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See the full story · 2 sourcesWho will be the top high school football defensive lineman in the Eugene-Springfield area in 2026?
With the fall sports season just around the corner, The Register-Guard will spend the next few weeks highlighting the top local football players in the area. We are continuing this year's preseason coverage with a look at Lane County's edge rushers and interior defensive linemen.
Now, it's time for you to decide which DL is the best of the bunch.
Without further ado, here are the nominees.
Cooper Collier, Springfield
Leofatu Filipe, Thurston
Michael Hutanu, Marist Catholic
Tripp Johansen, Willamette
Max Keepers, Pleasant Hill
Marques Lemus-Tena, North Eugene
Chase Martin, Sheldon
Ryder Nagel, Churchill
Jax Norcutt, Lowell
Information about each nominee is listed below. Vote for the athlete you think is most deserving at www.registerguard.com/sports. The poll closes at noon, Saturday, August 15.
Cooper Collier, Springfield
Springfield could be much improved in the trenches this fall after injuries decimated the Millers last season.
Rising senior Cooper Collier will play a large role in that regard and is expected to be a tone-setter on the defensive interior.
"Cooper was tough to handle as a sophomore, and definitely started off last season the same way," Springfield coach Frank Geske said. "But he missed five games with a concussion. ... He's a good offensive lineman, too."
Leofatu Filipe, Thurston
One of the top-rated high school football prospects in the state of Oregon for the class of 2028, Thurston junior Leofatu Filipe is starting to become a household name on the college recruiting trail.
Rivals tabs Filipe, who earned Class 5A second-team all-state honors at defensive end last season, as the No. 618 overall prospect in the nation. He racked up 15 tackles for loss as a sophomore and could see his production skyrocket in 2026.
"It's just about remaining dominant, playing the run really well," Thurston coach Justin Starck said. "He's a tremendous pass-rusher. He puts a lot of pressure on quarterbacks. Really solid all the way around. Good technique; good body type; good frame; strong kid. He's got it, man."
Michael Hutanu, Marist Catholic
Marist Catholic defensive tackle Michael Hutanu had an outstanding offseason, according to coach Zach Loboy, and could be poised for a big season along the defensive interior.
"Spent a ton of time in the weight room this last year, year-and-a-half," Loboy said. "Just an absolute juggernaut in the middle. Even for a slightly smaller defensive lineman, he's going to create some havoc."
Tripp Johansen, Willamette
There will be plenty of pressure on Tripp Johansen in 2026 as he steps into a star role on Willamette's defense.
After racking up 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a junior last year, the Montana State commit will look to produce an equally dominant senior campaign. Even with star teammate Tony Cumberland having graduated, Johansen is still expected to be a one-man wrecking crew this fall.
"At the end of the day, Tripp's motor is his number-one asset," Willamette coach Josh Line said. "He plays with a drive that I've not seen much in my career. That's why he got recruited this offseason, and that's why he's going to Montana State; that motor. We're pumped for him. If he plays to his potential, we're going to be really tough on the defensive side of the ball."
Max Keepers, Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill's Max Keepers was named the Mountain Valley Conference lineman of the year in 2025 despite operating in a role that isn't necessarily glamorous from a statistical standpoint.
Keepers was a block-eating force as a junior who frequently demanded double teams along the interior. His coaches and teammates expect more of the same for his senior year.
"We're really asking him to gum things up in the B-gap and occupy space," Pleasant Hill coach Kenny Koberstein said. "Even with him doing that, he still had 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. For that position, I can't tell you how crazy that is. It's an insanely productive season for what we ask him to do."
Marques Lemus-Tena, North Eugene
Much like his teammate Hank Engelmann , North Eugene rising senior Marques Lemus-Tena is a standout wrestler entering his second year of high school football.
The Highlanders' talented senior could be poised to take a big step forward at defensive tackle and will also start at center on offense.
"Really good kid; he's weighing about 260 and wrestled heavyweight last year," North Eugene coach Rick Raish said. "He is so quick; tough as nails. ... We had a few guys new to football last year who started to get really good in the middle of the season."
Chase Martin, Sheldon
Sheldon's Chase Martin appeared set for a big junior year in 2025, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury during his team's jamboree.
Martin is back healthy and will aim to be full-go by the time the season-opener rolls around. He could be a breakout difference-maker for Sheldon's up-and-coming group of linemen.
"Chase is going to surprise some people at nose tackle," Irish coach Tyler Martell said. "He just got cleared and is really excited. Big, strong kid who will totally anchor the defensive line up the middle. We're really excited about him."
Ryder Nagel, Churchill
Churchill's next standout running back was also one of the most productive pass-rushers in the state in 2025.
As a sophomore last season, Ryder Nagel racked up 22 tackles for loss — third-most in Class 5A — and seven sacks. He will demand plenty of attention from opposing offenses this fall.
"We're going to use him as a linebacker and as an edge, too," Churchill coach Layne Coffin said. "I think he's one of the top ...
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