Under Armour: Ten with something to prove
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Henry lost his fifth star and is looking to join the small handful of players
who gained it back. The Florida State commitment has to show accuracy
under fire and consistently throw catchable balls in practice and especially in
the game itself. The knock against Henry has been his completion percentage and
not getting into a rhythm for long. The Under Armour All-America Game is a great
chance to show that has been corrected or never truly was an issue against the
best of the best.
3
RB
Wayne (N.J.) DePaul Catholic
Walker recently lost his fifth star and has gone from a decisive, one-cut brute
at running back to a bit of an indecisive runner who questions his instincts and
dances a bit too much. Ball security is also an issue so he will need to have a
fumble free week and catch the ball effectively as well.
4
WR
Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas
Bruce has always strived to be a five star but size has been the main reason he
hasn't attained that status. There are very few dominant 5-foot-8 receivers out
there, but Bruce is one of the best we have ever seen. Can he have a lights-out
week that forces everyone to stand up and take notice and give him that shiny
extra star? He will need a DeSean Jackson 2005 performance to get
consideration for those who have been following this for a while, and even with
that the debate will continue.
5
DT
Killeen (Texas) Shoemaker
Jones is one of the most physically impressive prospects I have ever seen in my
17-plus years in this industry, but can his play match his amazing attributes?
At 351 pounds of sheer muscle, Jones should be able to push anyone around but he
has shown to be a bit too easy to block and re-direct in our evaluations. Maybe
on the biggest stage that will change.
6
CB
Madison (Miss.) Germantown
Knott is highly-ranked and regarded at the cornerback position but he's not the
biggest or most physical cornerback out there so he will need to show he can
handle bigger guys who will either outmuscle or out-jump him. Knott was on the
verge of a fifth star after an amazing spring and summer but an injury this
season and a lack of physical development has clouded that prospect.
7
WR
Chandler, Ariz.
Harry is a five-star who has unquestioned athleticism but does he have the
dominant speed and quickness to keep that honor. We know he can jump out of the
building and is explosive, but his get off speed, ability to separate and
consistency catching the ball will all be scrutinized.
8
QB
Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic
Guarantano has made amazing strides as a quarterback, from inexperienced starter
as a junior to five star range following a senior year where he showed
toughness, accuracy, good decision making and that whip of an arm. Will he
continue to shine on the biggest stage or will the elite athletes at the event
rock him a bit and get him off his game?
9
WR
Tampa (Fla.) Catholic
Craig-Myers is a huge receiver with elite skills, but he has to answer the speed
question as much as Harry does. He used to be a bit more explosive and has
traded some of that for additional size and strength which isn't always a bad
thing. But is he a strong red zone and possession guy who can still beat you
deep or is he one-dimensional?
10
DT
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy
Manuel has gone from an elite end prospect who could be a nightmare off the edge
to a defensive tackle who can flash at times but carries a bit too much weight
that can slow him down. Like Henry and Walker, he lost his fifth star but he
fell much further than the rest and has a long climb back. Going against elite
linemen and being compared to some amazing defensive tackles will tell the tale.
Mike Farrell
National Recruiting Director
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