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Read more Orange County football preview: Top defensive backs to watch in 2026
Ranking the top linebackers in Orange County going into the 2026 high school football season:
TOP 10 LINEBACKERS
1. Taven Epps, Tustin, Sr.: The complete package. That’s what the University of Oklahoma commit offers the Tillers. Epps (6-4, 220) possesses the speed to sack the quarterback. He is a physical enforcer against the run. And he is agile to cover running backs or other receiving targets. Epps, who was selected second-team All-County last season, led Tustin with 72 tackles last fall, including 12 for loss.
2. Allen Kennett V, Servite, Jr.: When Servite coach Rick Garretson said during the summer that Kennett’s return to the Friars after a brief transfer to Santa Margarita was a “huge get,” he provided further proof about the defender’s value. Kennett (6-1, 215) is a well-rounded linebacker in the mold of Epps. Both were selected to The Opening finals. Kennett, a first-team All-Trinity League selection last season, led Servite in tackles in 2025 with 69, including seven for loss.
3. Isaiah Leilua, Servite, Sr.: The Washington commit looked fleet-footed at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament in July after being slowed by injury last fall. That’s a positive sign for Servite. Leilua (6-0, 220) features the quickness and aggressive pursuit against the run to form a dynamic duo with Kennett.
4. Dailon Clanton, Mater Dei, Sr.: Clanton (6-1, 210), who is committed to New Mexico, is a big-game performer who plays with a burst. The second-team All-Trinity League selection led Mater Dei’s defense last season with a career-high 63 tackles, including 11 in a victory against St. John Bosco.
5. Ezekiel Su’a, Mater Dei, Sr.: Su’a (6-0, 205) is a consistent tackler at linebacker. A first-team All-Trinity League selection last season, Su’a finished third on the team in tackles with 54. He has 106 tackles the past two seasons.
6. Maverick DeClark, Villa Park, Sr.: DeClark (6-1, 225) returns at middle linebacker after racking up 120 tackles last season and making second-team All-County. The first-team All-Bravo League selection used aggressive pursuit and sound technique to collect 14.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 8.5 sacks.
7. Kevika Mata’utia-Martinez, La Habra, Sr.: Mata’utia-Martinez (6-0, 210) might be best known for his running ability but he also is a superb outside linebacker. The first-team All-Epsilon League selection finished third for the Highlanders in tackles last season with 71, including 8.5 for loss.
8. Isaiah Trujillo, Yorba Linda, Jr.: Beware of Trujillo (5-11, 220). He enters the season “bigger, stronger and faster” because of his offseason training regiment, first-year Mustangs coach John Domen said. The reigning Bravo League co-MVP lifted about 242 pounds in the snatch, the coach said. The near-school record arrived after Trujillo racked up 63 tackles last season and rushed for 375 yards, including 13 TDs.
9. Wyatt Bogdan, Laguna Beach, Sr.: The Portland State commit plays physical at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds but don’t overlook his quickness and instincts. He used both qualities to lead the Breakers last season with 113 tackles, including 12 for loss. Bogdan, who was selected co-defensive player of the year in the Foxtrot League, added 31 catches for 410 yards and six TDs as a wide receiver.
10. Mike Davis Jr., Mater Dei, Sr.: The UCLA commit made his presence felt last season after observing the sit-out period for his transfer from Aquinas. In seven games, Davis (6-1, 220) had 22 tackles, including several big hits. Also keep an eye on Mater Dei sophomore linebacker Sosene Schuster (6-2, 210). The Monarchs are loaded at the position.
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