Sophomores to Breakout
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As we approach the season, there are numerous sophomores that have the potential to have huge seasons for their teams. This 2024 class is one of the best classes Oregon has seen, and these guys are the reason why. After…
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Continue ReadingAs we approach the season, there are numerous sophomores that have the potential to have huge seasons for their teams. This 2024 class is one of the best classes Oregon has seen, and these guys are the reason why. After a short spring COVID season, these prospects will now have a shot to showcase what they’re all about, and all of which look to explode in the fall. Here’s a look at five sophomores that look to have breakout seasons:
Joey Olsen Joey Olsen 6'6" | 220 lbs | TE Lakeridge | 2024 State OR , WR 6’5″ 200lbs, Lakeridge
Olsen is a special young prospect with an excellent frame, build, and length. He had an impressive freshman season with 355 yards and 4 TD’s on 22 receptions in just a 5 game span. He already holds 5 offers as he heads into his sophomore year, and we haven’t even seen the best of his abilities yet. He checks all the boxes as a prototypical X/Z receiver, and looks to be a consistent mismatch throughout the next 3 years. Very raw prospect with a high ceiling, and will be a big time national recruit throughout his high school career.
Wiley Donnerberg Wiley Donnerberg 6'4" | 200 lbs | ATH West Linn | 2024 State OR , LB, 6’3″ 200lbs, West Linn
Donnerberg is a sure division 1 talent and showcased crazy potential all throughout his freshman film. He shows an excellent understanding of responsibilities in coverage and is a ball hawk from the OLB spot. Flashes strength at the POA and closes well as a tackler overall. Very disruptive in the backfield last year as he possesses a solid football IQ and instincts to read and react in a split second. He also plays receiver for West Linn, and is a gifted all-around athlete as he projects to blow up here in 2021.
Jayden Fortier Jayden Fortier 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Tualatin | 2024 State OR , WR, 6’4″ 190lbs, Tualatin
Fortier is yet another special 2024 WR, as he sizes up with a long frame with tremendous length. He possesses a large catch radius with solid body control and can win those contested catches. Deceptive top end speed as he can also take the top off a defense if you don’t give his speed some respect. Fortier is a definite division 1 kid with huge potential as he continues to develop, and could easily have a big sophomore season on a stacked Tualatin team.
TC Manumaleuna II TC Manumaleuna II 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH North Salem | 2024 State OR , QB, 5’11″ 185lbs, North Salem
Manumaleuna II will enter 2021 with the QB1 role after splitting time last year as a freshman. He impressed throughout his freshman season with the opportunities he had, and seems to have really progressed this offseason. Dual-threat ability as he possesses solid mechanics in the pocket and can burn defenses on the ground as well. He currently holds an offer from Oregon, and should see a huge spark in his stock barring he plays as expected.
Lonnie Burt Lonnie Burt 6'1" | 200 lbs | ATH Jesuit | 2024 State OR , ATH, 6’0″ 190lbs, Jesuit
Burt is an intriguing prospect as he holds solid position versatility on both sides of the ball with the ability and potential to make an impact anywhere he lines up. As a ball carrier, he runs with a purpose and possesses solid balance to break and bounce off tackles to stay up and pick up those extra chunks of yards. Strong on the defensive side of the ball as well as he closes well as a tackler and has flashed strength at the POA. Burt showcased a nice strip and scoop for a TD last season, and possesses numerous intangibles to pop off this fall and establish himself as a big name in Oregon.