Under Armour: Top performers
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The nation’s best high school football prospects participated in the Under Armour All-America game, and throughout the week there was plenty of playmaking and trash talking. Some guys lived up to the buzz, while some others showed they deserved a little more respect. Many stood out, but only a select few make the Top 10 Performers from the week. Here’s a look at the best of the best.
1. DT Rashan Gary, Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic – Team Highlight
Recruiting Wrap: Michigan is thought to be the leader but Clemson, LSU, Auburn, Ole Miss, and USC are also in the mix for his commitment.
Performance: Gary dominated from the time he arrived until he got on the plane back home. He entered with a target on his back and each and every day he proved he was up to the challenge. He played defensive end and defensive tackle throughout the week and used a combination of power, speed, and technique to get the best of his competition. He showed time and time again the hype was real. He took home MVP honors for Team Highlight after recording six tackles, three sacks and 3.5 TFLs.
2. DT Ed Oliver, Houston (Texas) Westfield – Team Armour
Recruiting Wrap: Oliver is committed to Houston.
Performance: Oliver has some deceptive size and an extremely powerful and quick lower body. He was the quickest of the interior linemen and routinely handled whatever was thrown his way during his week in Orlando. He split double teams, blew by interior linemen, and powered through opponents when needed. He also never quit. His motor was non-stop, and he was equally effective at defensive end and defensive tackle for Team Armour. His game day performance earned him MVP honors after he recorded five tackles and 2.5 TFLs.
3. OT Gregory Little, Allen, Tex. – Team Highlight
Recruiting Wrap: Little is committed to Ole Miss.
Performance: The offensive linemen had their hands full with defenders throughout the week, but Little definitely answered the bell. He looked the part of a five-star, SEC offensive tackle with quick footwork and very strong technique. He gets off the ball and was able to consistently pick up blocks downfield on running plays. Without a doubt he was the top performing offensive lineman throughout the week.
4. WR Dionte Mullins, Miami (Fla.) Gulliver Prep – Team Highlight
Recruiting Wrap: Mullins is committed to Miami.
Performance: Mullins made the most of his week in Orlando and showed no rust from not being able to play as a senior. His one-handed touchdown reception over Kristian Fulton was one of the most impressive plays of the week. He was quick off the line, physical, ran great routes, and showed himself to be the most dynamic and reliable receiver of the week. He finished the game with two receptions for 35 yards, including his 24-yard touchdown reception.
5. DE Antonneous Clayton, Vienna (Ga.) Dooly County – Team Armour
Recruiting Wrap: Clayton is committed to Florida.
Performance: Entering the week, Clayton was a bit of a mystery with some big questions to answer. He showed exactly why he is regarded so highly from the first time he set foot on the field. His first step made him an immediate threat for opposing quarterbacks. He put offensive tackle after offensive tackle on their heels and he quickly made his presence felt on game day. On Saturday he recorded four tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
6. DT Benito Jones, Waynesboro (Miss.) Wayne County – Team Highlight
Recruiting Wrap: Jones is committed to Ole Miss.
Performance: Jones started the week on a bit of a sour note, but he rebounded on day two and only improved throughout the week. He is known for his quickness inside and he certainly put it on display. He also impressed with his ability to split double teams and get a consistent push in the middle. He saved his best work for game day where he recorded 5 tackles, 4 TFLs, and a sack.
7. WR Tyrie Cleveland, Houston (Texas) Westfield – Team Armour
Recruiting Wrap: Cleveland is committed to Houston but Florida, Arkansas, and TCU remain in the mix.
Performance: During practice, there may not have been a better receiver. On game day, he took a bit of a back seat with two drops and only a 25-yard kickoff return to his credit. Still, his week at practice in Orlando should not be forgotten. He made big plays in traffic and ran strong routes. His size and speed make him a tough match-up and he showed he could handle the stiffest competition.
8. RB B.J. Emmons, Morganton (N.C.) Freedom – Team Highlight
Recruiting Wrap: Emmons is committed to Alabama
Performance: Emmons was the most consistent running back throughout the week and he showed an explosive burst and quick feet during the game. He did not have the breakout game with only 23 all-purpose yards on 12 touches, but he was able to show flashes of what made him stand out throughout the week. His size, speed, and burst were hard to miss in Orlando.
9. RB Miles Sanders, Pittsburgh (Pa.) Woodland Hills – Team Armour
Recruiting Wrap: Sanders is committed to Penn State
Performance: Sanders was close behind Emmons at running back. Sanders also had a little bit better ball game. He finished with 9 touches for 35 yards. He gets the edge over Emmons when it comes to short space burst and versatility, and he was a steady performer from the beginning of the week until the final whistle.
10. WR A.J. Brown, Starkville (Miss.) Starkville – Team Highlight
Recruiting Wrap: Mississippi State and Ole Miss are the top two contenders for Brown’s commitment.
Performance: Brown was a very steady performer all week. His hands were some of the best. He made difficult catches in traffic, he created separation, and he ran good routes. On game day he was the leading receiver with four receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. His 53-yard reception was the longest play from scrimmage and he showed some shiftiness after the catch.