We had a chance to see Lawndale (Calif.) Leuzinger sophomore athlete Samu Moala in action over the weekend He demonstrated once more why he is one of the best prospects in the country.

Moala plays tight end and linebacker now and is excellent at both positions; he will probably develop into an edge in college. Since his freshman year, he has established himself as Leuzinger’s dominant interior presence and will start for the next four years.

Over the weekend, Moala stated, “I like playing inside ‘backer because I can play in the box and make plays sideline to sideline.” Although I enjoy playing this position, I believe there’s a strong chance I’ll develop into an edge rusher in college, and I’m okay with that.

“I’m 6-4, 225 pounds right now and I don’t think I’m done growing. I like tight end a lot too so I’ll play wherever I’m needed, whatever gets me on the field.”

Moala placed among our Top Performers in the 7v7 Showdown Series competition. After the event, this is how we assessed him:

There might not have been a greater opportunity than Moala in terms of high end upside. Although he was a tight end and inside linebacker in college, we still think he’s a good edge rusher. Despite being only 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he has a lot of mobility and is at ease in a large area. Players with his size and length simply don’t often have the ability to run down the field and win jump balls like he did several times.

In terms of recruiting, Moala has already been to USC, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. He still has a few more colleges he wants to see.

“I want to get to USC again for sure,” Moala said. “I also want to visit Texas and then go to the South and check out Georgia, Alabama and Auburn. 

“I would say the schools recruiting me the hardest right now are USC, Miami, Ohio State and Oregon and I have interest in all of those programs too.”

Moala said he’s already made a connection with the new USC defensive staff. 

“I’ve been up there a few times and already feel comfortable with the staff,” Moala said. “They’re very genuine guys, very cool and easy to talk with. 

“I’ve spoken with coach D’Anton Lynn, the new DC, as well as coach Matt Entz, the LB coach. I’m eager to keep developing that relationship with them as they are great people, have a great understanding of football, and constantly check in on me.”

Another university making a strong impression is Oregon.

“I went there once before, but it was in the eighth grade,” Moala remarked. “I’m eager to see the school and get to know all the coaches, so I’m really working on a date to travel there this spring.

Although I also really enjoyed Washington, that staff is currently at Alabama. Courtney Morgan and I spoke, and they want

I’d be interested in having you come over and visit me. I’ve spoken with coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) and a couple other defensive coaches, so I’m excited to see them as well. I also enjoy Texas.”

Moala is presently ranked No. 51 among players in the country by Top247. He declared that he is not in a hurry to decide.

“I wanted to wait until my senior year now, but I thought about doing it early, maybe this spring,” Moala remarked. “Considering all the coaching changes that are occurring, I’m going to wait it out and make all of my visits because I don’t want to commit too soon and then have that staff leave and go somewhere else.”