With the start of the high school season quickly approaching, the Register has put together its lists of the top 10 players in the county at each position.
These lists are based on the observations of the Register’s reporters, the input of football coaches around the county and the amount of interest shown by college scouts.
Here is a look at the top defensive linemen going into the season:
1. Malik McMorris, Mater Dei, Sr.
McMorris (6-0, 280) emerged last season as a disruptive force on defense. The first-team All-County defensive lineman racked up 10 sacks, recovered three fumbles and drew extra attention from offenses. The Trinity League’s co-defensive player of the year also delivered in the biggest games, collecting three sacks against Servite and returning a fumble for a long TD against Edison. After an outstanding throwing season in track and with a strong supporting cast, there’s no reason to believe that McMorris will slow down.
2. Rick Wade, Santa Margarita, Sr.
The UCLA commit (6-5, 245) appears headed toward for a breakout campaign after a strong offseason. The defensive end not only committed to the Bruins but showed his speed by playing tight end in 7on7 games. Look for Wade to improve his sack total from last season (four).
3. DJ Bailey, JSerra, Sr.
Bailey’s blend of speed and power at defensive end will again be worrisome for offenses. He earned first-team All-Trinity League honors last season and now returns as a Yale commit. Bailey (6-3, 254) also was offered by UCLA.
4. Joe Babros, Mission Viejo, Sr.
Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson has been high on Babros since last season, when he was nearly on par with Diablos standout defensive end Michael Matthewes. Babros (6-4, 225) has since been offered by Colorado and is a key player for Mission Viejo.
5. Rasheed Williams, Mater Dei, Sr.
Mater Dei features the best defensive line in the county and Williams (6-3, 265) is a big reason why. The defensive end was a first-team All-Trinity League defender last season and has been offered by Nevada. Look for Williams to improve on his sack total (five) from last season.
6. Olive Sagapolu, Mater Dei, Sr.
Sagapolu’s breakthrough last season at tackle helped spark the strong finish by the Monarchs. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder clogged the middle and delivered a strong performance against St. John Bosco in the Pac-5 Division final. Sagapolu also is now a starting offensive lineman for Mater Dei. Wisconsin and Washington State have reportedly offered.
7. Parker Chase, Corona del Mar, Sr.
Chase (6-3, 200) posted huge numbers in a breakout 2013 season for the state champion. The defensive end racked up a team-high 16 sacks and added 97 total tackles. FCS contender San Diego has expressed recruiting interest.
8. Harrison Carter, Corona del Mar, Sr.
Carter teams with Parker Chase to give the Sea Kings an elite defensive end tandem. Carter (6-3, 235) had 10.5 sacks last season and is receiving recruiting attention from Harvard and Penn.
9. Havili Eteaki, Servite, Sr.
Eteaki could emerge as the Friars’ best defensive lineman. He’s a 6-foot, 220-pound defensive end.
10. Hojun Lee, Huntington Beach, Sr.
Lee (6-1, 235) might be one of the fastest players in the Top 10. He emerged last season with an excellent burst, which helped him rack up seven sacks for the CIF Southwest Division champion. His fellow end, Liam Jimmons (6-5, 230) is a rising junior.
Others to watch: Billy Banuelos, Fullerton, Sr.; Geoff Blackmore, Villa Park, Sr.; Nick Fehrenbach, Tesoro, Sr.; Carter Hartman, Mission Viejo, Jr.; Jon Jennings, Los Alamitos, Sr.; Liam Jimmons, Huntington Beach, Jr.; Pete Timoti, Valencia, Sr.; Tofa Tupou, Buena Park, Sr.; Jake Watkins, Aliso Niguel, Sr.; Logan Wetherholt, Foothill, Sr.
RELATED:
OCVarsity rankings: Top quarterbacks
OCVarsity rankings: Top running backs
OCVarsity rankings: Top receivers/tight ends
OCVarsity rankings: Top offensive linemen
OCVarsity rankings: Top linebackers
OCVarsity rankings: Top defensive backs
OCVarsity rankings: Top kickers and punters
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
