Best Available 2021 Linebackers

With the early signing period coming to a close, here’s a deeper look into some of the top uncommitted WR’s in the 2021 class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87252" first="Shane" last="Aleaga"], Kennedy Catholic, 6’1” 210 lbs.</strong> Aleaga is a smart and instinctual LB that plays well with his eyes and shows good recognition skills. He’s patient and exact with his movement playing under control and putting himself in position to make plays. Shows plus speed, mobility, and short-range burst to break on the ball and close space quickly on the ball carrier. Strong in pursuit, he’s able to take efficient lines to the ball and possesses the speed to chase down from the backside or across the field. Strong genes with his father playing for UW and in the NFL. Holds offers from Army, Eastern Washington, Montana State, and Washington State (PWO). <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11504964/5ddf45c59680cc1630904689">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11504964/5ddf45c59680cc1630904689</a> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87259" first="Makana" last="Haynes"], Cleveland, 6’4” 225 lbs.</strong> A versatile athlete that could’ve made the Best Available lists for several positions including DE or TE. He shows good natural athleticism and fluidity with a great frame to build on at 6’4 225 lbs. Plus lateral agility and straight-line speed to get through traffic and chase down ball down ball carriers. Colleges will love his versatility and ability to play multiple positions and be effective as a standup LB or with his hand in the dirt. It will be interesting to see how he develops but with his physical skill set and size he has great upside and potential at the college level. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10069964/5dbf62adb3d286082c690b5e">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10069964/5dbf62adb3d286082c690b5e</a> <strong> </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87261" first="Daniel" last="Harrison"], Mount Si, 6’2” 205 lbs.</strong> Harrison is a strong all-around OLB with his ability to make plays both in coverage and in run support. He’s a plus athlete with functional speed and good change of direction to redirect to the ball carrier. He’s a high IQ player that plays well with his eyes and displays a good understanding of his reads and responsibilities. Plays under control and with good tempo, very little wasted movement and is rarely out of position. He’s got great tools to build on with his ability in coverage and reliable open field tackling. Currently holds offers from Central Washington and Colorado School of Mines. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8244270/5de842f61761ea0d249824f1">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8244270/5de842f61761ea0d249824f1</a> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87268" first="K’Son" last="Mika"], O’Dea, 6’1” 210 lbs. </strong> He showed good ability on both sides of the ball in 2019, being a physical football player that is versatile, athletic, and aggressive. He’s a smooth athlete that shows his quick feet and acceleration as a ball carrier and from his LB position. He plays with good pad level and leverage that shows with his power/strength at the POA and ability to drive through contact. Flashes great ability to scrape down the line, work laterally, and make a tackle. Holds a lot of characteristics colleges look for in a LB and I believe his recruiting would have benefitted from a typical offseason/fall season where he could showcase his talent. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10732326/5df0058232dd010d38005074">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10732326/5df0058232dd010d38005074</a> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87287" first="Malakai" last="Koke"], Fife, 6’2” 235 lbs.</strong> Koke is a downhill, heavy run stopping linebacker that makes plays sideline to sideline. He has a good natural feel for the position and shows good instincts and anticipation to diagnose plays quickly. Great ability to fight through traffic and stay clean to locate the ball carrier and make a tackle. He’s a consistent tackler in the open field using good technique and leverage to wrap up and drive his legs through contact. Plays the game tough, aggressive, and physical. Hoping to build on his offers from Dickinson State and Whitworth so far. https://www.hudl.com/profile/10353372/Malakai-Koke-Samuelu &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="87296" first="Arona" last="Tauiliili"], Auburn Riverside, 6’0” 215 lbs.</strong> Plays a tough, physical, and intense style of football from the MLB position. He’s a downhill linebacker that is violent at the POA and can consistently deliver a strong blow to the ball carrier. He’s quick to read and react showing good anticipation and instincts to his job and what the offense is trying to do. He’s smart in his pursuit angles rarely seeing him overrun ball carriers or get beat to the corner. Good ability to shed blockers while locating the ball and fighting through contact to make a tackle. Still searching for that first offer but a strong all-around defensive football player. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11763890/5df1a3bb5eec6603a49ca559">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11763890/5df1a3bb5eec6603a49ca559</a>