High school football: Region 5 linebackers and defensive backs rankings

by James Tate

1. Bountiful Redhawks

The strength of the regions defending champions will be on the defensive end and in the middle of the field. Senior linebackers Brigham Morrison and Jacob Brooks return to form a solid combination to stop opposing offenses. All-state performer and highly recruited senior Faletau Satuala is returning at his free safety position for the Redhawks.

Morrison is a confident Redhawk team leader and an exceptionally talented linebacker. Morrison amassed 90 tackles and three sacks as a junior. Brooks shined as a junior with 53 total tackles and a team-leading 3.5 sacks. Brooks, a 2022 All-Area Standard-Examiner honorable mention recipient, is quick, rugged, and is looking for a big senior year.

If a team tried to go over the top on the Redhawks, they would find it very challenging with Satuala waiting to pick off and pass he gets a bead on. Satuala combines excellent leadership with his unique physical talents to give the Redhawks a player rarely seen. Satuala recorded 60 tackles and a team-leading six interceptions in 2022. Redhawks junior, Britton Tidwell grabbed four interceptions last season and adds depth to the secondary.

2. Roy Royals

The Royals linebackers will be a strength for Royal’s defense, with seniors Colby Hepner and Cove Rodriguez and juniors Logan Cella and Hunter Webb. Hepner totaled 21 tackles last season and is ready to lead a deep linebacking unit for the Royals. Rodriguez and Cella mainly played on offense in 2022 and could fill in on defense if needed.

Senior Dax Valentine and junior Hunter Webb are athletic linebackers looking to make their mark on defense. Sophomore Sam Smith is a confident playmaker and a rising star on the Royal’s defense. This unit will be challenged from the start of the season with games against 6A teams, American Fork Cavemen, and rivals Fremont Silverwolves and the Weber Warriors.

Returning three starters from 2022 defensive backfield the Royals have depth and experience from last season. Seniors Cole West, Jake Viers, and Kotah Sudyka combined for 103 total tackles in the secondary for the Royals. Veteran cornerback senior Corben Schuffenhauer returns with four career interceptions.

The Royals also have junior Kili Eleneke at a cornerback spot coming back. Eleneke started last season and is quickly coming into his own as one of the best corners in the state. Junior Robert Young returned an interception for a touchdown last season and will provide depth in the secondary.

3. Bonneville Lakers

he Lakers return junior Isaac Mansaray after he recorded 44 total tackles and three interceptions as a star defensive back. Mansaray doubles as a top wide receiver for the Lakers and has excellent reactions to attack the ball. Playing all phases of the game, Mansaray is also a dangerous kick returner who can change a game quickly.

Other returners for the Lakers include senior linebackers Adam Demille, Maximus Diaz, Case Wayman, and Tifaga Havili. These returners combined for 143 total tackles in 2022. Junior Keaton Fuit was part of the group and contributed with 29 total tackles. Junior Cameron Fairbanks is a returner in the secondary after grabbing three interceptions in 2022.

4. Viewmont Vikings

The Vikings return junior Kingston Mickens to the defensive backfield. Mickens is a smooth cornerback with excellent instincts and anticipation. Mickens led the team with four interceptions last year and will draw the assignment of covering the opponent’s best receiver each game. A fast and confident defensive player, Mickens will be a top player in the state for the next two years.

Senior Dax Nielsen, juniors Jordan Jones and Carson Baird, and sophomore Kellen Wood will join Mickens in the secondary. Senior Daren Tovey played in the defensive backfield last season and led the Vikings with 71 tackles. He could play as the starting quarterback and in the secondary this year.

At linebacker, the Vikings lost many players to graduation, so finding the right combination will be a main priority for the coaching staff as the season nears.

5. Clearfield Falcons

Junior Canyon Dugger will lead the Falcon’s linebackers. Dugger led the Falcons in tackles last season with 78 total tackles. Dugger is tough, can drop into coverage, and make tackles sideline to sideline. The Falcon’s secondary will be a strong unit for Head Coach Carl Harry this season.

Losing All-region performer Jaxson Vincent will hurt, but senior Beau Miller is a lockdown physical corner. Defensive coordinator Uppsen Downes will look to Miller and senior free safety Trace Hansen to lead a talented secondary to shut down a region of diverse offenses. Hansen finished second on the team with 72 total tackles and three interceptions last season. Other players to watch for the Falcons will be seniors Malcom Yates and Cody Clark.

6. Woods Cross Wildcats

The Wildcats senior Cash Henderson is back after having a fantastic 2022 season with 99 total tackles and 5.5 sacks from his linebacker position. Henderson led the Wildcats in tackles and will team with the third leading tackler from last season, senior Charlie Coats. Coats totaled 81 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2022.

The secondary returns veteran Carter Freestone, who grabbed three interceptions and had 57 total tackles as a junior. Freestone, Henderson, and Coats were essential players in the Wildcat’s turnaround season, from zero wins in 2021 to six wins last season.

7. Box Elder Bees

The Bees return linebacker Mason Jeppsen after recording 116 total tackles last season. Jeppsen is one of the state’s best at recognizing plays quickly and reacting to what he sees. Jeppsen will see action on the offensive side of the ball and is vital for the Bee’s drive to a region championship.

The Bees’ secondary must replace a talented graduated group that totaled 20 of the team’s 22 interceptions in 2022. Players to watch will be seniors AJ Bushnell and Camren Davis.

8. Northridge Knights

The Knights will return junior Jaxon Fresques to the secondary after recording 89 tackles and grabbing an interception in 2022. Senior Hudson Heywood is a returner who recorded 47 tackles and two interceptions last season. Junior RJ Tillman saw the field last season and recorded 37 total tackles for the Knights.

The Knights have senior Austin Murphy returning to lead the linebacker unit. With the loss of a talented senior class last season, the Knights will look to senior Zach Smith to spend time on defense and be an offensive playmaker.

cover photo courtesy of James Tate of Royal’s DB Kili Eleneke