Nevada Linebackers to watch in the 2018 & 2019 Class
Eight Nevada linebackers moved on to play for four year programs out of the 2017 class and another impressive group are ready in 2018. Here is a breakdown of some of the top players to watch:
68 tackles 2 sacks
A two year starter on the best high school team in America, Gaoteote is rated as the top outside linebacker in the nation this recruiting cycle. He plays with outstanding instincts with the ability to read and diagnose plays quickly while deliver a thud on contact. With excellent size, he is extremely smooth and fluid as an athlete with strong hands flowing through contact.
An impact player that has the versatility to play any linebacker position, he has garnered option from teams across the nation recently committing to the USC Trojans.
69 tackles 4 sacks 2 int (1187 yards 21 tds rushing)
An extremely physical player at the point of attack, Kaho has excellent speed at the linebacker position showing the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. He is excellent taking on blocks and reads plays quickly with the ability to make plays in space versus the pass. His team’s primary offensive threat, he has the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands with great defensive instincts.
An early BYU commit, Kaho has loaded up Pac 12 offers in recent weeks and should become a national level prospect this spring.
92 tackles 7 sacks
A high energy player, Garcia is the most productive returning defender in the state and helped lead the Mustangs to their first Northern Title last season. Showing speed and excellent instincts, he is a force behind the line of scrimmage as an excellent pass rusher. A dominant run defender as well that is just as smooth in pass coverage, he is a player that should garner heavier attention as teams travel to Reno in the spring.
30 tackles 1 sack (50 car 341 yds 6 tds/6 rec 226 yds 2 tds)
A standout track athlete that clocked a 11.84 100m, Nellums is a speedy football player with all-around playmaking skills that can translate to either side of the football. He has plenty of speed to track the ball down from anywhere on the field showing good strength and outstanding quickness.
An impact player, Nellums is a high level prospect that brings outstanding skills but has religious restrictions they may prevent him from making it to the field to play college football.
12 rec 214 yards 17.8 avg 2 tds (68 yards rushing)
A speedy athlete, Wilson is an active player that has great skill as an edge player and doubles as a playmaking pass catcher as well. He has the ability to track the ball with good tackling skills and sideline-to-sideline speed. He has to continue to develop his skills and add more upper body strength but he is an impressive prospect with upside.
28 tackles 6 sacks
Quietly one of the Gaels most productive defenders as a junior, Ulofoshio shows the strength and quickness to develop high quality linebacker. Playing with very good speed, he is a great pass rusher that’s fundamentally sound with balance and quick hands. He has good explosion on contact with the ability to shed blocks quickly and showing great tenacity.
A high school defensive end, he shows the physical skills to turn heads as a senior.
77 tackles 3 sacks
Physically strong and instinctive off the edge, Thompson has been a very productive starter the last two seasons. He has the speed to track the ball in pursuit with impressive instincts and a knack for game changing plays.
With good length, Odunez is a raw player on the edge that has very good athletic ability and speed on defense. He has to continue to develop his strength but he tracks the ball well with the ability to rip off the edge as a pass rusher. He is a player that has to continue to develop but he has very good upside and should be very productive as a senior.
LB Jared Ables Foothill 6’0 200
114 tackles 1 int
Ables shows good instincts and shows the ability be a consistent tackler. He has a good first step when attacking up field to get after the run. With good strength when engaged with blockers, he is a productive player with good skill.
LB Harrison Read Foothill 6’0 210
50 tackles 3 sacks
A physical player, Read is an instinctive defender that is fundamentally efficient with good hands. He plays on the edge in high school but is more suited to shift to the interior in the future. With is a strong player versus the run with good tackling skill and the ability to move well laterally.
2019 Prospects Class Linebacker Prospect to Watch
53 tackles
With impressive strength, speed, instincts and production; Tuinei is a standout defender in the middle that delivers as a heavy hitter.
66 tackles 1 int
A run stuffer, Meredith is a great tackler that does a great job navigating traffic and locating the football. Well built and intense, he is a rising star.