Finau Katoa
Finau Katoa
About Finau
Expert Analysis
Andy Pham | Prep Redzone Scout
Finau put together a fantastic showing. He has an explosive first step, displays good lateral quickness and can work on the edge and inside. He shows great physicality and display of strength. He has exceptional traits and is an elite athlete. He combines elite athleticism and size. He will be a nationwide recruit and will be coveted by a majority of P4 schools. He is the next elite prospect.
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Read EvaluationAndy Pham | Prep Redzone Scout
I’ve seen Finau several times this offseason. From 5v5 competitions to 7’s, he is an exciting athlete for the class. He’s a defensive lineman that can win on the edge or be moved inside. He is a versatile playmaker, who is explosive off the line, is violent in his movement and has strong hands and is a physical player. In 5v5 formats, he’s taking on Lineman in the 2027 class and lineman that currently hold P4 offers and winning those reps. He is a disruptor and will be a force as a Freshman. He should be a contributor at the varsity level right away. Elite talent.
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Read EvaluationAndy Pham | Prep Redzone Scout
Finau is an elite prospect with an exceptional ceiling. He has great size and has excellent athletic traits. He is an excellent mover and a violent player. He shows good strength and has good lateral quickness. He has quick, violent hands, great off the line and is a handful to try to block. He can play any of the positions along the defensive line and he has extensive work as a running back where he is a brute force. He has the footwork and physicality you want to see in a power back and wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up as a short yardage back, but his future is on the defensive side. Elite prospect who will be coveted nationally and will garner offers from all the big P4 programs.
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Read EvaluationAndy Pham | Prep Redzone Scout
Katoa is an exceptional athlete. He has tremendous size and frame and will continue to grow into. He is explosive off the line, moves exceptionally well, is light on his feet, has good lateral quickness, and overall burst. His hands are violent, and he is a strong and physical player; he has a tremendous future and is a Power-Four starter at the next level.
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Read EvaluationAndy Pham | Prep Redzone Scout
At the 2025 Power House 5v5 event, Katoa showcased great physicality and brute strength to go along with a great explosive first step. He already has an array of pass rush moves in his arsenal. He can play any position along the front line and should see action on the varsity side as a Freshman. Katoa has immense talent and it was on full display. Katoa has reclassified to 2030 and is already at 6’0 and 227lbs.
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Read EvaluationRyan States | Prep Redzone Scout
- In 2025 EDGE
Finau Katoa
Finau
Katoa
6'1" | 240 lbs | DL
Summit Academy | 2030
State
UT
was selected to the UA Next 2025 All-American Game, representing Team Unstoppable.
- Katoa is the complete package off the edge, showcasing a tough and physical bull rush technique in the run game, while also using his superior speed and bend to blow by tackles in the pass game. And the University of Utah has already taken notice, giving Katoa his first official offer.
- While It’s clear Katoa is best at rushing the passer, his speed makes me think he could fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, still mainly rushing the passer, but also occasionally dropping back in coverage and using his quickness and field vision to make plays in the second level either in the run or pass game.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
- Received his first verbal offer from the University of Utah in June 2024, which was the summer between his 7th and 8th grade seasons
- Has one of the best get-off’s I have seen in this 2029 class, nationwide. Watching his film from the 2023 season, on nearly every defensive snap, at minimum he replaces his front foot and more times than not, he gains a yard to reset the line of scrimmage
- Violent and explosive. He’s a natural disrupter on the defensive side of the ball. Depending on how he continues to grow will dictate what position he ultimately ends up. As of September 2024 he has played on the interior OL and interior DL at a high level
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