Five-Star Challenge: Match-up No. 1
Rivals.com is counting down the top 10 match-ups we can't wait to watch at the second annual Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour heading into the event at Soldier Field in Chicago. Today in our No. 1 match-up, it's five-star DE Da'Shawn Hand vs. five-star OL Damian Prince.
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DE Da'Shawn Hand, Woodbridge (Va.) Woodbridge Senior
vs.
vs. OL Damian Prince, Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara
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Hand has risen to the No. 1 ranking in the class of 2014 thanks to a combination of superhuman strength (he won the pushup challenge at this event last year with 102) and freakish athleticism. Now there are questions about whether he can hold onto the No. 1 ranking through National Signing Day with prospects such as Jabrill PeppersClick Why Hand has an edge: Here to view this Link. and Leonard FournetteClick Why Hand has an edge: Here to view this Link. pushing. Hand has not always blown away the competition as expected in every camp, but with the country's best on hand gunning for top billing, expect his best in Chicago.
-- Josh Helmholdt, Midwest recruiting analyst
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Why Prince has an edge:
There's a reason Hand is the nation's top player, and Prince will have no easy task when it comes to taking him on during one-on-ones. If there's one area where Prince could find an advantage, it's in his ability to get down into his base, helping him with pass rushers of Hand's ilk. Prince also knows how to balance his 6-foot-5, 300-plus-pound frame, and he has quick feet. If there's anyone who will give Hand all he can handle, it's Prince.
-- Woody Wommack, Southeast recruiting analyst
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Overall edge:
It's hard to find a more athletic offensive tackle with great size than Prince, especially now that he has slimmed down. He's technically very sound as well, and that combination of athleticism, size and technique is rare. However, if Hand wants to beat anyone, and I mean anyone, he can do it. He has been doing a bit too much dancing at the line of scrimmage these days, so if he focuses on his get-off and uses his balance and agility while mixing up moves, he will have the advantage here.
-- Mike Farrell, National recruiting analyst
No. 7: Brown vs. Knox | No. 6: Michel vs. Williams | No. 5: Lane vs. Jackson | No. 4: Fournette vs. McMillan | No. 3: Carter vs. Bars | No. 2: Lazard vs. Humphrey
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