Luca James-Santina Silva – TE/DE

Offensive Scouting Report

There are not many athletes as fast and smooth as Luca with this size in 2028 class. This guy could be productive in all three phases of the game at the next level and will likely get recruited at a few different positions. We feel he will either settle in at tight end or D-End. Future room to fill out, with good height and very good movement skills. Good speed and acceleration. Quick and laterally smooth and agile frame and very elusive with the ball in his hands. Changes direction and jump-cuts fluidly. Quick in and out of his cuts. Has very good feet and balance. Sees the whole field and can really elude through second level and change speeds to separate. Will surprise you with his ability to break tackles and move the chains after the catch with strength and determination. Has good height, extension, leaping and ball skills. Has the stride and speed to get vertical and develop into a go-to, down field threat you can throw up the ball to and expect a big play. Hands, concentration and body control are very good. A route runner who sinks his hips out of his breaks and is crisp. Luca is a talented athlete who has the range and ball skills to excel at the next level. Overall, Luca is a dynamic prospect and a great competitor who should add immediate versatility and athleticism to any program.

Defensive Scouting Report

There is a lot to like about Luca as you watch this kid play. He is a very good football player and can be a real disruptive presence. He is a prospect with good size. He has good height and bulk for a high school prospect and looks to carry his weight well. He also displays physical upside and the ability to add more good bulk in time as he continues to physically mature. He plays with a good motor and will pursue to the ball. He also possesses excellent straight-line game speed which allows him to be a factor on plays all over the field and has good overall athleticism. He displays very good first-step quickness and is often the first defender moving. He is a good overall football player. He has the strength and ability to get to the quarterback. He couples a good initial burst with some pass rush savvy. He does a good job of quickly getting up-field and attacking the outside shoulder. He is very active with his weapons and does a nice job of using them to knock blockers hands down and keep them off of him. If his blocker is poor in their technique and opens up too quickly, he can quickly run by. Even when challenged he displays the ability to defeat a blocker and get to the quarterback. He is a kid who seems to have some idea on what he wants to do and displays a nice pass rush arsenal for a high school prospect. He is able to work moves and counter back inside and can be a dangerous pass rusher. He is able to get to the corner and dip his shoulder and work past. He can be a real handful as a pass rusher, but plays the run good also. He displays the ability to come out of his stance and maintain a solid “football position”. He brings his hands and is able to quickly and violently press blockers off of him. He displays the ability to play with some control and will come across the ball and squeeze down and moves well laterally. He displays a very good motor. He displays good speed in pursuit. Overall takes good angles. He is a solid tackler. Luca is a very good defensive end prospect. He brings size, ability, and good feel for the game. EA365sports believes that he is one of the best football players who could play early if need be, especially as a pass rusher.