1/15/2015 football Edit

Five teams who took over All-Star week

Adam Gorney

Recruiting Analyst

Damien Harris

Alabama had plenty of commits perform extraordinarily well during the All-Star games, but the Crimson Tide didn't land the top nod because some other players struggled.

Five-star running back Damien Harris did everything to prove he's the No. 1 running back in the country, especially in the Under Armour game where he had a game-high 110 yards and a beautiful touchdown run.

Top-rated wide receiver Calvin Ridley had a strong week, as did five-star defensive tackle Daron Payne, four-star cornerback Kendall Sheffield and others. Four-star offensive guard Richie Petitbon started the Under Armour week slowly, but he got better throughout the practices and looked good in the game.

At Army, four-star defensive end Mekhi Brown and four-star defensive back Rico McGraw had strong moments and made the list of top performers for the week. Alabama also had three-star defensive end Anfernee Jennings at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and he had an impressive showing.

Others struggled. Five-star quarterback Blake Barnett seemingly never got in rhythm and five-star cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick was beat a few times during the Under Armour game.

Tennessee

Kyle Phillips

Rocky Top should be thrilled and downright giddy about what's in store for Tennessee's defensive line in the future. Four-star defensive end Kyle Phillips was arguably the top overall player all week for the East team at the Army game and he had a dominant performance in the game. Five-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie had the Vine of the Year when he manhandled Javon Patterson during one rep at Army practice. McKenzie is massive and had a great week in San Antonio.

At Under Armour, four-star defensive end Shy Tuttle had his moments and he's another 300-plus pound recruit who could have an impact in Knoxville. Three-star defensive end Marques Ford was a surprise contributor on defense as well. On offense at Under Armour, four-star offensive tackle Jack Jones continued to prove he's a gritty, tough prospect who has all the physical tools to get on the field early.

Tennessee had two prospects who looked good during Semper Fi, especially four-star defensive end Darrell Taylor, who is a long and athletic pass-rushing threat. Four-star quarterback Sheriron Jones, who committed to the Vols this past week, also had his moments at Semper Fi.

USC

Noah Jefferson

The Trojans had commits play well all over the place. Four-star running back Ronald Jones II dashed for a touchdown in the Under Armour game and showed off excellent speed and burst. At Army, there was four-star defensive tackle Jacob Daniel. who looked really good. That was especially surprising since Daniel has been limited with injuries, but he went to San Antonio to prove a point. Two-way standout Ykili Ross also had his moments during Army week and five-star Chuma Edoga, who played more inside, was noticed as well.

At Semper Fi, two USC commits dominated. Four-star receiver Tristan Payton caught two touchdown passes and showed off excellent hands. Four-star defensive lineman Noah Jefferson was simply unstoppable and exerted his will against the offensive line all game. He's someone who hasn't been talked about much in USC's recruiting class but could be a star.

LSU

Tyron Johnson

Les Miles' club did not have many commits in the three all-star games, but the ones who showed up delivered in a big way.

Five-star receiver Tyron Johnson, who committed to LSU at the Under Armour game, made eye-popping catches all week and proved to be one of the best at his position in this class. Arguably the best offensive lineman for Team Armour was Keller, Texas, five-star Maea Teuhema, who had the unenviable task of going up against many top defensive tackles all week, but he handled them well. Teuhema is so big and physical he should translate perfectly to LSU's offensive line.

Also at Under Armour, five-star Kevin Toliver II proved to be one of the best cornerbacks in the country with his athleticism, length and instincts.

At Army, five-star running back Derrius Guice really turned it on with touchdown catches of 92 and 61 yards to steal the show. Guice is the type of big, bruising back that LSU uses so well, but he also proved he can catch the ball and make things happen.