Preseason watch list: Top high school football players in the South Sound in 2022
High school football programs across the South Sound begin the 2022 season this week.
Many local rosters are stacked with Division I-bound talent and returning all-league performers — again.
Here are 25 of the top preseason players to watch around the area this fall.
LB Xe’ree Alexander, Kennedy Catholic, sr. — Arizona State commit has become a key contributor on defense for the three-time defending 4A NPSL champion Lancers. Three-star recruit was a 4A/3A NPSL Red Division first-team selection at linebacker last season.
OL Micah Banuelos, Kennedy Catholic, sr. — Reigning 4A/3A NPSL Red Division offensive lineman of the year was also a first-team pick on the defensive line last season, and will again be key to a Lancers team looking to secure a fourth consecutive league title. Four-star recruit committed to USC in July, and held offers from nine Power Five programs.
DB Rahshawn Clark, Federal Way, jr. — Four-star recruit returns as part of the Eagles’ talented and experienced secondary. Holds 12 offers from Division I schools, including programs in the ACC, Big Ten, SEC and eight in the Pac-12.
OL Kyle Cox, Eatonville, sr. — A big part of a strong offensive line that led the Cruisers to the 1A state championship game a season ago. 1A Evergreen first-team selection in 2021. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive tackle is considered a three-star recruit. Committed to Boise State in June and held nine Division I offers.
RB/LB Jalen Davenport, Graham-Kapowsin, sr. — Working back from a knee injury, but when on the field, Davenport (656 yards, 13 TDs; 86 tackles last season) is a bruiser at running back and linebacker. 4A SPSL co-MVP last season for the reigning 4A state champions.
QB Amari Goodfellow, Auburn, sr. — Last season’s 4A/3A NPSL Blue Division player of the year and first-team quarterback piled up 1,762 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air, and added another 1,070 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground.
LB/DB Wyatt Gordon, Puyallup, sr. — 4A SPSL first-team linebacker last season has Division I and NAIA offers, including a Big Sky offer from Idaho State.
QB Gabarri Johnson, Lincoln, sr. — The top-ranked quarterback in the state this fall, Johnson (2,222 passing yards, 28 TDs; 737 rushing yards, 15 TDs last season) is the reigning 3A PCL MVP. Considered a four-star recruit. Missouri commit.
WR/DB Mason Juergens, Olympia, sr. — 4A SPSL first-team wide receiver last season hauled in 72 catches for 1,172 yards and 16 touchdowns, and added 37 tackles, three for losses, one sack, five pass breakups and an interception on defense. Three-star recruit holds an offer from Portland State.
QB Rocco Koch, Curtis, jr. — There were few players last fall more difficult to bring down than the Vikings’ dual-threat quarterback. Had 1,500 yards passing and 1,150 yards rushing for Curtis. 4A SPSL first-team selection in 2021.
TE/DL Jacob Lane, Emerald Ridge, sr. — 4A SPSL first-team pick on the defensive line last season piled up 47 tackles, 11 for losses, a team-leading four sacks and team-leading three caused fumbles for the Jaguars. Three-star recruit committed to Washington in June and held 10 offers from Division I programs.
RB Unterrio Latin-Henley, Washington, jr. — Transferred from Eastside Catholic late last season, Latin-Henley is the best athlete in the 2A SPSL and a legit next-level prospect. Considered a three-star recruit, he holds offers from UW, WSU, Arizona and Nevada.
WR/DB Jay Mentink, Sumner, sr. — 4A SPSL first-team selection on special teams last season is committed to play football and baseball at Princeton.
WR/DB Dane Parker, Puyallup, sr. — 4A SPSL first-team defensive back last season holds offers from six Division I programs.
LB Isaiah Patterson, Yelm, jr. — Skyview transfer will be part of a nasty linebackers’ room at Yelm this fall. Considered a four-star recruit, Patterson holds offers from Oregon and WSU.
DB Andre Piper-Jordan Jr., Federal Way, sr. — Part of a vaunted Eagles secondary, Piper-Jordan Jr. is the reigning NSPL red division defensive back of the year. Considered a three-star recruit. Oregon State commit.
RB/LB Brayden Platt, Yelm, jr. — A wrecking ball at both linebacker and running back. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Platt (1,152 rushing yards, 15 TDs) was a 3A SSC first-team selection on both sides of the ball last fall. Considered a four-star recruit, he holds offers from Michigan, Oregon, Washington and others.
OL Nathan Pritchard, Auburn Riverside, sr. — 6-foot-5, 285-pounder is a load for the reigning 3A NPSL champion Ravens. 4A/3A NPSL White Division first-team selection last fall. WSU commit is considered a three-star recruit.
RB/WR Leo Pulalasi, Lakes, sr. — The reigning 3A PCL offensive player of the year, Pulalasi (931 rushing yards, 13 TDs; 380 receiving yards, 5 TDs last season) is a versatile player for Lakes with deceptive speed. BYU commit is considered a three-star recruit.
WR Kyler Ronquillo, Yelm, sr. — Named the 3A SSC offensive MVP last season, Ronquillo (775 receiving yards, six TDs last season) is as dangerous as they come with the ball in his hands and a threat to take any play to the house. Portland State commit.
QB Jake Schakel, Emerald Ridge, jr. — Completed 73.1 percent of his passes last season for 2,245 yards and 23 touchdowns on the way to 4A SPSL first-team honors. Three-star recruit holds offers from Colorado State, Florida Atlantic and Nevada.
ATH Dorian Thomas, Kentridge, sr. — 4A/3A NPSL Red Division first-team selection last fall, Thomas projects as a tight end in college, but will play some quarterback for the Chargers this season. Considered a three-star recruit. Oregon State commit.
DB Jasiah Wagoner, Spanaway Lake, sr. — He projects as a corner in college, but the plan is to use last season’s 3A PCL co-defensive back of the year as a safety this season at Spanaway Lake. Was also a 3A PCL first-team pick at wide receiver in 2021, piling up 521 yards and six touchdowns. Regardless of where he lines up, his impact will be felt. Considered a four-star recruit. Oklahoma commit.
WR David Wells, Lakes, sr. — If teammate Leo Pulalasi is the thunder, Wells (920 receiving yards, 10 TDs last season) is the lightning. The speedy senior can blow the top off a defense and will feature more in the short passing game this fall, too. 3A PCL first-team pick at wide receiver, cornerback and returner in 2021. Oregon State commit is considered a three-star recruit.
LB Ray Wright, Yelm, sr. — Earned defensive MVP honors last season in the 3A SSC. Instinctual linebacker with sideline-to-sideline ability. Holds a Portland State offer.
