Link: Under Armour All-America Game (Jan. 4th)

[Crimson Surfer]

Sizing up the two teams in the Under Armour All-America Game: Tale Of The Tape: Black vs. White

So who has the advantage in the Under Armour All-America Game? It's too close to call, but Tom Luginbill, Craig Haubert, Billy Tucker and Bill Conley go position-by-position and break it down.

ESPN Under Armour All-America Game: UA Game Index

 

[THE BAMA IRISHMAN]

We will get to see the Players announce they are coming to Alabama exactly one month early. :biggrin:

 

[BigEasyTider]

Just looking at the rosters, this game really isn't going to hold a whole lot of interest for Alabama. I can only spot one Alabama commitment playing in the game (Trent Richardson), and two Alabama prospects (Darren Myles and Branden Smith).

For 'Bama fans, all eyes will be on San Antonio.

 

[Bpiu321]

I'd keep an eye on TR in UAAA game. Look what he's done behind his below average line in HS. Now put him behind an AA line and there's no telling what he could accomplish.

 

[THE BAMA IRISHMAN]

Just looking at the rosters, this game really isn't going to hold a whole lot of interest for Alabama. I can only spot one Alabama commitment playing in the game (Trent Richardson), and two Alabama prospects (Darren Myles and Branden Smith).

For 'Bama fans, all eyes will be on San Antonio.

Yep. I did not read the game title very well. :BigA:

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Te'o, Telfort and QBs shine at first practice

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NFL Hall of Fame head coach Marv Levy said the talent he witnessed at the first Under Armour All-America practice far exceeded his expectations. It surpassed my expectations, as well.

While last year's inaugural game certainly had its fair share of superstars, the overall quality on the 2009 roster appears superior, judging by the first practice. From the interior to the perimeter, the depth was impressive, with little dropoff in ability between some of the nation's best high school football prospects.

Wednesday's practice was more instructional, as players shook off the rust and adjusted to the different formations, cadences and timing with their new teammates and coaches. Despite it being the first time on the field in over a month for most players, they were ready to compete from the start, and the intensity was high.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Florida skill players Carter, Reid shine in second practice session

ORLANDO, Fla. -- As expected, the second Under Armour All-American practice was a lot sharper with a much higher tempo than Wednesday's opening session. The players did far less thinking and more reacting, which allowed their natural skills and abilities to stand out, thus giving me the chance to get a more detailed evaluation.

As the speed and competition picked up a notch, it also became more apparent that the defenses for both the White and Black squads are ahead of the curve and may be more talented than their respective offenses. The timing and precision from both offenses was much improved, but the number of big plays was still limited. It is apparent that this year's receiving corps at the Under Armour Game is lacking its Julio Jones (Alabama) or A.J. Green (Georgia), both of whom participated in last year's game.

• Trent Richardson (Pensacola, Fla./Escambia) has been the most productive back in Orlando. His great hands out of the backfield have surprised me. He's also lived up to his ability to bounce off initial contact.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Under Armor Thursday White Hot 11

RB Trent Richardson
5-11/210, Pensacoloa (Fla.) Escambia
It can be tough for running backs to stand out sometimes in all-star practice settings but Richardson has been impossible to ignore. His burst out of the backfield is striking even though he is one of the bigger backs in the game. He also has demonstrated some incredibly soft hands out of the backfield. When he does get the ball and turn up field, Richardson has the ability to lower his head and power over smaller defenders or even bigger safeties and linebackers. Richardson has been as good as advertised all week.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

I do not want to start another panicky Trent Richardson thread. I think this story is a good read and it fits nicely into the UA AA game thread. I believe as the article says that TR is firmly committed to Bama and we should not worry about TR unless something comes up that causes us worry. Taking official visits is quite normal for a top ranked prospect.

Richardson wants to be sure

Five-star running back Trent Richardson has been committed to the University of Alabama for months. Despite a very firm commitment, he is planning to hit the road in January to check out a few of his other options.

Trent Richardson will be tough to pull away from the Crimson Tide.
"I am just planning to take some official visits to make sure I am making the right decision for myself," Richardson said. "I have Alabama on the 9th, Florida on the 16th, and LSU on the 23rd. I am going to try to stick Florida State somewhere in there."

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Under Armour analysis: Black team standouts

S Darren Myles, 6-1/175, Atlanta (Ga.) Carver

ASSETS: Has talent at free safety, showing great range and good coverage skills.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs to bulk up and continue to work on getting better in run support.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE IN PRACTICE: I really like the way Myles patrols the secondary from his safety position. He did a nice job today of covering the field and breaking to the ball on a few different occasions.
CONCLUSION: Myles is every bit as talented as any safety on either squad and looks like he has a great future ahead of him.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Under Armour Friday practice buzz

ORLANDO -- On Friday, the players were dressed in shoulder pads and helmets only; it was was the last real practice before Sunday's 2009 Under Armour All-America Game. This practice saw more of a focus on mental reps and precision, but the competition and energy level were sky high.

The White squad practiced with a high tempo for most of the session during its team time-up, pass-rush drills and seven-on-sevens. Meanwhile, the Black team spent most of the day timing up plays and going at more of a thud tempo.

It was evident that both squads have gelled during the week. This practice session was very sharp with less mistakes and more efficiency. Both offenses had their best day, particularly at the skill positions -- receivers and quarterbacks really showed good timing.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

UA Interview: Branden Smith (Video)

One of the top defensive backs in Orlando this week has been Branden Smith. The Peach State corner has shut down top receivers daily and he he talks about being an All-American and his upcoming decision right here.

Branden Smith is a 5-foot-11, 170 pound corner with great ball skills, great recovery speed, and he makes many big plays.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Under Armour All-Americans weigh in on recruiting issues

Eighty of the nation's top high school football players are here this week to participate in the inaugural Under Armour High School All-America Game at the Citrus Bowl on Sunday (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). The game caps their brilliant prep careers; 66 (33 on each squad) of the players are in the ESPN 150 player rankings.

Seven student-athletes sat down to discuss hot-button issues concerning the high school game and the next level:

 

[BigEasyTider]

They've picked a terrible time slot for this game... on ESPN during an NFL playoff game. Meanwhile the Rivals game was on NBC as the lead-in for an NFL playoff game.

Anyway, both Branden Smith and Debose will be committing. Smith is an UGA lock at this point, and Debose will most likely be headed to Florida (IMO).

It will be interesting to see how Richardson does in this one. Honestly, given how much they love to air it out at these things, he probably won't see the ball very much unless its out of the backfield.

 

[LCN]

given how much they love to air it out at these things,

Cloning the Macdonalds HSAAG _blank:

TR will be lucky to get 7-8-9 carries & 2-3-4 receptions .

 

[BigEasyTider]

There will be some big guys announcing at the game tomorrow.

For the Tide, the biggest will probably be Andre Debose, the five-star wide receiver prospect out of Seminole, Florida, who will choose between LSU, Florida, and Miami. It looked like he was leaning to LSU a couple of weeks ago, but he has seemingly changed his pace. At this point, both Florida and Miami fans are expecting he will be a Gator. I'd like to see him end up at Miami, but I suppose we should all just be happy if he doesn't go to LSU, though honestly he'll be the next Percy Harvin at Florida.

Aside from Debose, there are still plenty of big prospects out there looking to commit. Dyron Dye and Ray Ray Armstrong are two big ones to keep your eyes on.

 

[M2J]

They've picked a terrible time slot for this game... on ESPN during an NFL playoff game. Meanwhile the Rivals game was on NBC as the lead-in for an NFL playoff game.

Anyway, both Branden Smith and Debose will be committing. Smith is an UGA lock at this point, and Debose will most likely be headed to Florida (IMO).

It will be interesting to see how Richardson does in this one. Honestly, given how much they love to air it out at these things, he probably won't see the ball very much unless its out of the backfield.

Actually the Sunday NFL games will be played at the normal 12 and 3 slots, so they both should be over by the time the game starts

 

[BigEasyTider]

Maybe LSU will get Debose after all...

Bob Lichtenfels of Scout.com hasn't missed one of these all-star game announcements in almost three years now, and he predicted Debose will head to LSU.

 

[rolltide0692]

I know he isn't committing at the game, but there are some people saying that Darren Myles may be headed to LSU as well. Russell Shepard seems to think he is a lock, kind of like AJ McCarron with Reuben Randle

 

[BigEasyTider]

Also, at this point it would shock everyone if Branden Smith didn't commit to UGA. He's pretty much a lock at this point.