HILLSBORO, Ore. – Rising sophomore Hal Northern of Northwest has been named to the JCGridiron.com Preseason JUCO Defensive Tackle Watch List for the Class of 2018. 

At 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, Northern will be the lone returning starter from last season's defense. The Tunica native started all 12 contests as a freshman and compiled 49 total tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss (second on team), 6.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

Prior to Northwest, Northern was a three-time all-state and All-Region 2-4A selection at Rosa Fort High School. In his senior season, he racked up 79 total tackles and helped lead the Lions to a 9-3 record and the Class 4A state playoffs, before earning a spot in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game.

Northern, a three-star prospect according to 247sports.com, already has a dozen offers, including Florida Atlantic, Colorado State, Southern Miss, Memphis and Troy. He's on pace to graduate in December and more Division I offers are expected for him as the season gets underway.