4A Oregon defensive player of the year candidates: 15 players on our preseason watch list

Players to watch in the race for 2023 Oregon Class 4A defensive player of the year

Here are 15 players to watch in the race for 2023 Oregon Class 4A defensive player of the year. 

Rasean Jones (Baker) photo by Dan Brood 

—

Favorite

OLB Warren Haatia, Scappoose, senior

Haatia was one of the fiercest pass rushers in 4A last fall, finishing second in the state in sacks with 12 among his 87 tackles (15 for loss) as he earned second-team all-state recognition at linebacker for a state semifinalist. 

Contenders

LB Fynn Brechbiel, Gladstone, senior

Brechbiel will be a leader in the middle of the Gladiators defense after receiving all-Tri-Valley Conference honorable mention last season.

DL Jamar Cuellar, Klamath Union, senior

Cuellar stood out during an otherwise disappointing 2022 season for the Pelicans, leading 4A with 40 tackles for loss and 18 sacks among his 83 total tackles in earning second-team all-Big Sky honors.

LB Grant Ellison, La Salle Prep, senior

Ellison was one of the leaders of the Falcons defense last season, finishing with 50 tackles (six for loss) and four sacks in making the all-Tri-Valley Conference first team.

DT Matt Evans, Astoria, senior

Evans was a run-stuffer in the interior of the Fishermen line last season, finishing with 52 tackles (10 for loss) and six sacks in making the all-Cowapa League first team.

DB Eddie Freauff, Crook County, senior

Freauff broke through last season, receiving 4A all-state honorable mention in the secondary (55 tackles, four interceptions) to help the Cowboys end a seven-year postseason absence. 

LB Aiden Hazen, Marist Catholic, senior

As a junior, Hazen finished seventh in 4A with 88 tackles (five for loss) and made the all-state first team.

LB Kale Hubert, Stayton, junior

Hubert made an impression in his first varsity season, making the 4A all-state honorable mention list and finishing with 80 tackles (four for loss) and two interceptions.

DL Izzy Jantes, Seaside, junior

Jantes last season made his mark primarily on the offensive line, but he also shined in the interior of the Seagulls defensive line with 75 tackles (seven for loss).

DB Rasean Jones, Baker, sophomore

Besides being a standout receiver, Jones also made his mark in the Bulldogs secondary last season, earning first-team all-Greater Oregon honors before putting his talents on display at last month’s Les Schwab Bowl. 

DL Nathan Neveau, Pendleton, senior

Neveau was a standout on both lines for the Buckaroos last season, making the 4A all-state honorable mention list on offense and defense and helping Pendleton reach the state quarterfinals.

DB Karsten Sande, Cascade, senior

Sande last year was an integral member of the Cougars secondary, making 67 tackles (three for loss) and earning 4A all-state honorable mention. 

DB Tanner Starbuck, Stayton, senior

Starbuck made his mark with the Eagles last fall in the secondary, with Oregon West coaches voting him to the all-conference first team with 81 tackles and four interceptions.

DB Tyson Van Gastel, Mazama, senior

Van Gastel received 4A all-state honorable mention as a defensive back (34 tackles, two pass breakups, interception) and helped the Vikings reach the 2022 state quarterfinals.

LB Logan Whitlock, Henley, senior

Whitlock not only won the 4A rushing title last season, but he also was a first-team all-Big Sky inside linebacker who made 64 tackles (four for loss).

—

Recapping the 2022 season

Our complete season preview: Breaking down every 6A, 5A, 4A team in the state

Regular-season statistical leaders: Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A

Postseason statistical leaders: Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A

All-state teams: Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A