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Dan Albano ranks the top 10 linebackers in Orange County going into the 2025 high school football season:
TOP 10 LINEBACKERS
1. Dash Fifita, Santa Margarita, Sr.
Fifita’s college recruiting rankings aren’t eye-popping. Neither are his physical measurements. But when he plays defense, his pursuit skills and instincts certainly impress. Last season, Fifita (5-9, 185) racked up a team-high 100 tackles, including 11 for losses, and 3.5 sacks en route to sharing the Trinity League’s defensive MVP with Nasir Wyatt of Mater Dei. Fifita also made first-team All-County. In many ways, he is following the footsteps of his brother Noah, the undersized Arizona quarterback from Servite who has proved many wrong the past two seasons.
2. Shaun Scott, Mater Dei, Sr.
Be ready for the Scott Show. The USC commit has been a rising player for outstanding defenses the past few seasons, and now returns as the Monarchs’ top linebacker. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Scott has the size and speed coming off the edge to terrorize quarterbacks like Wyatt. Scott recorded 6.5 sacks last season and added two interceptions.
3. Taven Epps, Tustin, Jr.
The Texas commit enters the fall with a growing skill set. The 6-foot-4 and 220-pound linebacker runs well and uses his size to play physically. He recorded seven sacks last season in earning first-team All-Delta League honors. In a tribute to his athleticism, Epps also plays offense.
4. Isaiah Leilua, Servite, Jr.
Leilua (6-0, 215) continues to build steam as one of the most experienced and complete linebackers in the county. Set to become a three-year starter, he showcased his ability to defend the run and pass last season en route to first-team All-Trinity League honors. Leilua finished as the Friars’ second-leading tackler with 67.
5. Leki Holani, Santa Margarita, Sr.
The Sacramento State commit produced an array of highlights last fall to make first-team All-Trinity League. Primarily an inside linebacker, Holani (6-0, 220) recorded 72 tackles, including a team-high 19 for loss, and forced a team-high three fumbles.
6. Ezekiel Su’a, Mater Dei, Jr.
Su’a emerged last season as an ultra-active linebacker who posted 55 tackles, the second-most for the Monarchs. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Su’a excels playing inside or outside with his blend of speed and instincts. He was selected second-team All-Trinity League in ’24.
7. Dailon Clanton, Mater Dei, Jr.
The Monarchs have another junior linebacker to watch in Clanton (6-1, 210). A second-team All-Trinity League pick last fall, Clanton’s signature is his speed, especially coming off the edge. Last season, he recorded 3.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries. If he lines up opposite of Shaun Scott, watch out.
8. Brando MosQueda, Servite, Sr.
The Trinity League is loaded with talented linebackers but don’t forget about MosQueda, who led the Friars with 71 tackles last season. A second-team All-Trinity League selection, MosQueda (5-11, 205) plays with an aggressive style. He can be a run-stopper between the tackles and chase down ball carriers on the perimeter.
9. Noah Barajas, La Habra, Sr.
Barajas (5-11, 205) displayed an outstanding burst last season as a blitzing linebacker. The first-team All-Epsilon League selection collected six sacks to go along with his team-high 76 tackles.
10. Maxwell Mapstone, Portola, Sr.
Mapstone (6-1, 215) led Orange County with 211 tackles in 16 games last season for the Bulldogs, the CIF State runner-up in Division 6AA. Selected the Omnicron League’s co-defensive player of the year, Mapstone added three interceptions, including two in the playoffs.