Army Bowl: Monday team report

SAN ANTONIO -- Several college programs were represented well Monday in the first practice for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Here are the schools that had the best showings.

The Spartans have four commits in the event and all four prospects took turns shining during the first day of action. Josh King passed the eye test and overall is one of the best looking defensive ends at the event. He has great size and made several plays to get to the quarterback during the team session. Also on the West squad, defensive back Demetric Vance showed great closing speed and was impressive even though the ball came his way a few times. Wide receiver commit Cameron Chambers got off to a slow start, but improved as the day went on and finished well. Linebacker Brandon Randle had an interception during team play and was active all day as well.

The Seminoles have four commitments in the event and three-star defensive back Jamel Cook led the way for an overall impressive group. Cook has had his struggles as a defensive back in the past but when matches up against big wide receivers, like DeKaylin Metcalf, he more than held his own and won his share of 1-on-1 reps. Offensive tackle commit Josh Ball was one of the few offensive linemen to have success against a dominant group of defensive lineman, which included commit Janarius Robinson. Linebacker Josh Brown also showed flashes but the linebackers had few chances during practice.

The Wildcats have a trio of commits competing in the game and all three had their share of moments on Monday. Offensive lineman Landon Young, who impressed with his physicality and length during 1-on-1s, led the group. Center Drake Jackson also had his share of success in 1-on-1s, using excellent leverage and a strong base to hold his own against some highly-rated defensive linemen. Linebacker Kash Daniel had an interception during team period and looked good on the hoof during drills.

The Tigers have three commits in the game, including former No. 1 overall prospect and current five-star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The hulking Lawrence dominated all day, tossing aside highly ranked offensive linemen in both 1-on-1s and the team session. Lawrence’s strength, size and ability to move make him one of the most special prospects in the class. The Tigers’ lone representative on the West team, defensive end Xavier Kelly, was one of the top defensive linemen on his squad. Kelly is one of the quickest and most athletic defensive ends at the event and knows how to use his speed to his advantage. Running back Tavien Feaster tweaked his knee and didn’t participate for most of the day.

The Buckeyes have five commits spread across the two teams and no player was more impressive than wide receiver Austin Mack. The Rivals250 prospect caught everything that came his way, both in 1-on-1s and during the team session. The rest of the commits, including running back Demario McCall, defensive end Jonathon Cooper and offensive lineman Michael Jordan struggled more than they shined, or else Ohio State would be much higher on this list.

The Wolverines have three players in the game and the strong showing of defensive tackle Jordan Elliott headlined the group. Elliott was one of the top defensive lineman on the West squad, getting consistent push during both 1-on-1s and team play. Quarterback commit Brandon Peters also had a solid day, showing good accuracy throughout. Offensive lineman Michael Onwenu had his share of ups and downs, but is still one of the top offensive linemen on his squad.

The Rebels only have two prospects in the event, but the strong play of quarterback commit Shea Patterson was enough to put them on the list. Patterson seems bent on proving that he’s the nation’s No. 1 quarterback and after one day he certainly put forward a solid case. He was effective on both short and deep throws and showing an excellent ability to throw on the move. Wide receiver commit DeKaylin Metcalf didn’t have the same amount of success and will look to bounce back tomorrow.

The Hurricanes have two commits in attendance and linebacker Shaquille Quarterman is the main reasons the ‘Canes made the list. He was all over the field during the team session and also showed good instincts during 7-on-7. Defensive back commit Tyler Byrd had his share of struggles as he faced a step up in competition, but still looks like an excellent athlete with room to grow.

The Cardinal have four commitments in the event but made the list because of the play of quarterback commit K.J. Costello. While Costello didn’t finish the day because of an injury, he was very effective while showing good accuracy and excellent arm strength. Offensive line commit Clark Yarbrough was good in team play, while linebacker Curtis Robinson and wide receive Simi Fehoko struggled at times and will have to improve as the week moves along.

While most of the talk about quarterbacks coming into the week was about Jacob Eason and Patterson, it was Feleipe Franks who stole the show on the East team. He showed a nice ability to throw on the move and he uncorked several deep throws that were hauled in the by the East’s talented receiving corps. Franks is the lone Gators representative, but if he keeps up his play the Gators will continue to be on this list as the week rolls along.