Northern California: 2022 Offensive Tackles
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Here is Part II of this series in which we will take a dive into some of the top offensive lineman across Northern California. Below are the offensive tackles who have established themselves as some of the top in the…
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Continue ReadingHere is Part II of this series in which we will take a dive into some of the top offensive lineman across Northern California. Below are the offensive tackles who have established themselves as some of the top in the region and who are poised for big 2021 seasons. Some are on the brink of their first offer at any level, and some like Brown and Canepa, already have Power Five and Mid-Major offers on the table.
Creston “CJ” Falevai-Kindness, Pittsburg HS
One of the top players on one of the most talented rosters from top to bottom in the region, Falevai-Kindness is a very athletic prospect that is multi-dimensional on both sides of the ball. Displaying very good movement abilities, he is a solid well-put together prospect with good upper body strength and power. Also one of the top defensive tackles in the region, he is aggressive and physical at the point of attack while playing with good pad level and hand placement both in the run and pass game. He does a good job at keeping his feet underneath him and staying balanced while finishing off blocks with an edge. He is one of the most under-recruited prospects in Norcal and should start to see that change.
Nathan Elu Nathan Elu 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Serra - San Mateo | 2022 State CA , Serra HS
Elu is another top player on a star-studded roster for the golden state power. He has good natural length for the position with long arms and a huge wingspan. Showing solid feet in pass protection, he wins with hand placement/engagement and driving his feet without losing ground. He has nice first step explosion out of his stance and good bend for someone his size and can make a positive impact for a team at the next level. Although still developing, he is technically sound and flashes next level abilities while having untapped potential at the tackle position.
Connor Gilbreath, University Prep-Redding HS
Gilbreath is a bit unknown, but can play at the next level while having plus height/length at 6’5+ and is still getting used to the position but flashes good potential. He is a versatile player that also plays defensive end, but if he can pack on the necessary weight he offers huge upside at the tackle position in college. He is a physical prospect with long arms and does a good job at keeping defenders away from his body and playing with heavy/inside hands at the point of attack. Although it is clear he is still developing, he will find his home either at the defensive end or offensive tackle position at the next level and could turn into a special player.
Lisala Takafua, Pittsburg HS
Takafua is a very explosive player with a powerful lower body and comes down hard in the box with a quick first step while keeping his feet underneath him. He does a good job blocking through the second level and relies on natural strength and power to overrun defenders and finish blocks. A versatile prospect, he could kick inside at the next level and plays with heavy hands and a strong initial punch with nice hand placement.
Other Top Prospects…
Louie Canepa Louie Canepa 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Vintage | 2022 State CA , Vintage HS
Canepa is the top prospect in the North Bay, regardless of class. He is a nasty and physical mauler that is a Power Five caliber prospect as well, and has some of the most impressive tape I have seen this cycle. He currently holds offers from SDSU, Colorado State, Air Force, Fordham, and Army among others.
Jackson Brown Jackson Brown 6'6" | 295 lbs | OL San Ramon Valley | 2022 State CA , San Ramon Valley HS
Brown is a Power Five caliber prospect that has Cal, FAU, Colorado and Pittsburg among others that have already pulled the trigger on offering him. He is a very athletic kid with terrific feet and the ability to block in space.
Multi-offer prospect with FBS abilities. Athletic player with good frame/length and already holds offers from Idaho State, Idaho and Southern Utah.