Iona Kupu
Iona Kupu
About Iona
Expert Analysis
Jordan Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
Kupu has anchored the Chander defense from the inside over the past two seasons. 6’0” 220 lbs. he’s a reliable three down linebacker that plays with good patience and eye discipline. Calculated and controlled with his movement he allows himself time to diagnose and lets the play develop before exploding to the ball. Does a good job not overrunning plays or biting on misdirection. Aggressively fills run lanes, plays with good leverage, and takes on blocks with good strength and hand usage. High motor defender, he’ll chase hard sideline to sideline and has the lateral quickness to flow cleanly down the line. Strong tackler that wraps up, runs his feet on contact, and finishes through the ball carrier. Flying under the recruiting radar but expect to see a bump this offseason.
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Read EvaluationJordan Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
As a sophomore, Kupu led Chandler in tackles and was also near the top of his class with 105. At 5’11” 220 lbs. he shows three down ability by making plays as a run filler and dropping back into coverage. He’s patient with his reads and footwork but is quick to react and locate the ball. Steps up to fill run lanes aggressively taking on blockers with his shoulders square and good pad level at the POA. High effort player that has the speed to chase downfield and to the outside using good lateral movement to play flat down the line. Flashes good awareness to create turnovers with good timing and effectiveness of punch out and rip techniques. Brings strong contact as a tackler that drives through the ball carrier with leverage. He’s the second ranked LB prospect in the 2027 class and #36 overall.
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Read EvaluationHunter Tierney | Prep Redzone Scout
Playing as a sophomore on a talented Chandler defense, Iona Kupu Iona Kupu 5'11" | 220 lbs | LB Chandler | 2027 State AZ currently leads the Wolves in tackles. His instincts and lack of hesitation to act on them make him an incredible run stuffer. Whether it be filling gaps the moment they develop in front of him or working down the line of scrimmage and powering through the trenches to make a play on the other side, Kupu goes everywhere the running back does. A versatile linebacker, he’s not only good against the run, but the ’27 backer also has an interception and two passes defensed in eight games. With years of development left before his high school career is over, Kupu is a player coaches should keep a close eye on.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
Another bigger, thicker linebacker at this point. However, unlike some other prospects, he can move very well too. Have been impressed in the 7v7 clips I’ve seen of him, moving significantly better than one would think.
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Read EvaluationRyan Lance | Prep Redzone Scout
Kupu is a versatile linebacker prospect with natural instincts and ability to key and diagnose, play downhill, and drop comfortably in coverage. Kupu has good size as he’s currently a thick 5-foot-11, 200-pounds. He’s comfortable playing sideline to sideline and isn’t afraid to put his nose to the football. He does a nice job fighting through contact and disrupting the backfield on blitzes. Also continues to improve overall athleticism and quickness playing 7v7 this spring for The Squad.
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