The Register’s Dan Albano selected the top high school football players from the western region of the U.S. for our annual Fab 15 teams.
There are two teams and a total of 30 players.
The region is made up of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Here’s the first team along with updated signing day info:
FAB 15 FOR 2015
1. IMAN MARSHALL
Long Beach Poly
CB, 6-1, 195
The West’s top overall prospect might have the speed and power to contribute as a true freshman. His finalists – USC, UCLA, Michigan, LSU, Florida State and Notre Dame – might have to wait until Signing Day to find out if they’ll have him.
Status: USC (signed)
2. KAHLIL MCKENZIE
Clayton Valley of Concord
DT, 6-3, 341
Scout.com ranks McKenzie as the No. 1 recruit in the nation. The longtime Tennessee commit and son of Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie plays with a high motor in the middle.
Status: Tennessee (signed)
3. JOSH ROSEN
St. John Bosco
QB, 6-4, 205
The UCLA signee carried the flag for the West QB standouts and performed well, leading the Braves back to the CIF Pac-5 Division finals. Scout.com ranks the athletic Rosen as the No. 1 QB in the nation.
Status: UCLA (signed)
4. CANTON KAUMATULE
Punahou (Hawaii)
DE, 6-6, 280
The Oregon commit has the physical tools to contribute early. He’s tall and moves well for his size, especially in pursuit. Scout.com ranks him as the No. 1 defensive end in the West.
Status: Oregon (signed)
5. KEISEAN LUCIER-SOUTH
Orange Lutheran
OLB, 6-6, 230
The UCLA commit aspires to continue the Bruins’ success at linebacker. Orange County’s top prospect was heavily recruited because of his size and athleticism, which he also shows in basketball.
Status: UCLA (signed)
6. CHRISTIAN KIRK
Saguaro (Arizona)
WR, 5-10, 190
Here are a few reasons why the Texas A&M commit is Scout.com’s No. 1 receiver in the West: He’s a speedster, sure-handed (61 catches in ’14) and a playmaker (1,692 yards rushing ’14).
Status: Texas A&M (signed)
7. BLAKE BARNETT
Santiago of Corona
QB, 6-5, 195
The Alabama commit is a polished passer who also moves well outside of the pocket. He threw for 3,404 yards and 23 TDs last season and rushed for 479 yards.
Status: Alabama (signed)
8. PORTER GUSTIN
Salem Hills (Utah)
LB, 6-4, 237
Rivals.com ranks the ultra-athletic Gustin as the No. 1 inside linebacker in the nation. USC, Arizona State and Ohio State are the favorites to land the senior, who also played dual-threat quarterback.
Status: USC (signed)
9. RASHEEM GREEN
Serra of Gardena
DE, 6-5, 290
The defensive line was a deep position in the West, but the uncommitted Green distinguished himself with a quick get-off and ability to finish tackles. USC, Arizona State, Oregon and Miami are leading contenders.
Status: USC (signed)
10. OSA MASINA
Brighton (Utah)
OLB, 6-4, 233
The recent USC commit is Scout’s No. 1 prospect at outside linebacker. As a stand-up rush end, he used an outstanding burst to terrorize backfields as a senior.
Status: USC (signed)
11. JOHN HOUSTON
Serra of Gardena
OLB, 6-3, 207
Scout.com ranks the uncommitted Houston behind Lucier-South and Masina, but consider him a worthy part of the elite trio. His speed and athleticism allow him to play comfortably in space and in pursuit.
Status: USC (signed)
12. BREIDEN FEHOKO
Farrington (Hawaii)
DT, 6-2, 290
The Texas Tech signee is Scout.com’s No. 2 defensive tackle in the West behind McKenzie. He combines a quick get-off burst at the line with plenty of finishing power.
Status: Texas Tech (signed)
13. ALIZE JONES
Bishop Gorman (Nevada)
TE, 6-5, 230
The Notre Dame commit is Scout.com’s No. 1 tight end in the West. Southern California fans saw Jones’ playmaking skills this fall as he collected a season-high eight catches for 163 yards and two TDs against Centennial of Corona. His speed and elusiveness at his size make him special.
Status: Notre Dame (signed)
14. MARVELL TELL
Crespi of Encino
S, 6-2, 184
The recent USC commit is a hard-hitter who knows how to wrap-up on tackles. Scout.com’s No. 1 safety for the West also offers the speed and jumping ability to supply corner support.
Status: USC (signed)
15. JAKE BROWNING
Folsom
QB, 6-2, 195
The Washington commit became arguably the fastest-rising prospect in the West after throwing for a national-record 91 TDs and almost 5,800 yards in the fall. He features a quick release and plenty of accuracy (only seven interceptions in ’14).
Status: Washington (signed)
RELATED:
Fab 15: Second Team selections
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
