TOP LINEBACKERS
Here is a list of the area’s best linebackers to watch this season:
MALACHI HANNAH, SIMI VALLEY, SR.
Hannah is a cerebral linebacker who can cover a lot of space quickly. He’s got good size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and speed, which is why he also plays tight end for the Pioneers. Football runs through the blood of Hannah, whose father, Travis Hannah, played wideout at USC in the early 1990’s.
STERLING LANE, OAKS CHRISTIAN, SR.
Lane committed to Arizona hours before Oaks Christian’s season opener against Chaminade. Lions coach Charlie Collins says Lane is very explosive and can be seen at defensive end, too. Lane’s versatility is his super power at 6-4, 235 pounds.
NIUAFE TUIHALAMAKA, ALEMANY, SR.
They call him “Junior.” Tuihalamaka is one of the nation’s best linebackers, and he’s already committed to play for Notre Dame. He’s relentless in his pursuit of the ball and is known to make big hits. Every opponent Alemany faces has to account for where Tuihalamaka is lined up.
Other linebackers to
watch: Dylan Hampsten, Saugus, Jr.; Eric Williams, Highland, Sr.; Andrew McCarthy, Agoura, Sr.; Malachi Hannah, Simi Valley, Sr.; Gabe Gangi, Crespi, Sr.; Saleem Marshall, Reseda, Sr.; Max Romanov, Oak Park,
Jr.; Colton Antzoulatos, Valencia, Sr.; Blake Bouzaglo, Notre Dame, Sr.; Anthony Villalobos, Canoga Park, Sr.; Delamonte Barnes, Birmingham Charter, Sr.; Angelo Pulido, Sierra Canyon, Sr.; Josh Dixon, HarvardWestlake, Jr.