UA All-America Game: Top practice performers
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Four days of preparations for the Under Armour All-America Game, set to kick off at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, are completed. The Legends and Icons squads went through install, run-throughs and one-on-ones to get geared up for the nationally televised game.
Here's the look at the most impressive players during the practices.
MORE UA ALL-AMERICA: Gorney's 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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There are great reasons Nolen is the second-rated player in the 2022 class – he’s a dominating talent. Playing against Tennessee competition with Powell High School, Nolen can overpower with his size and strength, and that ability continues against offensive linemen just as big if not bigger with the same star ranking. Nolen can take over games, and the Icon’s offense better account for No. 0 on every snap.
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There is no shortage of arm talent on the Clemson roster and more top receiving talent is on the way in Williams. He impressed with his speed, routes and hands seemingly snagging every pass that came his way. He’s a sure bet target for Legends’ quarterbacks.
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Johnson walked onto the ESPN Wide World of Sports fields looking like he was in mid-season form. Johnson was fast, physical and aggressive covering receivers taking each rep serious. His competitive intensity came through in each of the four practices.
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The energy at practices changed when one-on-ones began and players like Anderson made onlookers take notice. Rep after rep he was consistent in his routes getting separation from defensive backs and opening windows for quarterbacks. Another trusted speed burner heading to Tuscaloosa.
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Oklahoma and Texas fans will have greater interest in the Under Armour All-America Game with Campbell getting nasty in the trenches. Rated 16th overall in the Rivals250, Campbell has proven his five-star worthiness battling top defensive linemen in practice. The Bowie High School standout is set to commit on Feb. 3.
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Linebackers and running backs didn’t get a ton of action during the four-day practice schedule but some of the edge rushers did. The IMG Academy defender played bigger than listed, and with more power than his long frame suggests, using his speed and technique to blow past tackles in competitive sessions. Fans could hear Campbell’s name called a lot on Sunday if Legends’ quarterbacks drop back.
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When the chains need to be moved, Icons’ quarterbacks have a big, sure-handed target in Marshall. He has good speed to match everything else he does well on the field as a receiver. The four-star has looked smooth in practices and came ready to play.
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Quietly going about his business, Preston has been one of the best players during the four-day stretch regardless of position. He does everything at an elite level and makes everything look easy in the process. If targeted on Sunday, the four-star receiver is set to make some noise.
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Along the sidelines, Broken Arrow (Okla.) athlete/defensive back Spears-Jennings has created a buzz. The three-star has played above his ranking, showing why he was selected as an All-American. The Sooners have another top player ready to make a name for himself in Norman.
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Alexander isn’t the biggest lineman on the roster, but chances are he is one of the most feared. His strength, athleticism and competitive spark are hard for offensive linemen to match, even just going one rep at a time. When he turns it on, he’s one player no one can stop.