Metro League Offensive & Defensive POY Candidates
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The order referenced below of each athlete does not directly reflect his recruitment. You can be the #1 ranked player in the state and not be a Conference POY favorite. There are numerous variables which go into who is selected,…
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Continue ReadingThe order referenced below of each athlete does not directly reflect his recruitment. You can be the #1 ranked player in the state and not be a Conference POY favorite. There are numerous variables which go into who is selected, including the team’s overall success. Have a look at who I would have as the Metro’s League’s leading candidates for POY heading into the season.
OFFENSE
1. Brian Mannion Brian Mannion 6'3" | 180 lbs | QB Mountainside | 2022 State OR QB 22’ Mountainside- Look for Mannion to go off. As a Sophomore he might have been the POY if he would have started the full season. The arrival of Keenan Speer-Johnson Keenan Speer-Johnson 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR Tigard | 2022 State OR (KSJ) makes this possible as he will require a consistent double team, helping to offset #s.
2. Sam Leavitt Sam Leavitt 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB West Linn | 2023 State OR QB 23’ Westview- I expect Leavitt to have a field day with numerous D1 weapons on the perimeter. The off-season Florida St offer puts into perspective how talented he is. He should feel very comfortable in the pocket after going up again some legit Utah competition last season.
3. Keenan Speer-Johnson Keenan Speer-Johnson 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR Tigard | 2022 State OR WR 22’ Mountainside- Look for KSJ to lead the state in yards and receiving TDs. Mannion will get him the ball a minimum of 8-10 times a game, and he will do the rest. It would not shock me if this QB/WR tandem broke records.
4. Darrius Clemons Darrius Clemons 6'3" | 195 lbs | WR Westview | 2022 State OR WR 22’ Westview- I will probably have Clemons ranked my #1 athlete in the state for 2022 when the PRZ Rankings are updated shortly. Darrius will be double teamed all year, creating a host of opportunities for his teammates. Expect him to have over 1000 yards receiving and 15+ TDs.
5. Caleb Kim Caleb Kim 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Sunset | 2022 State OR RB 22’ Sunset- Kim had a breakout Junior campaign and was in the POY mix last season. The Apollos finished the #2 team in Oregon last Spring, and graduate a very talented and deep Senior class. Kim will get the ball early and often, but it won’t be a secret and he will be keyed upon.
6. Drew Bennett Drew Bennett 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Westview | 2022 State OR ATH 22’ Westview-One of the fastest rising prospects in the NW. Bennett was one of only 3 athletes state wide to be named 1st team all-state on both sides of the football last year.
7. Michael Rincon Michael Rincon 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Jesuit | 2022 State OR RB 22’ Jesuit- Rincon will probably carry the ball 25 times a game this year. He could potentially put up some big #s, going for 200+ a few times with double digit TDs last Spring. As most know the Crusaders have featured some of the state’s best backs.
8. Aaron Jones Aaron Jones 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Westview | 2022 State OR ATH 22’ Westview- If healthy Jones is probably the most exciting player in the state. It’s rare to have a D1 perimeter but these three (Clemons, Bennett) make that a reality. Look for AJ to return kicks and punts for TDs and also be one of the state leaders in all-purpose yards.
DEFENSE
1. Drew Bennett Drew Bennett 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Westview | 2022 State OR DB 22’ Westview- A lot of credit to Idaho on extending the first D1 offer to Bennett. He had one of the most impressive seasons of any athlete in the state of Oregon last Spring. Look for him to replicate that feat as WHS should be one of 6A’s top 10 teams.
2. Spencer McKelligon Spencer McKelligon 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Jesuit | 2022 State OR LB 22’ Jesuit- The 3* LB has the size and all of the tools to be considered the top defensive player in the Metro League. If the Crusaders win the conference title, he will be the primary reason why.
3. Campbell Sager Campbell Sager 6'5" | 245 lbs | DL Westview | 2023 State OR DE 23’ Westview- One of the fastest rising Junior’s in the state of Oregon. He has the size and demeanor to cause lots of problems for opponents this season. With the Cats continued rise we will hear more and more on Sager.
4. Kyron Albright Kyron Albright 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Beaverton | 2022 State OR DB 22’ Beaverton- The Beavers won’t compete for a title but Albright is one of the top dual threat athletes in Oregon, and barring injury should have an outstanding year statistically.
5.Tyree Blake LB 22’ Jesuit- Blake earned 1st team all-conference honors last Spring and is also an outstanding hooper. He has great size and speed but last year’s film still leaves numerous questions which should be answered shortly.
6. Johnny Miller Johnny Miller 5'10" | 190 lbs | DB Jesuit | 2022 State OR 22’ WLB 22’ Jesuit- Not a lot of people know about Miller as he is somewhat undersized for the position. That being said as he is incredibly talented and should be a constant thorn in the side of offenses.