Giant Skillz National Showcase Top Offensive Performers
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The Giant Skillz National Showcase camp was held in San Juan Capistrano over the weekend and some of the top linemen in the nation were on hand. Here were some of the offensive linemen from California who stood out to…
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Continue ReadingThe Giant Skillz National Showcase camp was held in San Juan Capistrano over the weekend and some of the top linemen in the nation were on hand.
Here were some of the offensive linemen from California who stood out to me and other scouts at the event:
BJ Tolo BJ Tolo 6'1" | 310 lbs | OL Mater Dei | 2023 State CA , Mater Dei
After day one of the event, Tolo was the most talked about offensive linemen among coaches at the event and scouts. His initial pop with his hands is one of the best I have seen and his footwork is excellent. He has fast feet and replaces his hands quickly when he loses the advantage. Mater Dei underclassmen linemen told me in the fall that Tolo is the leader of the offensive line and took on the role of a senior despite being a junior. Colorado State, Kansas and Oregon have offered him.
Maybe the best OL of Day 1 @Giantskillz_RML 5v5 was BJ Tolo of @MDFootball #NPvisor @BjTolo pic.twitter.com/GiBf7ewi75
— Coach Taylor (@RTaylorFBscout) February 20, 2022
Aitor Urionabarrenechea, Alemany
He impressed me with his hand placement, agility and work ethic on the first day of the event. He was part of a group during the one-on-one portion that didn’t have a lot of linemen and he took every rep possible at left tackle. He knows when to drive the defender outside and ride him out, and knows when to cut him off with his inside leg and drive him inside. He has good size and has room to add some muscle. He was very good against some of the best defensive linemen at the event.
Great day at the GSA showcase @Giantskillz_RML Today it’s time to show out in 1v1 @GregBiggins @RTaylorFBscout @BCollierPPI pic.twitter.com/cuhcciFXz9
— Aitor Jr Urionabarrenechea (@Aitoru_75) February 20, 2022
Brandon Baker Brandon Baker 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Mater Dei | 2024 State CA , Mater Dei
Baker stood out among the interior linemen and not just because of his orange pants. He was dominant at left guard for the Monarchs last season but some scouts say he could project as a tackle at the next level. Mater Dei’s right tackle graduated last season so perhaps Baker slides over there to make room for freshman sensation Sione Tohi Sione Tohi 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Mater Dei | 2025 State CA . He is very big at 6-foot-4 and nearly 300 pounds. He has good balance, strength and fast feet. He matched up with some of the top defenders from Nevada and Georgia and did very well. Baker has offers from Fresno State and Michigan.
https://twitter.com/BrandonBaker73/status/1495828057483104259?s=20&t=l3x_ZFG1EAoRlVd-97-yiQ
Siaosi Tapaatoutai Siaosi Tapaatoutai 6'5" | 275 lbs | OL Bishop Alemany | 2023 State CA , Alemany
“Rhino” looked really good at tackle but could play either side of the ball. He is long and lean at 6-foot-5 and around 280 pounds. He carries his weight well and is never leaning forward while defending power rushing moves. He has a strong initial pop and enough arm strength to maintain separation with any defensive lineman. Solid footwork and just the right amount of aggressiveness.
Siaosi 'Rhino' Tapaatoutai @Rhin0_An0malyyy , (Alemany High , CA) long and super athletic lineman is a star on both sides of the ball. Giant Skillz 5v5 OL v DL tournament in Cali pic.twitter.com/OUz1jCzaRQ
— Under the Radar (@UTRScouting) February 21, 2022
Simeon Maiava, Santa Margarita
Maiava transferred to Santa Margarita from Vista del Lago where he was All-CIF last season. He moves well for his size and drives his feet through contact during the run blocking drills. In the one-on-one portion, he had his hips square, chest out and did a good job replacing his hands when the defensive lineman would parry them away. He looks like he can slide right into the interior line for Santa Margarita, who looks like it could be the most improved Trinity League team this year.
Appreciate the opportunity to display my talents in the GSA big man showcase. @Giantskillz_RML @247Sports @GregBiggins @Coach_TimHolt @CoachRoiz pic.twitter.com/dnCWt6iKPQ
— Simeon Maiava (@MaiavaSimeon) February 21, 2022
TJ Tarascio, JW North
He showed great footwork and upper body strength from the tackle spot in the one-on-one portion of the day. He keeps his chest out and is always well-balanced. You aren’t going to catch him leaning forward against a bull rush and you aren’t going to be able to knock him over with power rush moves. He is a wrestler which I always like in offensive linemen because it teaches the ability to adjust quickly with your hands. He is a high GPA guy who should be able to attract some offers this offseason.
Great to finally get back in the field! Still getting back into the groove of things but here are some highlights from the So-Cal Regional National Showcase yesterday. @JWNfootball @CoachOP_Vaipulu @Giantskillz_RML @giant_skillz pic.twitter.com/GnWgX9CYsZ
— TJ Tarascio (@TarascioTj) February 22, 2022
Tyson Ruffins Tyson Ruffins 6'2" | 305 lbs | OL Long Beach Poly | 2023 State CA , Long Beach Poly
The versatility of Ruffins makes him such an intriguing prospect. He can play guard or tackle. He is very strong and has very good body control for his size. He looked good in the individual drill portion of day one and the coaches on hand were impressed with him. His strength makes him a tough matchup for defensive linemen because he can shut down power rushers with his strength and has the agility to handle speedy edge rushers. He has offers from Idaho State and Morgan State.
RESPECT ALL- FEAR NONE – Thanks @TheSHOWByNXGN for the training. @CoachSBarbee @MFalanai @CoachReneMedina @Recruit_LBPoly @CoachJB15 @562sports @BrandonHuffman @GregBiggins @RWrightRivals @UnkoJD @Guardabascio pic.twitter.com/vp28jhSjTt
— Tyson Ruffins (@RuffinsTyson) February 8, 2022