All-NorCal High School Football Defense 2017

Our All-NorCal High School Football Team is comprised of a 50-man roster (25 on offense, and 25 on defense). There is no first-team, or second-team. Also, every player is equal. However, for a bit of fun, we do pick starters. Enjoy!

STARTERS

Tyler Manoa

DL — Tyler Manoa | St. Francis-Mountain View | Sr. | 6-5, 285.
The four-star recruit punctuated a stellar career at St. Francis with a sack late in the fourth quarter of a Div. II-A State Bowl Championship victory. Also, Manoa has narrowed his college choices to Oregon, UCLA and Utah.

DL — Jack Powers | Granite Bay | Sr. | 6-3, 205.
Heartbeat of the Granite Bay defense amassed 23 tackles for loss and 14 sacks (both school records). Lastly, the Grizzlies stormed to a 12-3 season and NorCal bowl appearance.

Tuli Letuligasenoa

DL — Tuli Letuligasenoa | De La Salle-Concord | Sr. | 6-2, 295.
USC-bound Tuli Letuligasenoa dominates the interior of the line. Despite fighting through knee soreness, he was vital to De La Salle’s 11-2 campaign and was considered a top Bay Area recruit of 2018.

DL  — Atonio Mafi | Serra-San Mateo | Sr. | 6-3, 360.
The hulking UCLA-commit tore his Achilles in the first round of the playoffs, but it didn’t stifle a remarkable career for the 2017 West Catholic Athletic League MVP.

LB — Henry To’oto’o | De La Salle-Concord | Jr. | 6-2, 210.
Our Defensive Player of the Year is a great blitzing linebacker with remarkable vision and closing speed. He was the leading tackler for the NorCal Open Div. representative and is likely to have his pick of any major college program.

Nate Otto

LB — Nate Otto | Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills | Sr. | 6-1, 207.
Otto was a menace to opposing offenses, totalling 112 solo tackles, four sacks and a blocked punt. Lastly, the Sierra Foothill League Defensive MVP helped the Trojans to an 11-2 record.

LB — Nicholas Einess | Liberty-Brentwood | Jr. | 5-8, 145.
He plays much bigger than he is. Einess blocked two kicks, intercepted a pass and made a team-high 130 tackles as Liberty went 11-2 and won its first North Coast Section title.

Jevon Holland

DB — Jevon Holland | Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland | Sr. | 6-1, 182.
The Oregon-signee intercepted five passes on defense and rolled up over 1,600 yards as a kick-returner and receiver. He was vital to Bishop O’Dowd’s 9-3 season.

DB  — Davion Ross | Inderkum-Sacramento | Sr. | 5-11, 170.
With six interceptions in 2017, Ross brought his career total to 18 in three years. He took two picks to the house this season and also ran for over 600 yards on 38 carries.

D’Angelo McKenzie

DB — D’Angelo McKenzie | Valley Christian-San Jose | Sr. | 5-10, 165.
Mackenzie, bound for Washington State, did just about everything for Valley Christian (777 all-purpose yards). Lastly. his play at free safety played a major role in the Warriors’ 9-3 season.

DB — Charles Alberty | McClymonds-Oakland | Sr. | 5-11, 180.
The Oakland Athletic League Co-Player of the Year saved his best football for the Div. 5-AA State Bowl Championships. He caught two TD passes, intercepted a pass and returned a fumble for a TD.

John Torchio

AP — John Torchio | Campolindo-Moraga | Sr. | 6-2, 190. Mr. All-Purpose completed 226 passes for 3,314 yards behind center, ran for 761 yards, and landed 98 tackles with seven interceptions on defense. He amassed 50 touchdowns and was also the team’s punter.

REST OF THE ROSTER

Tyler Hardeman

DL — Tyler Hardeman | Folsom | Jr. | 6-2, 250.
Totalled 15 tackles for loss and five sacks for state champion Folsom.

DL — Tyler Gillming | Sutter | Sr. | 6-2, 220.
Blocked a punt and nabbed 11.5 sacks.

DL — Jacob Bandes | Pittsburg | Jr. | 6-2, 275.
Four-star recruit had 50 tackles (19 for loss) and six sacks, including 2.5 in state final.

DL — Laiatu Latu | Jesuit-Carmichael | Jr. | 6-5, 242.
He amassed 12 sacks, two blocked punts and two interceptions.

LB — Marshaun Hunter | Del Campo-Fair Oaks | Sr. | 6-3, 218.
Playmaker nabbed two defensive touchdowns, two picks and four fumble recoveries.

Dawson Gruhler

LB —  Dawson Gruhler | University Prep-Redding | Sr. | 6-2, 220.
With 91 solo tackles (29 for loss), Gruhler was beastly in 2017.

LB — Dakota Van Dyke | Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove | Sr. | 5-11, 185.
Assisted on 101 tackles and managed 20 tackles for loss.

DB — Trevor Brouhns | Del Campo-Fair Oaks | Sr. | 5-10, 155.
Posted a Sac-Joaquin Section-best 10 interceptions in 2017.

Tanner Ward

DB — Tanner Ward | Folsom | Sr. | 5-9, 182.
Had nine tackles (two for loss) and a sack in 1-AA state bowl finale.

AP — Dylan Williams | Half Moon Bay | Sr. | 5-9, 155.
Rolled up 1,087 all-purpose yards and 103 kicking points.

AP — Tanner Mendoza | Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa | Sr. | 5-9, 175.
Posted 1,697 all-purpose yards and 135 tackles on defense.

Justin Poerio

AP — Justin Poerio | Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills | Sr. | 5-11, 180.
Caught 78 balls, returned kicks, booted field goals and intercepted five pases.

AP — Travis Warren | Placer-Auburn | Sr. | 6-0, 175.
Had 146 receiving yards, two touchdowns and an interception in 4-AA state final.

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