2027 Watchlist Breakdown: LB
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In-depth analysis of the LB prospects on the initial 2027 PRZ Watchlist. Julius Hernandez-Avila WA #WL DL #WL HEIGHT 6'2" WEIGHT 215 POS DL CLASS 2027 View Profile Julius Hernandez-Avila Instagram Twitter State: Washington School: Life Christian At 6’2” 210…
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Continue ReadingIn-depth analysis of the LB prospects on the initial 2027 PRZ Watchlist.
At 6’2” 210 lbs. he’s a versatile defender that plays the hybrid OLB/DE spot well. Proved to be effective with his hand in the dirt or standing up in a two point. Only a freshman he dominated the 1A level with 77 tackles, 31 TFL, and 16.5 sacks. He’s got a strong build and is developing length since we first covered him as an eighth grader. Flashes great initial quickness off the LOS, he explodes out of his stance working around blockers before they can get set up. This quickness allows him to diagnose plays as they develop and make a ton of tackles at or behind the line. He chases hard and shows some short area burst to close space on the ball carrier. Knows how to use his hands to disengage from blockers. Projects as a D1 prospect.
Highlights
Undoubtedly the top 2027 LB in the state and is already a national recruit with 12 offers including top programs such as Washington, USC, Penn State, and Miami. 6’1” 215 lbs. he possesses an elite skillset with his combination of instincts, trigger speed, and burst to close. He plays with leverage at the POA and is a violently finisher to the ground. His ability to anticipate where the play is going and then use his speed/change of direction to quickly break to the spot sets him apart from your typical high school linebacker. He’s a three down guy that is an aggressive filler as a run stopper but can also drop back and make plays in coverage. As a freshman, he’s got rare natural ability and will be one of the most highly recruited LB prospects in the country when all is said and done.
12 Offers: ASU, BYU, Cal, Colorado State, Louisville, Miami, Penn State, Washington, USC, Michigan State, Nevada, UCF
Moaalii is a quick reacting OLB with the speed to play sideline to sideline. At 5’9” 185 lbs. he plays fast and physical on every snap. He’s extremely active and always finds his way to the ball whether he’s a force player in the run game, rushing the passer off the edge, or dropping into coverage. He understands his assignment and does a good job putting himself in position to make plays. Athleticism and speed give him great range and ability to close space on the ball carrier. Really like his wide skillset and natural instincts in coverage, could transition well to Safety depending on development. Also showed to be effective lining up at RB and KR. Voted First Team All-League and All-Area as freshman.
Pulalasi is a high-level LB prospect that is a force on the Lakes defense. At 6’0” 225 lbs. he’s an attacking defender with a strong and well-built frame as a freshman. He’s a heavy hitter that brings violent contact to every tackle exploding through the POA to drive ball carriers back. High football IQ, he’s quick to diagnose run/pass with limited wasted movement and good angled pursuit to the ball. Plays with good pad level throughout the play allowing him to either stack blockers and disengage or avoid contact all together. Good athleticism and lateral agility to redirect and chase. Shows he can break down in space and line up a ball carrier to make a tackle in the open field. Finished the 2023 season with 74 total tackles and five TFL. It’s only a matter of time before he picks up that initial college offer and skyrockets up rankings and recruiting boards.
Perez performed well starting as a freshman on varsity for Evergreen. He plays much bigger than his 5’8” 175 lb. frame but has time to grow and develop over the next several years. He’s got a great nose for the football and the awareness to read run/pass and then trigger to the ball. He’s patient with his reads and steps before he locates the ball to break. A plus athlete that can run and move laterally to get chase to the outside. Flashes quick hands with good usage to keep blockers away from his body and then shed to free himself up. He’s a reliable one on one open field tackler that can wrap up to the ground and finish the play. Possesses good potential and a strong foundational skillset to build on.