Two-way standout getting attention
Linebacker/H-back Ina Liaina (6-0, 220, 4.8) from Oxnard (Calif.) Rio Mesa had to toil in the shadow of Oregon bound athlete prospect Malachi Lewis, but it was in that shadow that Liaina was able to be seen by D-I schools.
"D-I schools couldn't help but see Ina when he was lead blocking for Malachi," Rio Mesa coach Bob Gregorchuk said. "He played both ways for us as linebacker and H-back.
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"Ina has great hands out of the backfield and runs with power," Gregorchuk said. "He needs to work on his blocking technique. Don't get me wrong, he's a good blocker but he can get better.
"On defense he needs to get some refinement as a linebacker, but he has the tools to be a good one," Gregorchuk said. "He's only played one year as a linebacker we think he's going to be very good as a senior.
"Ina is still somewhat raw, but he has the talent to be a D-I player," Gregorchuk said. "He is very explosive and physical.
"Ina can lay the hat on both sides of the ball," Gregorchuk said. "He loves to hit and make contact. He would rather run somebody over and even looks for it instead of making a move that would make a tackler miss.
Liaina earned first-team all-league and second team all-county honors from his linebacker position as a junior after racking up 86 tackles and two sacks.
From his H-back position he had 457 yards rushing and two touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per carry. As a receiver Liaina had 18 receptions for 337 yards and four receiving touchdowns while averaging 18.7 yards per catch.
Liaina is getting recruiting interest from Arizona State, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State, USC and Boise State. He took in a USC spring practice recently.