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Dan Albano ranks the Top 10 linebackers in Orange County going into the 2024 high school football season:
TOP 10 LINEBACKERS
1. Nasir Wyatt, Mater Dei: The Oregon-committed senior showed last season that he can lead a dominant unit. Wyatt (6-3, 215) recorded a team-high 14 sacks and 21 tackles for loss for a defense that posted five shutouts en route to winning CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF State Open Division titles. The reigning O.C. defensive player of the year remains the most disruptive edge player in the county with his combination of speed, agility and aggressive tackling. If Wyatt is in the backfield, that’s major trouble for the opposition. “(He) plays as violently as anybody in the high school game,” St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro said.
2. Matai Tagoa’i, San Clemente: The senior, who is committed to USC, is listed as a safety/outside linebacker but makes many of his impactful plays after creeping toward the line of scrimmage or blitzing. Tagoa’i (6-4, 190) explodes off the edge with a burst that rivals Mater Dei’s Nasir Wyatt and possesses the same aggressiveness. He recorded seven sacks and eight tackles for loss last season to help power San Clemente to the South Coast League crown.
3. Weston Port, San Juan Hills: The UCLA commit heads into his senior season as a four-year starter seeking to punctuate a stellar high school run. Port (6-2, 220) racked up a career-best 128 tackles last fall and added 13 tackles for loss and three interceptions. The first-team All-Sea View League selection produced some of his best tackles from the middle linebacker spot.
4. Abduall Sanders Jr., Mater Dei: The Alabama-committed senior returns as arguably the county’s most well-rounded linebacker. Sanders (6-1 225) can contribute momentum-swinging plays in pass coverage, run support or pressuring the quarterback. His interception return for a touchdown against St. John Bosco sparked the Monarchs to victory in the Division 1 title game last season. The first-team All-Trinity League defender also can be counted on to deliver the more routine tackles to halt drives.
5. Madden Faraimo, JSerra: Perhaps no player in Orange County looked more imposing during summer passing league than Faraimo. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he displayed a chiseled frame along with plenty of quickness. Faraimo played much of last season with a protective cast on his left arm but still collected 101 tackles and made first-team All-Trinity League. Imagine what he’ll do this season at full strength.
6. Talanoa Ili, Orange Lutheran: The 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior is an explosive outside linebacker who makes tackles all over the field. He is especially effective at shedding blockers to find his target. Ili blends his speed and agility with strong instincts. The combination makes him the No. 1 junior linebacker in the county.
7. Lee Fuimaono, San Clemente: The Arizona State-committed senior made the list of O.C. running backs to watch but also is an outstanding defender. Fuimaono (6-1, 215) led the Tritons last season in tackles with 92. The first-team All-South Coast League selection delivered several of his biggest hits while stopping runs from his middle linebacker spot.
8. Isaiah Leilua, Servite: Leilua signaled his arrival last fall as a freshman by leading the Friars in tackles with 91. He also earned second-team All-Trinity League honors. The 6-foot, 210-pound Leilua played with a physical presence that makes his future exciting.
9. Reily Walker, Capistrano Valley: The 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior continued his rise last season as he played with county standout linebacker Jackson Sievers, now at UC Davis. Walker racked up a career-high 95 tackles to secure first-team All-South Coast League recognition. He also contributed 32 catches for 245 yards as a running back.
10T. Joseph Harper, Northwood: The versatile, 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior racked up 17 sacks last season despite mostly playing with a protective cast on his wrist. Harper is now healthy and looks headed toward a huge season. Northwood coach JC Clarke plans to move Harper around a lot on defense, including linebacker and safety. “Everything is built to get him into the action,” the coach said of his plans. Harper will also be the Timberwolves’ No. 1 option on offense with the team looking to get him the ball in various ways.
10T. Tim Ioane Jr., Tustin: The Tillers’ junior middle linebacker emerged last season by collecting 61.5 tackles and three sacks in nine games. Ioane (6-1, 215) earned first-team All-Empire League honors and received offers from Colorado State and San Diego State in the offseason.
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