Under Armour Analysis: Friday evaluations
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.– Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg breaks down some of the top performers from Friday's final full day of practice at the Under Armour All-American Game.
Under Armour All-American Game Friday Analysis
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DT Corey Adams, 6-3/283, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro
ASSETS: Athletic interior defensive tackle that looks strong and quick.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to play with better technique.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: Did a nice job of shedding blocks and penetrating during scrimmage session.
CONCLUSION: Adams is an active interior defensive line prospect that plays with a very good motor.
RB Jaamal Berry, 5-10/185, Miami (Fla.) Palmetto
ASSETS: Has very good quickness in the hole and ability to make people miss.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Berry looks a tad smaller than advertised. He needs to work on pass pro.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: Berry had a short reception in the middle of the field in front of the linebackers and then turned up field with a great spin move to free himself.
CONCLUSION: Berry looks ultra-quick with the ball in his hands, has very good speed and is tough to handle one-on-one.
WR Keenan Davis, 6-3/200, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Washington
ASSETS: A sure handed receiver with good size and deceptive speed.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to continue to work on his route running.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: Had a stellar practice session. He made several grabs over defensive backs and showed the ability to go get the ball with good concentration and body control.
CONCLUSION: Davis doesn't get as much publicity as some of the other receivers in this game but he has certainly shown he deserves to be here.
DE Dyron Dye, 6-4/215, Sanford (Fla.) Seminole
ASSETS: An ultra-quick and speedy edge rusher with a tall and lean frame.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Has to get bigger and stronger and needs to develop other pass rushing moves rather than just relying on pure speed.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: Had a few nice plays in scrimmage action, holding contain and forcing plays to the inside.
CONCLUSION: Although Dye's game is based on pure speed and quickness on the edge, you can see with work in the weight room and learning to play with more technique he could really develop into a terror.
ATH Stephon Gilmore, 6-1/180, Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe
ASSETS: Gilmore is a superior athlete with versatility, instincts and playmaking ability.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Just needs to get more reps to gain comfort in the secondary.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: Shows great instincts at safety and he's not shy of contact.
CONCLUSION: Gilmore is so athletic he could play receiver, cornerback or safety. I think he has the brightest future at free safety.
OLB Tom Wort, 6-1/210, New Braunfels (Tex.)
ASSETS: An active, physical and aggressive linebacker that moves very well.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Sometimes plays too aggressively and gets caught. He will have to continue to work on coverage skills.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: Had good coverage on Washaun Ealey on a wheel route. Wort also played a reverse well against wide receiver Logan Heastie.
CONCLUSION: Oklahoma is getting a great looking linebacker prospect that can run and make plays.
ATH Prince Kent, 6-3/195, Norcross (Ga.)
ASSETS: Has size, speed and shows the ability to be around the ball.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to fine tune his cover skills.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: For the second consecutive day Kent shined at cornerback. He uses his size to his advantage.
CONCLUSION: Although he has had a good few days playing corner he looks best suited for free safety.
QB Russell Shepard, 6-1/179, Houston (Tex.) Cypress Ridge
ASSETS: Has unbelievable quickness, terrific speed, and is very tough to handle in the pocket or open field.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to work on arm strength and decision making while learning to throw more effectively to spots, if his future is at quarterback.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: Anytime the pass protection breaks down Shepard is a nightmare for a defense because of his ability to make something happen with his feet. He used that weapon several times Friday.
CONCLUSION: Shepard is electric with the ball in his hands and he could be the "X" factor Sunday night. He has work to do throwing the ball but is a game changing athlete that needs the ball in his hands.
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