Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic Awards
Click Here to view this video.
Advertisement
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Rivals.com analysts Kynon Codrington and Jason Howell were in Alabama for last week's Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. After watching the players throughout the entire week, they decided to hand out some hardware.
FASTEST PLAYER: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Hoover (Ala.)
Humphrey is one of the nation's top hurdler's in addition to his 5-star status on the gridiron. Last January, he clocked a 4.48 laser-timed forty at the Under Armour All-American Combine in St. Petersburg. Throughout the week we saw his world-class speed when running with receivers downfield and closing on the ball.
STRONGEST PLAYER: Breeland Speaks, SDE, Jackson (Miss.) Callaway
Thoughout the week Speaks was a dominating presence on the defensive front. He was consistently in the backfield and he was able to overwhelm his offensive counterparts. He was active on game-day, picking up three tackles and two tackles for loss. He showed a strong motor and when he was not recording tackles he was getting pressure.
BEST HANDS: Sammie Epps, TE, Greenwood (Miss.)
It is hard to argue with Epps. The 6-foot-5 tight end turned several heads with his game day performance of seven receptions for 125 yards, but he was also strong throughout the week of practice. He has big, strong hands which he uses to catch the ball away from his body. He made several catches in practice, but his one-handed grab was one of the top plays of the week.
BEST ROUTES: Demetrius Kemp, ATH, Demopolis (Ala.)
It's hard to believe some schools are recruiting Kemp as a defensive back. He caught three passes for 72 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win. On his first touchdown he ran a precise post-corner route to beat the nickel corner in coverage for a 24-yard score.
BEST ARM: Hayden Moore, PQB, Chalkville (Ala.) Clay
The Cincinnati recruit showed off a live arm during the week and he stepped up his performance on game day. Moore can make an array of throws with good accuracy. He has a quick and smooth release. We feel he has the ideal skill set to run a spread passing attack at the next level.
STRONGEST ARM: Kendrick Doss, DQB, Florence (Ala.)
Doss didn't get to show his arm strength on Saturday. However, in practice he was throwing darts. The Ole Miss commit was able to fit the ball in tight windows with his above-average arm strength. It's a shame he didn't get a chance to throw a pass in the game.
BEST VISION: Ito Smith, RB, Mobile (Ala.) McGill-Toolen
Smith ran for a game-high 53 yards on 14 carries. His vision allowed him to squirt free for some tough yards between the tackles. He had the longest run of the day with a 24-yard scamper, as he showed good patience setting up his blocks before getting to the outside.
TOUGHEST TO BLOCK: Rashaan Evans, OLB, Auburn (Ala.)
This was the easiest award to assign. Evans' pass rushing ability from a two-point stance was impossible for the Mississippi squad to handle. He consistently beat his man with a speed rush and up-field shoulder move even when he lined up with his hand on the ground.
BEST PHYSICALLY: C.J. Hampton, S, Meridian (Miss.)
When it comes to guys who are physically ready to step in and compete on the college level, Hampton is right there at the top of the list. At 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, Hampton is an imposing figure in the defensive backfield. Throw in his cover and big hit ability and he is an even more intimidating presence for opposing receivers.
BEST BLOCKER: Joshua Casher, OC, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's
Casher was able to anchor the rushing attack for Team Alabama. He lined up at both guard positions and was able to seal the nose tackle with regularity. At times, he got to the second level to kick out linebackers in space. We expect Casher to play center at the next level and his versatility will be a great asset when he arrives to Tuscaloosa.
BEST TACKLER: Tre Williams, ILB, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's
Williams was the most productive linebacker for either side. He racked up a game-high 12 tackles with one for loss. The Rivals100 presented by Under Armour defender has great play recognition and reads his keys well to find the ball carrier. He is a sure-tackler and the ideal 'backer to man the middle for any defense.
BIGGEST SURPRISE: Sammie Epps, TE, Greenwood (Miss.)
What is there left to say about Sammie Epps? It's not that he was doubted, but he consistently out-performed our expectations throughout the week. He was great on game day and came through with some of the top plays of the day. He out-positioned and out-muscled Marlon Humphrey for a big reception to set up Mississippi's first score of the day. He had the one-handed grab across the middle for a huge gain with the game on the line. When he was targeted, he made plays. It is as simple as that.
Kynon Codrington is a Southeast Region football recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
Jason Howell is the Midlands Region football recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
Click Here to view this Link.
[rl]