year in reserve roles and special teams. He's done a good job. He'll be competing with senior Dominic Rogers, who is a great wrestler and has taken a step forward this offseason.”    Defensive back   North Eugene safety Derek Earl (6-2) transfers over and will be among the conferees's top newcomers.    [player_tooltip player_id='1125322' first='Raiden' last='Avery'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1609776' first='Tevin' last='Candelario'] were the starting corners last season and did an admirable job.   That trio should give the Wolverines the best set of cornerbacks in the entire conference.    Of note, all three players will play corner and also provide help on the offensive side of things, as each is a dangerous speedster wherever they line up.    “I think we've got a really fast team,” Line said.   Soon-to-be-sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2090232' first='Amir' last='Harris'] started as a freshman and already holds an offer from UNLV.   Fellow sophomore-to-be Isaac Haleakala is a speedy safety coming into his own and is yet another potential young star for Willamette.   Line has rarely relied on freshman talent, but both Jenkins (running back) and Harris (safety) broke the mold.   They were the first two freshmen to ever start in his 23 years of coaching.   That made for a special group, but the upcoming eighth graders may be even better.    ‘I thought last year's freshman class was the best I've seen, but I think this one will give them a run for their money,” Line said.    Expect Willamette to be a top-five team in the state - both this year and in the years to come.   They are tough, focused, well-coached and young.

A year after suffering a narrow loss to Central Catholic in the 6A state quarterfinals, the Willamette Wolverines return a significant portion of its lineup and are ready to make a statement.