UA All-America Game: Top defensive performers
ORLANDO, Fla. – Some players take time adjusting to leveling up while others just have game. At the 2022 Under Armour All-America Game featuring five- and four-star players from around the country, there were a select few who took that big step forward showing out in the bright spotlight.
From the start of practices on Dec. 29 through Sunday’s nationally televised game, the best of the best rose to the challenge on defense.
MORE FROM UA ALL-AMERICA GAME: Top offensive performers | The Gorney Awards | Top performers on Sunday | What we learned in Sunday's game | Commitment predictions | Five biggest questions for UA game | Travis Hunter goes in-depth on shocking decision | Five things we've learned | Friday's top performers | Midweek progress report | Thursday's awards | Stock rising | Takeaways from opening practice | Latest on Under Armour All-America standouts | Video of skill players' 1-on-1s | Video of OL vs. DL | Domani Jackson feature | Javontae Barnes discusses finalists | Mathews breaks down top schools
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CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State | JUCO
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
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SEC foes beware, Nolen is coming. Nolen brings memories of a developing Reggie White with violent hands and an aggressive style of play that cannot be matched. Adding to his physical presence, his technique and power made him a dominating force when the players went live in Orlando. Nolen finished tying for a game-high three solo tackles and was credited with a forced fumble.
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Compounding the problem for SEC offensive linemen for years to come is Georgia signee Bear Alexander. Alexander made the switch to IMG Academy this season, squaring off against many of his teammates during practices and in-game.
For football die-hards, it was a dream come true watching Alexander and Nolen in the same defensive trenches for team Legends on Sunday. Alexander is big, strong and powerful, but his athleticism as a big man and that never-quit motor makes him elite.
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Michigan fans have reason to be hyped after a Big Ten title and an invite to the College Football Playoff; and after the talent brought in during the 2022 cycle, they have more reasons to be excited. Practicing against his Icon teammates, Moore was a relentless edge rusher using his speed and hands to get past high-profile offensive linemen. That work translated onto the field Sunday with a game-high two sacks for a loss of 14 yards
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Most offensive linemen never see a linebacker like Campbell during their high school careers, even the five- and four-stars. Campbell has a long and lean frame but plays bigger and with more power than expected.
Taking the field with the Icons, Campbell looked game-ready, tying for a team-high three tackles and credited with a tackle for a loss. Lost in the mix is seeing him do what was asked of him within the defensive scheme, turning plays back inside, helping squeeze running lanes for the Legends.
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Johnson is another big-time prospect heading to Ann Arbor. Throughout the week Johnson impressed, shutting down his teammates during one-on-one sessions and carried that over into the game, covering potential NFL talents Luther Burden, Shazz Preston, Adam Randall and Chris Marshall.
Johnson has all the skills with fluid hips, speed and size. Regardless of position or side of the ball, Johnson was one of the top performers in Orlando.
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Stewart is everything a college defensive coordinator would want in a defensive player. Another player taking the Under Armour fields already looking like a collegiate player, Stewart is consistent in his effort and mixes up how he attacks offensive tackles, and from both sides.
Stewart shined in practices with his hands and footwork, and then got a highlight play on Sunday with a 65-yard fumble return in the third quarter.
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Everette was another big corner that made his presence known in Orlando. During the game, Everette shadowed whoever lined up against him, but it was his efforts during the practices that stood out even more.
Playing with team Icons, Everette's daily practices were taking on the aforementioned receivers Burden, Preston, Randall and Marshall, and Everette did not disappoint. Everette made the routine pass breakups, but it was who he was doing it against and how easy he made it look that showcased his four-star talents.
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Even with bigger receivers on the field, what Spears-Jennings brings in physicality and speed is unfair. Running stride for stride against his Legends teammates in practice and against Icons’ receivers during the game, Spears was seemingly always in position to close a window or break up a pass.
Spears’ wingspan at 6-foot-2, is a difference maker. It's worth noting that he won the “Fastest Man” competition during Wednesday’s practice.
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Under Armour practices were light on the running backs and linebackers, but when given the chance to turn it on Hicks was ready. Instinctive with great footwork, Hicks was consistently in the right spot ready to make a play.
His versatility in the box is an added plus, capable of playing on the outside or the interior. Hicks capped off the week trying teammate Jaylen Sneed for a game-high five tackles while being credited with a half tackle for a loss and a pass breakup.
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It is easy to see that Sneed was among the most athletic regardless of position. Because of his athleticism and speed, the Hilton Head product is an outside backer that can do it all. Sneed’s burst and closing speed help make him elite. His ability to break down a play in an instant with those athletic gifts aided him in five tackles and a 5-yard fumble recovery on Sunday.