2024 Metro League POY Candidates- DEFENSE
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DEFENSE 1. Sam Vyhlidal Sam Vyhlidal 6'4" | 205 lbs | ATH Mountainside | 2026 State OR LB 26′ Mountainside The Mavericks are loaded on offense where the ball is going to be spread around. Defensively they are legit everywhere…
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1. Sam Vyhlidal Sam Vyhlidal 6'4" | 205 lbs | ATH Mountainside | 2026 State OR LB 26′ Mountainside
The Mavericks are loaded on offense where the ball is going to be spread around. Defensively they are legit everywhere as well, led by the 6-4 200-pound multi-sport prospect. Vyhlidal’s 72 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tfl’s are just a glimpse of his arsenal. Over the next two seasons he could make 200+ tackles and score a handful of TDs on D. He’s that type of playmaker.
2. Kellen Hicks Kellen Hicks 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Mountainside | 2025 State OR S 25′ Mountainside
Hicks is one of the fastest rising prospects in the NW and will return as one of three Mavericks to earn 1st team all-Metro honors last season (Vyhlidal, Tanuvasa). Expect one of Oregon’s INT leaders (5) from last year to be a 1st team all-state safety and contribute as a return man as well.
3. Justin Craigwell Justin Craigwell 5'10" | 200 lbs | LB Sunset | 2026 State OR LB 26′ Sunset
The Apollos project as one of the fastest rising programs in the state in the coming seasons. Craigwell totaled 100+ tackles as a sophomore and has been physically dominant from a young age. You will hear his name constantly over the next two seasons. Expect him to be that guy on D after an outstanding 2nd team all-league season.
4. Madden Tanuvasa Madden Tanuvasa 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Mountainside | 2025 State OR DB 25′ Mountainside
We’ve talked a lot about Tanuvasa in years past with Madden earning 1st team all-conference honors as a Junior. Most are familiar with the name and the family’s success, which makes his upside that much more appealing. There are multiple Mavericks who will have a shot from a POY standpoint next season.
5. Kevin Keanaaina Kevin Keanaaina 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB Jesuit | 2025 State OR LB 25′ Jesuit
One of Oregon’s breakout junior’s last season. Keanaaina earned 1st team all-Metro honors and got to see firsthand with teammate Lonnie Burt Lonnie Burt 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Jesuit | 2024 State OR , what a POY Type season looks like. The Crusaders won’t run away with next year’s conference title and his leadership will be key.
6. Alexander Esuk Alexander Esuk 6'1" | 250 lbs | DL Sunset | 2026 State OR DL 26′ Sunset
The 6-1 250-pound D lineman made a name for himself as a sophomore racking up 2nd team all league honors. Esuk has a presence about him on the interior and with continued growth and progression will be one of Oregon’s best defensively.
7. Sam Hunt Sam Hunt 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Jesuit | 2025 State OR LB 25′ Jesuit
Hunt had a big junior season earning 2nd team all-Metro honors, while learning from elite talent in teammates in Lonnie Burt Lonnie Burt 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Jesuit | 2024 State OR , Elias Johnson Elias Johnson 6'3" | 170 lbs | DB Jesuit | 2024 State OR , Jace Burton Jace Burton 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Jesuit | 2024 State OR , and Liam Cassidy Liam Cassidy 6'5" | 300 lbs | DL Jesuit | 2024 State OR . All D1 offered guys. He and fellow junior Kevin Keanaaina Kevin Keanaaina 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB Jesuit | 2025 State OR will be called upon to lead next season, which will be no easy task will all of the graduating talent.
8. Maximilian Kane Maximilian Kane 6'5" | 205 lbs | DL Beaverton | 2025 State OR DE 25′ Beaverton
The 6-5 220 pounder is a legit recruit. The biggest question comes with the Beavers as a team and whether or not they can compete. If they end up in the mix and in playoff position, Kane will reap when the accolades are announced. He earned 2nd team honors as a junior.