Texas 2023 signees recap All-American Bowl experience
Texas had six participants in the All-American Bowl from the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday. Each discussed their experiences in the event and getting closer to the Longhorns Class of 2023.
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Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Denton (Texas) Ryan
“It was fun being able to compete with some of the best in the nation. We didn’t get the win, but it was a fun week.”
Hill finished with one tackle, and one pass-deflection. He’s moving into his dorm today in Austin.
S’Maje Burrell, LB, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley
“It was a great experience. I’m happy I was able to go and compete against other college-level athletes.”
Burrell led the east in tackles (four) while only practicing two days. Burrell will be on campus in June.
Tausili Akana, EDGE, Lehi (Utah) Skyridge
“Just piggy-backing off what Anthony (Hill) and Jelani (McDonald) said, but out here it’s iron sharpens iron. Being surrounded with so many talented athletes, it was a truly great experience.”
Akana had one assisted tackle on the day, where he filled the alley and stuffed the East team running back Justice Haynes. He’ll be on campus in June.
Payton Kirkland, OL, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips
“It’s just a huge blessing to be in this atmosphere, being able to play in a game like this with other guys at a high level. We worked hard for four years to be able to do this, and now it all comes to an end. It was a great high school career for me, and it’s kind of hitting me right now this was my last high school game. Thanking God for even putting me in this position.”
Kirkland started at left guard and was able to collect as many blocks with a handful of pancakes. Kirkland is moving into his dorm in Austin today, he told Inside Texas.
Ryan Niblett, WR, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower
“It was real fun, even though we (West) lost. I felt like everything was great and just a good experience to have, competing here. It’s cool to see the kids, sign autographs, and see everyone so happy.”
Niblett finished with eight yards receiving on one catch. Niblett will enroll at UT in June.
Jelani McDonald, LB/ATH, Waco (Texas) Connally
“This was great. I got to meet a lot of new people, future teammates. We had a great time, overall.”
McDonald logged a lot of snaps at boundary corner, including two tackles.
The All-American Bowl pitted the East all-star team versus the West squad. The East dominated the West on Saturday, 55-17. Our Joe Cook had more takeaways from the event in San Antonio.
