Under Armour All-American Game: Unloading player and recruiting intel
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Practice two of the 2022 Under Armour All-America Game is in the books.
As expected, the group of defensive lineman have been a dominant presence after a pair of practices.
In talking to coaches for both Team Icons and Team Legends, there is plenty to get excited about.
Players impressing peers in Orlando
Some of the best information on players during all-star game weeks comes from those going up against each other.
A defensive back on Team Legends singled out Clemson four-star signee Antonio Williams as the best receiver on the team. His quick feet, and shiftiness has stood out.
The Team Legends defensive back also singled out cornerback Will Johnson as standing out among the cornerbacks. The five-star and Michigan signee has been very consistent in coverage through two practices. At safety, USC signee Zion Branch was mentioned by his teammate. The On3 Consensus four-star also received praise from the Team Legends defensive backs coach as a future multi-year starter at safety for the Trojans.
Team Icons Five-Star Plus+ receiver Evan Stewart mentioned future Michigan Wolverine Keon Sabb as the only safety that has made him adjust a route. That alone is high praise from Stewart, as he has dominated two days.
Defensive line group is very strong
The defensive line on both teams are filled with high-end prospects.
Best two defensive lineman on Team Legends are said to be Five-Star Plus+ prospect Walter Nolen and four-star Bear Alexander.
On3 consensus five-star DL Shemar Stewart was called a “Sunday player” when asked for a Team Icons coach’s thoughts.
Four-star EDGE Omari Abor has played with his eyes in the right spot for two days, showing the ability to sink his hips. Coaches are high on the upside of the Lone Star State prospect.
Four-star DL Jaray Bledsoe practiced for the first time Thursday. He impressed coaches from a “flash” standpoint. He will make two or three TFL’s, but then will lose gap control or run himself out of a play. The upside has impressed the Team Icons coaching staff.
Texas A&M four-star signee Malick Sylla had to be told to take more reps on Day 2. There is zero hiding in the back of the line at the Under Armour All-America Game.
Missouri signee Marquis Gracial has impressed in the first two practices. He has done so with his natural ability and willingness to listen. Where he will have to improve is his tendency to drop his head on contact and lose his vision.
Texas signee Justice Finkley has been a hit with the Team Icons coaching staff. His tough, every rep 100 miles per hour effort has the coaches signing his praises. He’s winning battles with an understanding of leverage, and quality speed to power. He will have to work on consistency with extension.
Kentucky signee Tyreese Fearbry has plenty of upside ability. He has show the ability to bend and close on the football. According to Team Legends coaches, adding strength will be paramount. He has to get stronger to set the edge, and not give up on a pass rush.
Recruiting intel
On3 Consensus four-star Jacoby Mathews out of Ponchatoula, La., announced via Twitter that he will not announce his college decision this week. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety will wait until February 2. LSU remains the school mentioned the most in the home state. Texas A&M had fallen off for 2-3 weeks leading up signing day, but the Aggies are back in the mix strongly. Alabama is also in serious contention. Florida and Texas round out the final five.
On3 Consensus five-star IOL Devon Campbell remains a heavy lean to Texas over Oklahoma. On3 will be very surprised if the Longhorns aren’t the pick on February 2.
On3 Consensus four-star EDGE Omari Abor out of Duncanville, Texas, remains scheduled to announce January 2 during the game. Ohio State has been considered the favorite for a while, but Abor is considering staying closer to home. There has been some Texas A&M buzz in Orlando, but it’s not believed the Aggies have room in the class. LSU, Texas and Florida are also receiving mention. The Gators could receive an official visit even after Abor announces his decision.
Five more notes
+ The most impressive offensive lineman on Team Legends from athletic standpoint has been Texas A&M signee PJ Williams. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder has impressed coaches with the ability to quickly recover when beaten.
+ On3 Consensus five-star Devon Campbell has impressed with the ability to overcome lack of ideal height and arm length according to Team legends coaches. His overall agility, athleticism and physicality have impressed.
+ Penn State four-star signee Kaytron Allen sat out Thursday practice. With that said, he impressed Team Icons coaches Wednesday night with a natural initial quickness and twitch at 218-220-pounds.
+ North Carolina signee Travis Shaw also sat out Thursday practice. He has a long ways to go physically to be in the type of playing shape that will be required to have success at the Power 5 level. He can get there, but this is not an add water, instant player scenario for the Tar Heels.
+ There won’t be anyone questioning the toughness of linebacker Stone Blanton. The South Carolina signee has braces on both shoulders, but remains physical and striking. He makes quick and correct reads, and is a solid striker in the box.