Norcal Best Available 2021: LB

With the second and final signing day behind us, there are still plenty of moving parts and homes available for the class of 2021 prospects across the region. There are still rosters that need to be filled and PWO opportunities available. Below we will dive into some of the best available 2021 linebackers in Northern California that remain unsigned and are still deciding where to play at the next level or searching for their first offer.   Zachary Brooks 6'0" 225 Ibs., Davis HS [caption id="attachment_106053" align="alignright" width="260"]<img class=" wp-image-106053" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-05-at-9.00.50-AM-300x300.png" alt="" width="260" height="260" /> Photo: Zachary Brooks Hudl[/caption] Coming off a 110+ tackle season while playing in one of the top leagues in all of Northern California, Brooks is a throwback linebacker that is extremely tough and physical in the box while also a strong tackler on the edge and in space. A very smart player, he is comfortable in coverage and displays good ball skills and understands zone responsibilities. Having a natural nose for the ball, Brooks also flashes quick play diagnosis and can apply pressure from various different angles. A very sound and balanced football player that should continue to draw college interest.     Mihalis Santorineos 6'2" 220 Ibs., Rancho Cotate HS [caption id="attachment_106051" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106051" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-05-at-8.52.20-AM-300x272.png" alt="" width="300" height="272" /> Photo: Jane Peleti, The Community Voice[/caption] The top defender on the state champion runner-up's during the 2019 season and one of the top tacklers in all of Northern California, Santorineos holds multiple D-III offers and is still weighing his options and looking to reel in more FCS and D-II interest. During his Junior season, the physical and downhill second level defender flashed quick play recognition, has a quick trigger and is a strong tackler both in the box and in space. Able to violently get off blocks, take good angles to ball carriers and bring a good thump upon contact, Santorineos excelled from tackle to tackle but is fluid enough to tackle in space and track down ball carriers backside while playing with good toughness and a high motor. He can also apply pressure off the edge while flashing a quick use of hands at the POA. He should continue to see more college interest come his way as we enter into the Spring. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10079559/Mihalis-Santorineos">Junior Season Film</a>   Austin Hauptman 6'1" 215 Ibs., Whitney HS [caption id="attachment_106055" align="alignleft" width="283"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106055" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-05-at-9.29.06-AM-283x300.png" alt="" width="283" height="300" /> Photo: Austin Hauptman Hudl[/caption] Another SFL league standout, Hauptman currently holds an offer from Long Island University and is still looking for a home at the next level. During his Junior campaign he was a dominant defender that has ideal size and strength for the position. He displays the ability to get off blocks in a hurry while keeping blockers away from his body and is a strong tackler in the box that tackles through ball carriers and plays with excellent overall physicality and toughness. Also comfortable in space and showing good lateral movement ability, he is a talented pass rusher that can bend and flip his hips off the edge/has good first step explosion and strong use of hands. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11211069/5dbd1d3ee984c508747aea7b">Junior Season Film</a>   Dimitri Johnson 6'1" 220 Ibs., Rancho Cotate HS [caption id="attachment_106056" align="alignright" width="245"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106056" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-05-at-9.31.22-AM-245x300.png" alt="" width="245" height="300" /> Photo: Dimitri Johnson Hudl[/caption] Athletic enough to play multiple positions, Johnson made a huge impact on both sides of the ball at tight end, fullback and inside linebacker and is one of the most versatile players in the region. Currently holding an offer from Pacific University in Oregon, he is projected as a inside linebacker at the next level and is a very good overall athlete for his size and a physical second level defender that displays good closing speed and natural instincts. A strong tackler that plays with great physicality, Johnson also takes good angles to ball carriers in space and shows good hip fluidity while flowing and strong lateral movement, especially for his size. Having a strong lower body and stout frame, he should continue to see college interest pick up this Spring. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10091779/5e4c623b3df5a00b70951dec">Junior Season Film</a>