UA Game Week: Five teams that should be pleased
ORLANDO – From the practices to the nationally televised event, the Under Armour Next All-America Game was packed full of talent and excitement. The game may have been the attraction, but the practices provided many of the highlights.
Power Five teams from across the country were represented on the Team Speed and Team Phantom rosters, and a few of them are happier after the performances their signed 2023 prospects turned in while in Orlando.
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MORE UA GAME WEEK: Rankings questions that emerged | Top offensive performers | Top defensive performers | What we learned from the game | Stock risers | Coach Prime recruiting buzz is real | Stock Report on offensive players | Stock Report on defensive players | Gorney Awards | Best OL vs DL battles | Team Speed takeaways Day 3 | Team Phantom takeaways Day 3 | Predictions for in-game commitments | Texas signees, targets talk Arch Manning | Cormani McClain is hot topic | Stock boosters | Rankings questions popping up after two days | Three-Point Stance from Day 2 | Signees share which programs came in second | Signees predict semifinal results | Team Phantom takeaways from Day 1 | Team Speed takeaways from Day 1 | Three-Point Stance from Day 1 | Rumor Mill | Interview videos with more than two dozen prospects | Survey - Is the transfer portal affecting recruiting? | Respect My Decision podcast
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CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals100
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1. OKLAHOMA
The Sooners’ fanbase had multiple reasons to tune in – and a lot of reasons to be happy after Tuesday's game. The starting point has to be the play of Jackson Arnold. Arnold placed himself ahead of the other three quarterbacks and put up better statistics during the game. Arnold led all passers with 100 yards in the air. He kept Team Speed on the field by rushing for a game-high 50 yards off five totes.
Another highlight was Cayden Green. The offensive lineman's game has come a long way during his high school career, and it showed during the practices and game. The upside for the big man is tremendous.
Other reasons for OU coaches to be happy include the onslaught pressure PJ Adebawore put on offensive linemen and quarterbacks all week. Adebawore’s speed off the edge could help him set sack and QB hurry records. Five-star Peyton Bowen didn’t have the statistical game that would thrill fans but he did well throughout the practices. The play of linebacker Lewis Carter is another big reason for OU fans and coaches alike to be happy about the future of the program.
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2. GEORGIA
The defensive players in this group are amazing. Linebackers Raylen Wilson and Troy Bowles will be a great duo in Athens. Both have range, speed and a great knowledge of the game. The future for Samuel M’Pemba is bright. He has the physicality and speed to be an early contributor on passing downs. As his hand placement and moves evolve he will help shut down SEC offenses. Justyn Rhett and Joenel Aguero are two big playmakers in the secondary. Aguero is that bell-ringer who will become a fan favorite.
Should the Bulldogs land tight end Duce Robinson, the Under Armour experience would prove to be even better. Robinson already has an NFL build. Adding three years of experience and time in the weight room, there is no ceiling to what he can accomplish if made a focal point of the offense. The five-star is also considering USC.
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3. FLORIDA
Although he's a four-star prospect, Jordan Castell’s talents at safety might be overlooked. He’s a linebacker who can fly, cover and punish backs breaking into the second level. When Ja’Keem Jackson takes the field great things happen. Jackson is consistent as a cover corner with great hips and speed.
Kelby Collins drew the spotlight his way in the game by earning Team Speed MVP honors after registering three tackles (two solo), with a sack, a tackle for loss and pass breakup.
Florida's QB of the future, Jaden Rashada, didn’t have the game desired as he went 4-of-8 for 25 yards, but his performance in practices went much smoother. Once the four-star picks up offensive coordinator Rob Sale’s playbook, big wins should be had in Gainesville.
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4. TEXAS
Johntay Cook was electric during practices as he showed off his speed, burst and route running. Another standout – perhaps the top performer at his position in Orlando – was Cedric Baxter. Baxter is a big, bruising back with great field vision. His feel for the game and ability to anticipate holes and openings came through during the game with a Team Phantom-best 32 yards rushing off seven carries. He also posted the first TD of the game.
The Longhorns have some defensive pieces coming their way, and one of the best in the group may be Malik Muhammad. Muhammad is that cover corner who can lock down receivers, allowing safeties more room to cover the rest of the field. Sydir Mitchell is a space-eater who can take up offensive linemen. He’s another player whose game will change immensely once he's in a collegiate strength and conditioning program.
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5. ALABAMA
It's no surprise to see the Crimson Tide well represented at the game. One can’t help but look at the big O-linemen heading to Tuscaloosa in Olaus Alinen and Miles McVay. Both have the size and frame to be road-graders in the SEC.
Benefiting from the blocking up front will be running back Richard Young. Young has all the tools to be a 1,000-yard rusher for Bama. Jalen Hale is another good-sized receiver who will give SEC secondaries troubles. Young finished the game with eight carries for 20 yards, while Hale secured three passes for 15 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jordan Renaud had a productive game for Team Speed by racking up five tackles. Desmond Ricks is known for his ability to cover, but he spent the game lending his talents in run support with four stops. Tony Mitchell didn’t get to showcase his talents during the game, but he’s another elite defender who will make plays while roaming Alabama’s secondary.