On Monday, I profiled the standouts for the White team (team “Blur”). Now I’ll turn my attention to team Black (team “Highlight”).
College Football Recruiting: Under Armour All-America Game Practice Observations -- Team Highlight
Team Highlight has had several prospects impress at the Under Armour All-America Game practices.
One player who is immediately noticeable is linebacker Dalton Santos of Van, Texas. Santos is widely regarded as one of the top 15 inside linebackers in the country, but only ESPN went out on a limb and rated Santos the top inside backer. It appears they were right, as Santos has excellent size (6’2” 245), good athleticism relative to that size, and excellent instincts. He also loves to hit, which is important with all the contact the inside backer position faces.
Landon Collins, an excellent safety out of Geisman (La.) has been everything he was hyped to be. The five-star has shown the ability to play the run and the pass at an elite level. Collins is the total package and will select either Alabama or LSU.
Chaz Elder of College Park, Ga.‘s Banneker High has also impressed at the safety position. Elder has excellent quickness and really coverage a lot of ground. He’s rangy at 6’2” and 180 pounds, and will choose between Georgia, Vanderbilt and South Carolina Thursday night.
Two defensive tackes really stand out not only on team Highlight, but for the whole event: Eddie Goldman and Malcolm Brown. They came into the event as the top rated defensive tackles in the country and have done nothing to make evaluators doubt the decision.
Goldman is from Washington D.C.‘s Friendship Academy, but opposing offensive linemen don’t think the 6’4”, 310 pound tackle lives up to his school’s name. Goldman dominates at times out here, and while he could be more consistent, he definitely has the skills to be an instant contributor at the next level. Goldman will sign on signing day and is considering Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, Miami, Clemson, Maryland and Cal.
Texas commitment Malcolm Brown has been equally impressive. The 6’2”, 280 pound three-technique from Brehnam, Texas has an impressive first step for a big man. When he plays low, he is very difficult to block. He and Goldman really stand out above all other defensive tackles at this event.
Several offensive linemen have stood out for team Highlight. Andrus Peat, the 6’7”, 305 pound tackle from Tempe, Ariz.‘s Corona Del Sol High School is the best offensive line prospect at the event. The most impressive thing about Peat is probably his frame. He’s a very lean 305 pounds, and can clearly add 10 to 15 more without becoming sloppy. Peat has good athleticism for his size and long arms.
Fellow offensive tackle Avery Young of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. has also impressed. Young isn’t real big yet at 6’6” and 280 pounds, but he does have excellent athleticism. If he puts it together at the next level he can be a multi-year starter in a BCS conference.
Two defensive ends for team Highlight have also stood out above the crowd. Noah Spence, a recent Ohio State commitment from Harrisburg, Pa.‘s Bishop McDevitt High School has been unblockable. Spence is so quick off the edge, and plays with good leverage and a high motor. The 6’3”, 245 pounder should make an immediate impact at the next level.
Almost as impressive has been Leonard Williams of Daytona Mainland High School. Williams is more of a strong-side end player at 6’5” and 260 pounds. As expected, he has excellent power, but has also shown great agility and quickness for his size. Williams has been one of the top players all week.
The top quarterback for team Highlight has been Chad Kelly. Kelly is the nephew of Buffalo Bills great Jim Kelly, and has shown impressive athleticism and arm strength so far, making a few nice deep throws on the run. He’s committed to Clemson.
A quick note on team Blur: Cal commitment Zach Kline has been very impressive. He’s the top overall QB at this event.
The Under Armour All-America Game will air on Thursday night, 7:30 ESPN
