Niuafe Tuihalamaka, nation’s No. 3 inside linebacker, includes Oregon Ducks in top 5 Updated Mar 01, 2021; Posted Mar 01, 2021 Facebook Share Just over a month ago, 247Sports four-star linebacker Niuafe Tuihalamaka decommitted from the USC Trojans, reopening his recruitment. On Monday, the 6-foot-2, 238-pound ‘backer, out of Bishop Alemany High School (Mission Hills, California), eliminated the Trojans altogether, announcing a top five of Arizona State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford and Texas: Tuihalamaka is rated the nation’s No. 68 overall prospect and the No. 3 inside linebacker by 247Sports, who projects him as a Day 2 NFL draft pick. “Thick build and could grow in to a defensive lineman by the time he hits a college field,” Greg Biggins wrote. “Extremely physical player, natural inside ‘backer who loves to hit and plays with a nice edge to his game. An effective blitzer who can rush the passer off the edge or right up the gut. A high motor player who plays with relentless passion and is a natural leader. Needs to continue to work on his speed, change of direction and quickness but is a natural athlete and looks comfortable playing in space or dropping in coverage. Does a nice job getting off blocks and shows the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Projects as an impact upper tier Power 5 starter and future mid-high round NFL draft pick.”