Latu is one of the top 2029 prospects in the state and has had a very nice off-season so far and will be one of the top defenders regardless of class across Norcal this year. Latu is a violent hitter that can play on the edge or as a linebacker and is a high motor athlete that is always around the ball and packs a punch at the POA and offers good position versatility in college. He plays with heavy hands, proper leverage and He has already gathered offers from New Mexico, Arizona and Minnesota in recent weeks and should see a slew of other P4 schools come in through his sophomore season for the Padres.

Recent Offers: Arizona

Latu is one of the top players in his class across the state and can play linebacker or up front as a edge guy in the box. He is heavy handed, bends and gets off the ball quickly while able to win with speed and power at the POA while playing violent and moving well for his size. As he grows and develops, he could very well turn into a true hand in the dirt player and is a key name to keep a close eye on in the 2029 class.

Latu is one of the top players in the WCAL coming back for the 2026 season, and is a strong and violent defender that can play multiple positions on the defensive front. He is a elite pass rusher that explodes off the ball, wins with speed or power at the POA and is a high motor kid with twitch and can really cover ground in the backfield. He overpowers blockers and gets underneath bigger guards/tackles and does a nice job using his leverage and hips to generate power and reset the LOS. Already very technically sound heading into year two for the Padres, he is a no-brainer high level caliber prospect at the next level and should draw immediate college attention this spring.

Latu is a disruptive defender with the size and athleticism to play any position on the defensive line depending on development. 6’1” 240 lbs. he flashes natural movement skills and bend with initial quickness to gain immediate penetration off the snap. Can beat blockers with both speed and power moves showing he can work quickly off the edge to collapse the pocket or use active hands separate at the POA. Plays with great leverage and pad level allowing him to fight through contact or anchor down and stack blocks to hold a gap. Violent tackler that is tough to break once he gets his hands on the ball carrier. Finished his freshman season with 49 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. First offer from Sacramento State prior to the start of the season.

Latu is another one of the top young linebacker/edge rushers in the 2029 class across the state and checks into our rankings as the top linebacker/Edge in his class and should be fielding plenty of FBS offers this off-season. He is a violent and active edge rusher with quick hands when turning the corner and can win with both speed or power at the point of attack and has a diverse skillset for multiple spots. Latu shows a quick first step to gain the edge, can reset the corner quickly and counter back in if needed and is very strong at the POA when taking on drive blocks/double teams. Overall he is a very impressive prospect and technically sound for his age that will be a force for years to come in the WCAL.

The run on Offensive/Defensive Linemen finally came to an end with the No.8 overall pick, Linebacker/Running Back Taupaki Latu Taupaki Latu 6'0" | 245 lbs | LB Junipero Serra | 2029 State CA . At a completely rocked-up 6-foot and 245-pounds, Latu runs a 4.9 forty and uses that speed to turn himself into a human wrecking ball on the field. While he was a force running the ball for the Menlo Atherton Vikings during his eighth-grade season in 2024, make no bones about it–this kid is destined for the defensive side of the ball. He’s a devastating tackler who truly goes sideline-to-sideline. Plays a style of Linebacker that allows him to be on the field in all situations. A tackling machine against the run, can get after the Quarterback on blitzes and can drop into the flat to defend the pass. I think he can be a real difference maker in this game.