PRZ Next Watch List Vol. 2 — Cali DL Newcomers Part 1

Ryan Lance

April 7, 2022 @ 08:02 AM

The Prep RedZone Next class of 2026 Watch List Vol. 2 was recently released. This is a list of prospects, not yet in high school, that look to project to play at the FBS/FCS/Division 2 levels in the future. By no means is this list a sure thing, finalized or complete. It will be updated twice more before the end of August 2022. Again, these are not rankings nor are they an end-all, be-all lists. These are the prospects that we have seen, that stand out to our team. Below, we’ll take a look at Part 1 of the class of 2026 California prospects, labeled as defensive line prospects, that are currently on the Watch List.   [player_tooltip player_id="283612" first="Elyjah" last="Aiava"] | Defensive Lineman Aiava is a big-bodied lineman who takes up a ton of space. He’s not the quickest at the point of attack but he does a good job eating up space to allow his feel defensive players to get into the backfield.   [player_tooltip player_id="283642" first="Leonidas" last="Atimua"] | Defensive Lineman Atimua is big, strong and physical at the point of attack. He showcases a good first step and off the line of scrimmage and demonstrates good foot and body quickness.   [player_tooltip player_id="206565" first="Julian" last="Bailey"] | Defensive Lineman The 5-foot-9, 304-pound lineman does a nice job using his hands and shedding blocks. He does a good job pushing the pocket and causing disruption. He always keeps his eyes downfield and does a nice job reading and reacting.   Monoah Faupusa | Defensive Lineman The 6-foot-2, 300-pound lineman uses a quick first step to shoot through gaps and has the athletic ability to play either on the interior or on the edge. He’s a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lineman as he shows great power as a bull-rusher.   [player_tooltip player_id="283689" first="Tomuhini" last="Topui"] Jr | Defensive Lineman The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Topui Jr has the potential to be one of the top prospects in his class. Along with his size he showcases violent hands, the ability to quickly get past defenders and outstanding lateral movement. He’s a high motor player who has great size and athleticism.   [player_tooltip player_id="283688" first="Timothy" last="Ioane Jr"]. | Defensive Lineman Ioane Jr, who is 6-foot, 255-pounds, has the ability to play along the interior line or on the end. He does a nice job reading and reacting and is often disrupting the backfield of opposing offenses. He showcases good lateral movement and the ability to fight through blocks.