OR/WA Top Performances from the NW Showcase- DEFENSE (1-12)

Jordan Johnson June 23, 2025 @ 12:44 AM

With over 900 athletes in attendance, it's not always easy to be recognized as one of the top performers at the event. Here we take a look at some of the region's top talent on the defensive side of the ball at the NW Showcase..            1.[player_tooltip player_id='1246545' first='Josh' last='Christensen'] 27' DE Lake Oswego OR "MVP"   The 6-6 incoming junior had maybe the most impressive day of anybody in attendance. LO will feature numerous D1 athletes with Christensen likely changing everything for himself on the recruiting front. He not only earned MVP honors, he did it against some of the top competition anywhere in the West.    2.[player_tooltip player_id='726165' first='Jasiah' last='Denmark'] 26' DB Puyallup WA "MVP"   Everyone was already aware of Denmark who holds 14 division 1 offers. That said as he had a remarkable day, leaving no doubt on MVP DB honors. Expect to hear his name often coming up as schools vie for his services.    3.[player_tooltip player_id='1691667' first='Sylen' last='Kiesel-Kauhane'] 26' DE Richland WA "MVP"   Talk about a game changing day. The three-sport standout is a kid we referenced as being one of the most under recruited heading into the showcase. He backed that up with his consistency against top O lineman, winning almost every matchup. He now has offers from Idaho and Portland St and will add others.    4.[player_tooltip player_id='1691673' first='Malachi' last='Ebai'] 26' DE Oak Harbor WA "MVP"   Much like Kiesel-Kauhane of Richland people were floored by Ebai's ability. The Oak Harbor standout wasn't the most well-known, but he definitely helped change that, winning MVP D line honors for his session against numerous individuals with D1 offers.    5.[player_tooltip player_id='769991' first='Yahkyll' last='Noil'] 26' LB Lakeridge OR   Noil comes from a talented family with D1 genes. At 6-2 225 pounds he is a physical presence and more than looks the part. He has 67 tackles with 8 TFL's for his career at Lakeridge and should top those numbers this upcoming season alone. He was recognized by the Marines and could have been named an MVP at the event.    6.[player_tooltip player_id='935357' first='Josiah' last='Hawkins'] 27' CB Cascade OR   Hawkins is currently ranked my #5 recruit for the class, and he showed why at the showcase. His speed and ability to break on balls was different as noticed by multiple coaches and trainers. He was a 2nd team all state selection as a sophomore   7.[player_tooltip player_id='984781' first='Markel' last='Newell'] 28' Safety Puyallup WA   Newell has a chance to be one of the most recruited secondary guys to come out of WA in some time. He had a good day but is even more impressive on film where his combination of physicality and speed at such a young age is unique.    8.[player_tooltip player_id='791149' first='Kawai' last='Chamberlin'] 27' LB Willamette OR   Fresh off his recent Boise St offer the 3* Chamberlin continues to up his stock. His ability to play almost any position on the defensive side ball, with his size, is special.    9.[player_tooltip player_id='914278' first='CD' last='Nuno'] 26' LB Philomath OR   As good as Nuno is at WR, Boise St liked him at LB and recently offered. The 6-3 205-pound athlete separated himself on the field at the showcase with his quickness versus other defenders. Expect him to thrive at the next level.    10.[player_tooltip player_id='1232759' first='Cameron' last='Gilhuber'] 26' DB Sheldon OR   Gilhuber is having one of the best-off seasons of any 26' in Oregon. He recently garnered MVP DB honors at San Jose State's camp and showed why at the NW showcase. His ability to close on receivers and allow limited separation was impressive.    11.[player_tooltip player_id='769995' first='Evan' last='Wusstig'] 26' DB West Salem OR    There are very few athletes in Oregon who can play on either side of the ball at D1 level with Wusstig being one of them. The 2x 1st team all-conference returner was one of the best DB's in attendance, and at some point will have multiple FCS options, at a minimum.    12.[player_tooltip player_id='1585700' first='Cole' last='Thomas'] 26' Safety Central Catholic OR   Thomas is a smart, physical athlete, who also excels as a wrestler and on the baseball field. He was all up in the mix, making multiple plays in the secondary at the event. Expect him to add to his Portland St and Ivy League (Penn) offer sooner than later.