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Dan Albano ranks the top 10 linemen in Orange County going into the 2025 high school football season:
TOP 10 LINEMEN
1. Tomuhini Topui, Mater Dei, DL, Sr.
If one listened closely to the chatter during summer passing tournaments, the name of a lineman often came up with excitement even though he wasn’t at the field. It was “Tom-Tom” Topui, and he gets mentioned for a few reasons. At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, the USC commit is a powerful defensive tackle with impressive quickness and athleticism for his size. Topui, the reigning Trinity League MVP, sets the tone for Mater Dei’s defense by disrupting the backfield or drawing double teams to free teammates to make tackles.
2. Kodi Greene, Mater Dei, OL, Sr.
The Washington committed tackle is the top returning offensive lineman in Orange County, and arguably, in the state. A first-team All-County selection last season, Greene (6-6, 310) can be a devastating blocker when pulling and provides excellent pass protection. He earned co-Most Valuable Lineman in the Trinity League last season.
3. Lex Mailangi, Mater Dei, OL, Jr.
Mailangi (6-4, 340) developed into a first-team All-County selection last season with his performance at left guard and left tackle. The first-team All-Trinity selection opened plenty of holes for running back Jordon Davison and protected QB Dash Beierly’s blind side.
4. JD Hill, Mission Viejo, DL, Sr.
Jaden Williams 2.0? Hill’s goal is dominate like his teammate did last season en route to earning Orange County defensive player of year. Hill (6-2, 276) flashed his pass rushing skills in 2024. The Northern Arizona commit recorded 16.5 sacks along with 101 tackles. “I had a breakout (last season) but I want a bigger one,” Hill said. “I want to catch up to my boy Jaden Williams (now at Boise State).”
5. Simote Katoanga, Santa Margarita, DL, Sr.
The USC commit is a fearsome defender who made first-team All-Trinity League and second-team All-County last season at JSerra. Katoanga is 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, and comes off the edge with a high-octane motor. He led the Lions with 10 tackles for loss, four blocked kicks, and shared the lead with four sacks.
6. Niniva Nicholson, Santa Margarita, OL, Sr.
Nicholson (6-3, 285), another transfer from JSerra, received second-team All-County honors last season as the Lions’ hard-nosed left tackle. The Arizona State commit showed he could finish blocks and protect the quarterback’s blindside. He also made first-team All-Trinity League.
7. Manoah Faupusa, Santa Margarita, OL/DL, Sr.
Faupusa returns to Orange County as an Arizona commit, and as imposing as ever. He’s 6-foot-3 and 350 pounds. Last season at St. Ignatius in Northern California, he was selected the West Catholic Athletic League’s defensive lineman of the year. Faupusa played his first two seasons at Los Alamitos.
8. Auma Jennings, Orange Lutheran, DL, Sr.
With all the high-profile lineman in the Trinity League, Jennings might be overlooked by some but that’s not wise. The 6-foot-1, 310-pound defensive tackle shared the team lead with seven sacks last season and earned first-team all-league honors. If you’re high in Mater Dei’s Tomuhini Topui and Santa Margarita’s Manoah Faupusa, Jennings is your type of interior defender. As of late July, Jennings is uncommitted.
9. Marcus Fakatou, Orange Lutheran, DL, So.
Fakatou (6-7, 260) was a huge freshman last fall but has added strength and weight in the offseason. “It’s hard to even fathom how much better he has gotten,” Orange Lutheran coach Rod Sherman said. “He’s really lifted weights hard. He’s gotten incredibly strong.” Fakatou is a returning first-team All-Trinity League selection after collecting five sacks last season.
10T. Jon Ioane, Tustin, OL/DL, Jr.
Ioane’s stock should continue to rise as he becomes a two-way lineman. After a strong sophomore season as a defensive lineman, Ioane (6-3, 290) will also play right tackle this fall. On defense, look for him to be disruptive at tackle. Last season, he shared co-Lineman of the Year honors in the Delta League with teammate Jeremiah Williams. In a testament to his athleticism, Ioane also serves as a backup quarterback.
10T. Sam Utu, Orange Lutheran, OL, Sr.
The Alabama commit brings size, experience and versatility to the Lancers’ mammoth offensive line. The 6-foot-4 and 320-pound Utu will be a four-year starter in the Trinity League and play guard and tackle, Sherman said.