LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The third day of practice at the Under Armour All-America Game is in the books and it was another day of fully-padded action. Some players hit their stride as the adjustment to the level of talent continues, while others are still struggling to find their footing. Here’s a breakdown of who shined and who struggled.
STOCK UP
DB Eric Monroe Houston (Texas) North Shore
The LSU commit was all over the field on Thursday and his intensity seemed to pick up in the competitive period. It’s clear as the game draws closer Monroe has stepped up his game and once he’s unleashed on Saturday he looks like he will be one of the most active defensive players at the event.
QB Jarrett Guarantano Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic
After three days of practice Guarantano has been by far the most impressive quarterback on either team. He’s shown good consistency as a passer while also flashing nice athleticism when plays break down. The Tennessee commit should be the favorite to start for Team Armour on Saturday based on the first three days of play.
DB Carlos Becker Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola
Becker is one of the lowest ranked prospects in the event but that likely won’t be the case when the final rankings are released next month. Becker is one of the most physical defensive backs in the game and he’s risen to the occasion against some of the country’s top wideouts, with Thursday being no exception.
WR Josh Hammond Hallandale, Fla.
Hammond’s skillset has been on full display all week and on Thursday the coaches even experimented with different ways to get the ball into his hands. He made a nice play on an end around and also had several impressive catches. Florida is in need of playmakers on offense and Hammond fits the bill.
DB John Broussard Phenix City (Ala.) Central
The Auburn commit had a rough first couple of days but when the teams mixed for one-on-ones on Thursday, Broussard rose to the occasion. He had a few good battles with fellow Auburn commit Eli Stove and came out on top thanks to physicality and good ball skills. Broussard still has some work to do, but he took a step in the right direction.
DE McTelvin Agim Hope (Ark.) Hope Senior
The Arkansas commit had another impressive day on Thursday, using his array of pass rush moves to have success in both one-on-ones and in the team session. Agim has a good combination of size and athleticism and his quickness and strength have really helped him have a good week.
CB Levonta Taylor Virginia Beach (Va.) Ocean Lakes
Taylor had a forgettable first few days but rebounded nicely on Thursday. He was much better in coverage and gave five-star wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers fits when the two were matched up in one-on-ones. Taylor has size concerns to overcome and will need to continue his progression as the week wraps up.
STOCK DOWN
WR Drake Davis Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy
Davis has struggled to have consistent success this week and Thursday was no exception. While he has great straight line speed and is a force in the return game, he still has a lot of developing to do as a wide receiver.
OT Cohl Cabral Racho Cucamonga (Calif.) Los Osos
Cabral was asked to move around on the offensive line and he struggled while facing defensive tackles. At one point Cabral was dumped on his backside by the country’s No. 1 player Rashan Gary and never seemed to regain his confidence after that sequence. As a high-three star Cabral may be appropriately ranked but he still has a chance to help his stock with a strong close to the week.
QB Jack Allison Palmetto, Fla.
Allison was the primary passer for his team on Tuesday but as the week has worn on it looks like Allison has worn out. He’s had trouble with accuracy and arm strength and may be struggling with his confidence. The Miami commit is known as a gamer, but his practice week has left a lot to be desired.
DB Nigel Knott Madison (Miss.) Germantown
Knott is another tremendous athlete who can impact the game in several ways, but as a pure corner he’s found a tough time having success against some of the country’s top wide receivers. Knott will need to add strength in order to deal with college receivers and that continues to show in his battles in practice.
LB Tre Threat Spanish Fort, Ala.
Threat was asked to work in coverage on Thursday and he had his share of struggles when matched up with backs and tight ends. It looks like Threat added some bad weight since the season ended and that combined with the Florida heat may be contributing to his problems. It will be interesting to see how he fares in Saturday’s game.