Utah Prospects To Know Before They Hit High School – Part 2

Earlier today, we looked at five <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/11/utah-prospects-to-know-before-they-hit-high-school-part-1/"><strong>2026 Utah Prospects Part 1</strong></a> to know before high school. Now we'll take a look at Part 2 of that list of impressive athletes.  Again, Utah is a state that often gets overlooked for the football talent they produce.  Whether it be due to a smaller population or where it is geographically, The Beehive State doesn’t get a lot of respect. Despite that, BYU and/or Utah are usually contending for a top 25 finish in the country. In fact, as of this posting the BYU Cougars are holding tight as the No.15 team in the country. Here’s a look at a couple more 2026 prospects that could be up next in Utah. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-228479 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/ManaseTuatagaloa--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Manase Tuatagaloa | Quarterback</strong> Previously we highlighted Salesi Moa and his production as a wide receiver. But what about the guy getting him the ball?  Enter Manase Tuatagaloa. With his last name it’s easy to draw a comparison to Tua Tagovailoa, but when watching him on film—it’s scary how similar they look. Both are southpaw’s, both have a shorter (by traditional QB standards) muscular build and both can run if you need them to—but are certainly more of a pocket passer. Tuatagaloa has a very live arm and can make all the throws regardless if his feet are set or not. Will be one to watch develop as he goes through the high school ranks. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-228481 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/RamiKaili--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Rami Ka’ili | Wide Receiver/Defensive Back</strong> I’m a big fan of what I see Rami Ka’ili do on the football field. At 6-foot-21 and 165 pounds he’s a tough player to match up against on either side of the ball.  As a wide out he’s a big, physical presence that can stretch the field vertically. He also displays excellent overall body strength which leads him to pick up those tough yards after catch. As a safety he covers a ton of ground and doesn’t give up much over the top. His ball skills are advanced and he seems to always be in the right area to make a play on the ball. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-228482 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/RonaKaili-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Rona Ka’ili | Athlete</strong> Standing 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Rona is currently the bigger of the Ka’ili twins. The jury is still out on where Rona will transition to as he gets ready for high school, but he certainly seems to be a fit for multiple positions. I’ve seen clips of him playing both quarterback and receiver on offense and outside linebacker on defense. If I was a betting man, I see him as a stud outside backer on the next level. He already has the size and play-making instincts, he’ll just need to add on the weight. Offensively, I don’t see him staying at quarterback but that’s not to say he doesn’t make plays there either. There are four years to figure out what his future looks like, but for both the Ka’ili boys, they should be playing on Saturdays. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-228483 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/BrytonNiu--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Bryton Niu | Tight End</strong> At nearly 6-foot-4 and 170 pounds, Bryton Niu is exactly what the new age tight end is supposed to look like. He’s not the “extra” offensive lineman that many tight ends used to be in the 1980’s-90’s. but he certainly can block. Niu has excellent speed for a tight end and is absolutely fearless when going up to make a catch. His size makes him a mismatch nightmare and his ability to highpoint the ball is up there amongst the best in the country for the class of 2026. He’s going to be a fun to watch on the next level. <strong>Robby Whelan | Defensive Line</strong> Whelan is a very raw defensive line prospect with a very high ceiling. He already has the necessary size to be a difference maker in high school, standing 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds. He’s a very strong kid who excels currently because of the power he brings at the line of scrimmage. He trains almost daily and has made noticeable strides since that began. Needs to develop more of a pass rush arsenal and get better using his hands at the point of contact, but has many of the physical traits needed to be successful. I expect him to continue to develop and be a promising player in high school.