The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner. If you thought it was holiday season you’re mistaken. It’s football season. If you’re a football junkie like me, you won’t pass up any opportunity to watch more football. The high school football scene in Oregon isn’t one that’s littered with highly touted prospects. However, there are a few that are worth a Friday night watch. Below are some of the top senior prospects you should check out in addition to their scout.com rating, and where you might end up seeing them play on Saturday’s.
Talanoa Hufanga | 6’1 195 | Position – QB/WR/S/LB
High School | Crescent Valley HS – Corvallis, OR
College | Undecided: Alabama, Oregon, USC, UCLA, OSU, Wash. etc.
The opening finalist is ranked as an athlete. He’s projected as a DB by most recruiting sites and it makes sense given his size and elite ball skills. Defensively the best way to describe his tackling style would be pissed off. He makes his presence known whenever he makes contact. With the ball in his hand, he’s electric. His package of speed and moves makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Chase Cota | 6’4 195 | Position – WR/DB
High School | South Medford HS – Medford, OR
Status | Undecided – Alabama, Cal, USC, UGA, Oregon, UCLA, ND
Cota was an all-state DB, WR and a participant at The Opening. He’s not your typical tall WR. He’s a 6’4 playmaker with great speed and body control. He thrives on deep balls and red zone fades which isn’t a surprise, with his frame. Hi OC uses him in a multitude of ways, running screens, speed sweeps, and lines up in the slot and outside the number. He’s also a solid punt returner and route runner. I get Michael Crabtree feels when watching his tape.
Braden Lenzy | 6’1 175 | Position – WR/DB
High School | Tigard HS – Tigard, OR
College | Committed – Oregon
The Duck commit will provide excitement for the track and football team. The slender frame doesn’t slow him down from running with a purpose and on defense he’s not afraid to get active in the run game. On offense, he’s got some Desean Jackson-type explosiveness. He’s by far the best kick returner in the state. If he sees daylight call the nearest McMenamins and make reservations for six. You’re not catching him.
Eli’Jah Winston | 6’3 230 | Position – OLB
High School | Central Catholic HS – Portland, OR
College | Undecided – Cal, Colorado, ND, Oregon, OSU, UCLA, Utah
Describe Winston in 3 words: HEAT SEAKING MISSLE. It honestly doesn’t seem fair that kids have to be tackled by him another year. He’s EVERYWHERE on the field. He’s a sideline to sideline player with range similar to Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Bucs. His tape was my favorite to watch.
Trey Lowe | 5’8 175 |Position – RB/WR
High School | Jesuit HS – Portland, OR
College | Committed – Washington
Lowe is an undersized running back who will transition to slot at UW. He runs like a polished back. Hitting the hole and limiting himself to one cut until he gets to the second level. He doesn’t have John Ross’ speed, but he should have a similar role in college.
Draco Bynum | 6’5 249 | Position – DE
High School | Wilsonville HS – Wilsonville, OR
College | Committed – Washington
Bynum couldn’t have picked a better fit for his skill set. He’s a 3-4 DE at the next level, but primarily plays DT in high school. He’s got great hands, which allows him to win at the point of attack in addition to a quick first step. On tape he looks nearly impossible to move off the line of scrimmage whether it’s a single or double team.
Myles Green-Richards | 6’1 175 | Position – WR/S
High School | Winston Churchill HS – Eugene, OR
College | Committed – Washington State
I’m guessing Green-Richards spent some time with the Mariners outfield coach. His ability to patrol centerfield is elite. Seam routes and posts are a no. Receivers are hung out to dry or QB’s are picked off. On offense he’s no slouch, just first team all league receiver.
Teron Bradford | 6’0 175 | Position – WR/CB
High School | Oregon City HS – Oregon City, OR
College | Undecided – Oregon, Boise State, OSU, Washington State, Wyoming
Bradford is the only prospect on this list without an official offer. It’s bizarre if you watch his tape. As DB he shows great instincts and ball skills. Offensively, his 20 TD’s and 1,055 receiving yards seem like enough to sell schools on his talents. He shows play making-ability from each receiver positon. Many may question his speed, but he simply plays fast enough.
Andrew Peasley | 6’3 180 | Position – QB
High School | La Grande HS – Le Grande, OR
College | Committed – Utah State
Peasley’s coaches must be as stressed as the defenses he goes against. He’s got a gunslinger mentality and he doesn’t seem to be a fan of throwing the ball away. He’s at his best when plays break down and he can leave the pocket to improvise. He’s a great athlete but he typically relies on his legs only to escape pressure. His eyes are always downfield looking for open receivers.
Malakai Salu | 6’0 242 | Position – MLB
High School | Central Catholic HS – Portland, OR
College | Undecided – Air Force, Hawaii, Washington
I can’t help but think about Clemson’s MLB Ben Boulware when I watch his tape. Salu will knock the hell out of you in run support. He’s a bully in the box. His passion is my favorite part. He lets everyone know when he’s made a big play.
Oregon Duck Bonus:
Dawson Jaramillo | 6’6 285 | Position – OT
High School | Lake Oswego HS – Lake Oswego, OR
College | Committed – Oregon
If you were a fan of Dallas’ OL last season, please make a trip to one of Jaramillo’s games. He flat out mauls kids. He shows a mean streak with his ability to finish blocks. If you wonder how athletic he is you’ll see him covering kick-offs on his tape, which should clarify everything.
