Scouting Journals for Matai Tagoa'i

Tall hybrid linebacker/safety with explosive closing speed. Has unverified size, between 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4, and around 200 pounds. Lines up primarily as an outside linebacker for his high school, but also plays deep safety in 7-on-7. Disruptive coming off the edge. Shows very good play speed, closing on ball carriers in an instant. Runs down plays from the backside. A physical defender who plays with an edge. Not afraid to mix it up. Finished with 52 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 4 pass breakups as a senior. Will need to fill out to be a full-time linebacker at the next level. Ambiguity around his dimensions and verified athleticism. Older for the cycle turning 19 in January of his senior year of high school.