NUMBER 25: JAKE METCALFE – SYRACUSE
Metcalfe is as shifty as anyone in the state. On offense, defense, and special teams, he is a playmaker. He recently transferred to Farmington to play his senior year. It is a big loss for Syracuse and exciting for the Phoenix. He will be appointment television next season.
NUMBER 24: AUNESE TUATAGALOA – BEN LOMOND
The Scots have been waiting for a group like the one they will have next season. Tuatagaloa, his brother, and many others are hungry for much-needed success in Ogden. Aunese is a great competitor and a hard worker. He has all the tools to be a DPOY candidate for the 3A classification. Watch out for this man.
NUMBER 23: DEWEY EGAN – GREEN CANYON
Egan was one of the premier corners last season in 4A. He received the All-State nod and has been working hard to improve his game this offseason. Hopefully, his skills can help Green Canyon bounce back from a brutal injury-ridden season.
NUMBER 22: SAIA HIFO – PROVO
Provo is going to have the best defensive backfield in the state of Utah next season. Their youth last season is going to pay off handsomely when August comes. Hifo, in particular, is going to have a breakout season. He is a prospect to keep an eye on.
NUMBER 21: TRACE HANSEN – CLEARFIELD
The change from 6A to 5A will hopefully prove to be a beneficial move for the Falcons of Clearfield. They have had a rough couple of seasons on the gridiron. Something to be excited about is the play of Trace Hansen. He is an excellent coverage defensive back and a tremendous athlete.
NUMBER 20: DANIEL WASHBURN – WESTLAKE
Washburn truly deserves to be on this list. He plays in the most competitive region in the state, which means he lines up against the best athletes in the state. I’m sure he will achieve even another level of play next season. Washburn will get some looks to play at the college level soon.
NUMBER 19: ASHTON ARCHULETA – BONNEVILLE
Archuleta was an electric asset to the Laker defense last year. He made game-changing plays what seemed like every Friday night. The crazy part is he still has such a high ceiling. If he can grind this off-season his potential is limitless.
NUMBER 18: JOHN AMONE – EAST
The Amone name at East high school is a special one. Many significant athletes have wielded the same last name. John Amone lives up to the hype. He is an excellent defender and a name that should be more mentioned the best players in the state. Watch out for East next season.
NUMBER 17: WILL DEKORVER – MOUNTAIN CREST
DeKorver could have also made our most underrated list. He is a difference-maker and a DPOY preseason candidate in 4A. The Mustangs are going to be a favorite going into next season, and their defense just might be top ten in the state. DeKorver seems to be involved in every big defensive play.
NUMBER 16: HUNTER CLARK – DESERT HILLS
Like Mountain Crest, Desert Hills is looking to be a favorite next season in 4A. The Thunder locked down the state championship last year and are looking to repeat. Clark was a big reason they were so successful, and he is returning this next season. He is a hard worker that is constantly grinding. Because of that, he is expected to reach a whole other level in August.
NUMBER 15: GABE MCCOY – PLEASANT GROVE
McCoy is going to be a problem for receivers and quarterbacks next season. Like Washburn, McCoy plays in the most significant region in the state. Playing in region four can be like playing in another league. Because of this, he always has to be at the top of his game, which he seems always be. I can’t wait to see what he can do a year older and wiser.
NUMBER 14: AISA GALEA’I – TIMPVIEW
Galea’i is going to have a weight on his shoulders next season. The Thunderbirds have a lot of talent to replace in their defensive backfield. But, I believe that Galea’i is up for the task. He is quick and has excellent fundamentals. Timpview also has a knack for developing athletes that wind up being superstars.
NUMBER 13: NASH TAYLOR – OLYMPUS
Taylor is one of hottest players of this off-season. His stock is climbing and it’s time you jumped on the Nash Taylor train. He is already receiving collegiate offers, and I am sure they will just keep coming. The Titans are going to be a force to be reckoned with next year. They are overflowing with tremendous returning players.
NUMBER 12: JAKARIN OWENS – JORDAN
Jordan has not had a lot of opportunities to be spotlighted the last couple of seasons. But, Owens is a bright spot that is only going to get better next year. He is a ball hawk and will hopefully be just what the Beetdiggers need to turn their program around. The human highlight reel will have to make some electric plays for them to have a chance,
NUMBER 11: DALLIN HEAL – OREM
The Orem Tigers are going to be a scary contender next season. With Lehi out of the picture and the fact they are returning an onslaught of starters, the Tigers can make a run. Heal is going to be a captain and leader of their defense. He is a grinder and will will his team to a successful season. Watch him climb to the status of one of the best DBs in the state by the season’s end.
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