We’ve already had a look at the top offensive skill players to watch. This is our look at the top defensive players to watch heading into the new season. Like the old saying goes, defense wins championships.
TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
1. Dakoda Fields, Serra, Sr.
With Rodrick Pleasant graduated, Dakoda Fields steps in as the next highest-rated recruit in the Serra secondary. Fields recently changed his commitment from USC to Oregon.
2. Venilaite Wolfgramm, Inglewood, Jr.
Wolfgramm was the Daily Breeze Defensive Player of the Year last season. He’s leading a young Inglewood defense this season.
3. Mark Iheanachor, Narbonne, Jr.
Iheanachor had a strong sophomore season (62 tackles, three interceptions). He’s one of the top recruits in the state for the Class of 2025.
4. Tanu Sosa, Serra, Sr.
In two seasons, Sosa has shown he knows how to get to the ball. The senior linebacker has 224 tackles and 12 sacks for Serra.
5. Chrishawn Singleton, Inglewood, Sr.
Singleton is another player to watch on the Inglewood defense.
6. Nikko Klemm, Serra, Sr.
Klemm transfers in from Oregon, adding another strong piece to the Serra secondary.
7. Jerry Misaalefua, Carson, Sr.
Misaalefua didn’t leave the field much last season, so expect the same this season as he balances his offensive and defensive duties.
8. Noa Keohuloa, Serra, Sr.
In the past two seasons, Keohuloa recorded 168 tackles and 10 1/2 sacks.
9. Cole Spanjol, Palos Verdes, Sr.
Spanjol recorded 82 tackles last season and intercepted two passes.
10. Ryan Stowe, South Torrance, Jr.
Stowe last season recorded 15 sacks. This season, he’s going to see time on the defensive line and at linebacker.
11. Triston Thomas, Narbonne, Sr.
Thomas was a second-team All-Area pick last season. He led Narbonne with five interceptions and recorded 44 tackles.
12. Jacob Reis, Palos Verdes, Sr.
Reis earned second team All-Area recognition last season. He recorded 75 tackles last season and three sacks.
13. Samu Moala, Leuzinger, Soph.
Moala recorded five sacks last season and recorded 45 tackles.
14. Trysten Henry, North Torrance, Sr.
Henry was extremely busy for the Saxons last season. He recorded 150 tackles and earned second team All-Area recognition.
15. Naiem Powell, Lawndale, Sr.
Powell was a second-team All-Area pick last season. He led the Cardinals with 102 tackles and also recorded six pass break-ups.
16. Jake Silverman, Torrance, Jr.
Silverman earned All-Area recognition in each of his first two seasons for the Tartars.
17. Elijah Brown, Narbonne, Sr.
Brown is ranked in the Top 200 by 247Sports in the California Class of 2024. Last season, he recorded three interceptions.
18. Carson Moore, Palos Verdes, Sr.
Moore was a second-team All-Area selection on the offensive line last season. On defense, he recorded 34 tackles and five sacks.
19. Carson Cox, Redondo, Sr.
Cox led the Sea Hawks in tackles (71) last season.
20. Steven Perez, Banning, Jr.
Perez recorded 90 tackles last season and intercepted two passes.
Others to watch: Luka Mardesich, San Pedro, Sr.; Tre Harrison, Serra, Jr.; Robert Paladines, Inglewood, Sr.; Giovanni Yandall, Banning, Sr.; Brendan Leomiti, Carson, Sr.; Trajon Townsend, Lawndale, Sr.
