SAN RAMON, CA - SEPTEMBER 9: California High quarterback Jayden Macedo (2) is sacked by Pittsburg High's Jewelous Walls (33) in the third quarter of their football game in San Ramon, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
PRESEASON ALL-BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
DEFENSIVE LINE
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Jeremiah Bailey, Moreau Catholic, 6-0, 240, senior
The leader of both the defensive and offensive lines. The strongest player on the team. Student-body president with a 4.0 GPA. First-team all-league in 2022.
Romeo Castillo, Wilcox, 6-3, 245, senior
First-team all-league and honorable mention all-Bay Area News Group last season. Will also play guard for the Chargers this fall.
Delon Craft Jr., Salesian, 6-6, 260, junior
Two-year starter on both the offensive and defensive line. First-team all-TCAL Rock last season. Will be among the team’s leaders.
Nalesoni Fakava, San Mateo, 6-0, 280, senior
Co-defensive lineman of the year in the PAL Ocean and all-BANG honorable mention pick last season. Had 48 tackles, a team-best nine for loss, and two blocked FG attempts in 2022.
Aseli Fangupo, Sacred Heart Prep, 5-10, 270, junior
A two-way player was a second-team all-BANG selection last season as an offensive lineman. Also received first-team all-league recognition.
Benjamin Hatch, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 6-3, 240, senior
Three-year varsity starter and first-team all-West Catholic Athletic League selection last season. Plays DL/OL. Has an offer from Weber State. San Jose State has shown interest.
Khayri Jett, Menlo-Atherton, 6-0, 245, senior
As his coach put it, spends a lot of time in the offensive backfield while playing defense. Lines up at defensive end and on the offensive line. Has a strong nose for the ball..
Matthew Johnson, De La Salle, 6-6, 252, junior
The four-star standout is big and athletic. Has offers from numerous Power 5 schools, including USC, Oregon, Washington, Michigan and Notre Dame.
Tevita Pekipaki, Santa Teresa, 6-3, 285, senior
A dominant player on defense and a strong blocker on the offensive line for a Santa Teresa team that captured section and regional championships last season.
Timo Poloka, Serra, 6-0, 280, senior
Should be a physical presence for one of NorCal’s premier programs. Has an offer from Nevada.
Santana Roberts, Heritage, 6-0, 300, senior
The strongest player on the team, benching pressing more than 400 points, according to his coach. Has an offer from Pacific Oregon.
Jordan Snowden, Benicia, 6-4, 220, senior
Edge pass rusher is generating interest from a handful of schools, including Stanford, Sacramento State and UC Davis. “Should have a big season,” Benicia coach Scott Swartz said.
Benjamin Thurman, Berkeley, 6-4, 210, junior
Lines up as an edge rusher on defense. Also plays wide receiver, which might be his main position. A three-star prospect, per 247Sports, with offers from Oregon State, San Jose State and Nevada.
Naki Tuakoi, Fremont-Oakland, 6-4, 222, senior
One of the top recruits in his class. The Stanford commit lines up as an edge rusher and linebacker. Has 18 offers, including 15 from Power 5 schools.
Kelepi Vete, Tennyson, 6-6, 255, junior
A force on both the defensive and offensive lines. Has a half-dozen offers at last check, Cal, Arizona, Arizona State and Baylor among them.
Jewelous Walls, Pittsburg, 6-3, 225, junior
A four-star prospect, according to 247Sports. Will be a force for the storied Pittsburg program. Has 11 offers, including from USC, Oregon, Washington and Cal. San Jose State also has offered.
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Correspondent Mike Lefkow contributed to this report.
Originally published at Darren Sabedra