Published Jan 1, 2020
UA All-America Week: Who’s surprised? Who's shined?
Rivals.com
Staff

ORLANDO – Game day is approaching and after three practices, Rivals.com analysts have taken a good look at the Under Armour All-Americans, and we share our thoughts on some that have stood out this week.

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UNDER ARMOUR GAME WEEK: Mind of Mike Day 2 | Day 2 Awards | Farrell's thoughts | Five players who could earn a fifth star | Players predict where uncommitted will land | Darnell Washington | Sedrick Van Pran | Avantae Williams | Jayson Jones

CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

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1. Who's been the biggest surprise (good or bad) this week?

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Rob Cassidy: I’ve been surprised by the versatility of Dontae Manning this week. I’ve not seen the Missouri-based defensive back in person before this week and have been blown away by how smooth he is in his backpedal and how quickly he closes on the ball. Manning is already ranked in the Rivals250, but I’d advocate for him to move up a bit. He’s looked great against top-level competition all week.

Mike Farrell: The biggest surprise to me in a good way has been EJ Williams, the wide receiver headed to Clemson. I knew he was good based on film but seeing him in person is a different story. He’s so smooth in everything he does and has such great hands that he won’t drop much in college. He’s going to be Clemson's next tall, great wide receiver.

Adam Friedman: I love what I've seen from Broderick Jones so far. He's on the leaner side right now but he is still so athletic and strong. The school he eventually signs with in February will be getting a great left tackle prospect that should end up being a multi-year starter.

Chad Simmons: Andre Seldon is not the biggest defensive back, but he has shown up big this week and made a lot of plays. He has picked off a fair amount of passes, he has locked down bigger receivers and he has played with a lot of confidence. The Michigan signee has stood out in a good way all three practices.

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2. Who's been the most dominant lineman (offensive or defensive) this week?

Cassidy: So far, it’s been Florida commit Gervon Dexter. The massive defensive tackle is making a case for a fifth star but dominating elite offensive linemen and showing impressive agility to go along with his well-noted power.

Farrell: The most dominant lineman has been Gervon Dexter, but it’s been close between Dexter and offensive lineman Broderick Jones. Dexter is so athletic and versatile that he can beat you with power or speed or a combination of both and I love the way he re-directs.

Friedman: I love what I've seen from Broderick Jones so far. He's on the leaner side right now but he is still so athletic and strong. The school he eventually signs with in February will be getting a great left tackle prospect that should end up being a multi-year starter.

Simmons: There have been strong performances on both sides of the ball, but Gervon Dexter has been very impressive. He is so athletic for a player his size and he has been tough to stop. He stood out most to me on day two, where he dominated all day, but he has been very good all three days. Dexter is a player who can make a very early impact for the Gators.

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3. Who's been the most impressive skill guy this week?

Cassidy: I’ve liked Maryland wide receiver signee Rakim Jarrett quite a bit. Jarrett, who flipped from LSU on signing day, has consistently created separation from elite cornerbacks on a variety of different routes. The five-star prospect is as sudden as any wideout in this class.

Farrell: The most impressive skill guy has been Jaylon Jones, who is headed to Texas A&M. I don’t know whether he’s a corner or safety at the next level but I do know he’s good and he can elevate and close.

Friedman: There are a ton of good receivers but defensive back Jaylon Jones has done a great job handling them. His length and sense of timing make it really hard for quarterbacks to get a catchable ball to those receivers. Jones has even done a good job against gigantic tight end Darnell Washington.

Simmons: This could be a tie for me between wide receivers Julian Fleming and Kayshon Boutte, then defensive back Jaylon Jones, but having to pick one, I will go with Fleming. He is the most polished, college-ready receiver out there. Not only does he have the size, but he runs great routes, he will block and he has shown the ability to separate. The Ohio State signee has been extremely impressive and lived up to his five-star ranking.