Oregon’s Top D lineman for 2023 (Ranked #1-15)
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In the coming weeks positional and overall rankings will be released by class. As usual size is a key variable from a projection standpoint when it comes to the line. Have a look at the state’s top 15 D lineman.
DL
1. Tristan Davis Tristan Davis 6'7" | 245 lbs | DL Lakeridge | 2023 State OR 6-7 230 DL Wilsonville (OFFERS: Colorado, Nevada)– You can’t teach 6-7 and athletic, so he is an appealing recruit for a host of reasons. Davis accounted for 45 total tackles and 8 sacks in 10 games, earning honorable mention all-state honors. He should absolutely dominate kids at the 5A level next season.
2. Richie Anderson Richie Anderson 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Tualatin | 2023 State OR 6-4 225 DE Tualatin- Anderson is a player coming from a football family. His 56 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 17 tackles for loss speak to why he is ranked one of the top players in Oregon for the 2023 class.
3. Tiger Black Tiger Black 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL Roseburg | 2023 State OR 6-3 260 DT Roseburg- The SWC Defensive POY is definitely one of the fastest rising recruits in Oregon after back-to-back dominant seasons down South. He is an absolute disrupter on the interior and should get some D1 looks.
4. Campbell Sager Campbell Sager 6'5" | 245 lbs | DL Westview | 2023 State OR 6-5 245 DE Westview- Sager earned 1st team All-Metro honors making 25 tackles, with 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks on the season. Not crazy #s but Sager is a physical presence coming off the edge, and impresses on multiple fronts.
5. Jake Holmes Jake Holmes 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL West Linn | 2023 State OR 6-4 220 West Linn- Another kid with D1 genes who comes from a talented family. Jake had a breakout year earning 1st team All TRL accolades and accounting for 28 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. The Lions will be a state title favorite and we will hear his name often.
6. Oliver Fisher Oliver Fisher 6'5" | 225 lbs | TE Sherwood | 2023 State OR 6-5 220 DE Sherwood- Fisher had a nice 1st team all-conference season on the defensive side of the ball, making 21 total tackles with 4 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. From a recruitment standpoint his versatility is appealing, also being able to play the TE spot.
7. Tyler King Tyler King 6'5" | 235 lbs | DL Clackamas | 2023 State OR 6-5 225 DE Clackamas- One of the most underrated athletes state wide. King was overlooked partly due to some of the state’s top talent on the Cavs roster, including Kaden Ludwick Kaden Ludwick 6'5" | 245 lbs | DL Clackamas | 2022 State OR who I would consider Oregon’s top recruit for 2022. Look for him to have an unreal senior campaign.
8. Joe Merlino Joe Merlino 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Central Catholic | 2023 OR 6-3 275 DT Central Catholic- Merlino doesn’t have protypical D1 size, but is hands down one of the most talented defenders in Oregon. His combination of raw strength and ability were a big reason the Rams dominated in the 6A title game.
9. Dominic Nacoste Dominic Nacoste 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Estacada | 2023 State OR 6-3 250 DL Estacada- Nacoste was the only underclassmen at the 4A level to earn all state accolades on both sides of the football (1st/2nd). His overall athleticism helps from a recruiting standpoint.
10. Josh Merriman Josh Merriman 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Sheldon | 2023 State OR 6-4 270 DL Sheldon- Merriman had an impressive 1st team all-conference season, making 30 total tackles with 8 tackles for loss and 2 sacks in 9 games. He has size and will be a legit presence upfront for a talented Irish line group next season.
11. Ethan Sanft Ethan Sanft 6'3" | 290 lbs | DL Southridge | 2023 State OR 6-3 290 DT Southridge- Many aren’t aware of Sanft with the Skyhawks going (1-8), but he had a good year earning 3rd team All-Metro honors, while bringing legit size to the table. He has some of the best film state wide among lineman.
12. Ben Thornbrue Ben Thornbrue 6'7" | 235 lbs | DL Glencoe | 2023 State OR 6-7 235 DE Glencoe- The size and overall athleticism speak for itself (basketball). If Thornbrue were to pursue football he would have opportunities collegiately.
13. David Fuiava David Fuiava 6'2" | 290 lbs | DL North Medford | 2023 State OR 6-2 290 DT North Medford- Fuiava was a 1st team All SWC O lineman and was dominant for much of the season. That said as he will project defensively in my opinion due to size and his ability on the interior.
14. Parker Jarvis Parker Jarvis 6'3" | 295 lbs | DL Grants Pass | 2023 State OR 6-3 295 DL Grants Pass- Jarvis is a big athlete and had an impressive junior campaign, earning 2nd team All SWC honors. He will be key if the Cavemen are going to be able to compete with three of the state’s top lines in Sheldon, Roseburg and North Medford.
15. Drew Corcoran Drew Corcoran 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Tualatin | 2023 State OR 6-3 250 DL Tualatin- Corcoran accounted for 18 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss earning honorable mention all-conference honors on both sides of the ball. Look for him to be a featured athlete upfront as they graduate a talented group.