SPORTSTARS’ 2019 PRESEASON ALL-NORCAL FOOTBALL TEAM FEATURES 44 PLAYERS REPRESENTING FIVE DIFFERENT NORCAL SECTIONS
Welcome to our Preseason All-NorCal Football Team, a staple of our annual Football PreviewIssue. Selections are based on a variety of criteria, including 2018 performance, 2019 expectations, comments from coaches and recruiting buzz.
PRESEASON ALL-NORCAL DEFENSE
DL Omarr Norman-Lott (Grant-Sacramento) Sr. | 6-4, 305
Among section’s best pass rushers, he had 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2018.
DL DeShawn Lynch (Folsom) Sr. | 6-5, 265
Harnessing rare combination of size and speed, Lynch ranks among nation’s top 40 senior defensive ends.
DL Jamar Sekona (Marin Catholic-Kentfield) Sr. | 6-4, 295
A three-year starter and four-star recruit, Sekona committed to USC on July 30. He was also a 2018 Preseason All-NorCal selection.
DL Nusi Malani (Serra-San Mateo) Sr. | 6-6, 250
Boise State, Nebraska, Colorado and Arizona State have all offered the Padres’ talented pass rusher.
DL Akil Calhoun (Liberty-Brentwood) Jr. | 6-4, 230
His late fourth-quarter strip sack sealed a see-saw CIF Div. 1-A regional final at Valley Christian-S.J.
DL Samiuela Fonongaloa (Pittsburg) Sr. | 6-1, 290
Returning three-year starter will be an anchor on both Pirates lines in 2019.
LB Elijah Lash (Las Lomas-Walnut Creek) Sr. | 6-3, 240
This De La Salle transfer has the potential to break out as one of Bay’s top defensive talents.
LB Marcus Jones Jr. (Monterey Trail-Elk Grove) Sr. | 6-0, 190A tackling machine, Jones Jr. racked up over 100 tackles in each of his first two varsity seasons.
LB Mason Mastrov (Campolindo-Moraga) Sr. | 6-5, 220
The recent SMU-commit will be the linchpin of a solid Cougars defense in 2019.
LB Gary Alexander (McClymonds-Oakland) Sr. | 5-10, 210
The El Cerrito transfer will make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball for the Warriors.
LB Moon Ashby (Valley Christian-San Jose) Sr. | 6-5, 205
Offers are starting to pile up for the versatile outside linebacker.
LB Osaro Aihie (San Leandro) Sr. | 6-1, 220
A two-way standout for the Pirates, Aihie had 76 tackes in 2018 and rushed for seven TD.
LB Will Schweitzer (Los Gatos), Jr. | 6-4, 210
He’s one to watch as he enters season ranked among state’s Top 100 junior recruits.
DB Dejuan Butler (Antioch) Sr. | 6-0, 165
The Cal-commit had 48 tackles from the cornerback position a year ago.
DB Deven Vanderbilt (Valley Christian-San Jose) Sr. | 5-11, 170
Lauded as one of the CCS’ top cover corners, Vanderbilt recently earned an offer from BYU.
DB Justin Anderson (Menlo-Atherton-Atherton) Sr. | 6-0, 170
Boston College, Iowa State among schools lining up for the corner who had five INTs in 2018.
DB Trey Paster (Buhach Colony-Atwater) Sr. | 6-2, 190
He committed to Cal in mid-July, choosing the Bears over UCLA, Oregon, Washington and Arizona.
DB Nate Rutchena (Monte Vista-Danville) Sr. | 6-3, 195
Gifted two-sport athlete (hoops) had five INTs last season and averaged close to 27 yards per return.
AP Shamar Garrett (De La Salle-Concord) Jr. | 5-7, 170
Spartans’ ultimate weapon is 1,000-yard rusher, top-end free safety and a dangerous returner.
AP Trevor Pope (Tracy) Sr. | 6-1, 165
The Oregon State-commit had 800+ yards both rushing and receiving, 21 TD and four INTs on defense in 2018.
AP Paul M. Rosa (Wilcox-Santa Clara) Sr. | 5-7, 175
He led 3-A State Bowl champs with more than 2,000 yards of offense, 44 tackles and three INTs on defense.
AP Jermaine Terry (Kennedy-Richmond) Jr. | 6-4, 235
Holds offer from Alabama, considered among the top junior athlete recruits in the nation.
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