Rival Views: Most surprising player at UA All-America practices
ORLANDO, Fla. – Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell and National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney don’t always see eye to eye. In this edition of Rival Views, the two debate the most surprising player at Under Armour All-America Game week.
FARRELL'S VIEW: LUIJI VILAIN
There have been a few but to me it’s Luiji Vilain. Now how can a player ranked as a four-star and No. 181 in the country be the biggest surprise? Well, at least to me, I felt Vilain was a bit overrated and I didn’t expect he would hold up physically as he has so far this week. Vilain has been using his length well in one-on-ones and especially team play, and he’s been stronger than expected.
Michigan has been looking for a long, outside speed rusher since Jim Harbaugh arrived and Vilain could be that guy. I’ve liked guys like Phidarian Mathis, Tylan Wallace and Russ Yeast, but for me I’ve been most pleasantly surprised by Vilain, who could turn into a monster pass rusher under Don Brown in Ann Arbor.
GORNEY'S VIEW: TYLAN WALLACE
One of the biggest surprises through two practices has been four-star wide receiver Tylan Wallace, who has looked excellent in route running and can really stretch the field.
The Oklahoma State commit has excellent hands, good speed and he can make tough catches as evidenced on Thursday when he made a diving grab on the sidelines, one of the nicest ones yet this week.
Plus, Wallace made a really smart decision by committing to the Cowboys because he could make a big difference early in that offense. With that speed, elusiveness and playmaking ability, the four-star could definitely make an early impact in Stillwater.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph is coming back to Oklahoma State next season so Wallace should have an opportunity to get on the field with an outstanding quarterback early in his career.
The Fort Worth (Texas) South Hills standout is another top prospect from that state to leave in this recruiting class. He’s a super talented kid who could be a headache for years in the Big 12.
