NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
.
2026 Orange (Calif.) Lutheran linebacker Talanoa Ili was offered by the USC Trojans back in December of 2022 as a freshman. With USC football in the hunt for the four-star prospect, Ili is entering his junior season in high school as one of the best linebackers in the nation.
Along with the USC Trojans, the 6-3, 200-pound linebacker has received offers from Cal, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas, Florida, Miami, Penn State, Texas A&M, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, Nebraska, Auburn, Utah, Michigan State, UCLA, Arizona State, Stanford, Kansas and Arizona.
Ili is a big-time athlete who can do a lot for a prospective defense. He is well thought of as a recruit, currently ranked as the No. 53 overall player and a four-star prospect in the 2026 recruiting class according to Rivals.
In 10 games in his sophomore, Ili was a true playmaker for Orange Lutheran on defense. He finished last season with 51 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He also forced two fumbles.
Here is a breakdown of Ili’s athletic profile from 247Sports.com national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins:
“Probably best all around linebacker in state right now, regardless of class. Long, athletic 6-3, 215 pound frame and still growing. Can rush off the edge, play in space and drop and cover. Twitchy kid who plays fast but under control. Has looked really good at a pair of off-season events- 7v7 tourney and LB Showcase. Productive and earned 1st team all-league honors after both freshman and sophomore seasons in highly competitive Trinity League. Very active with non-stop motor.
“High football IQ, can quickly read, diagnose and go. Could grow in to an edge rusher down the road but has the athleticism to stay at linebacker and can play inside or outside. A complete, every down linebacker with a very high ceiling.”
Visit our friends at Fighting…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-makes-2026-four-star-164259343.html
Author : Trojans Wire
Publish date : 2024-08-15 16:42:59
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
