The Battle for No. 1 ATH Recruit Lives on at 2016 Army Bowl

SAN ANTONIO — Lasting words overheard Tuesday by 5-star prospect Mecole Hardman Jr.: "We're just out here having fun, man."

He's right. The atmosphere blanketing both the Blossom Athletic Center and Heroes Stadium—the practice sites for the two U.S. Army All-American Bowl teams—reminds everyone that although this is a prestigious all-star event, it's also an opportunity for 90 of the best athletes in the 2016 class to relax and enjoy the moment.

But let's not kid ourselves. These same prospects, who are having a good time preparing for Saturday's game, didn't get to where they are as football players by living lighthearted full-time. It's all about competition and being the best of the best.

Credit: 247Sports.com

So when Saturday's kickoff goes down, don't be surprised if Hardman, Demetris Robertson, Jack Jones and Devin Asiasi all play the game as if it were their last. According to 247Sports.com's composite rankings, these four individuals represent the top four classified at the "athlete" position.

"You don't get this opportunity all the time," Jones said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so you have to take advantage of it. You want to show you're the best."

"We all work so hard to get to this point," Asiasi added. "To be able to be here and play in this game is surreal. It motivates me knowing I'm just in the top five, but you always want more."

Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl is supposed to be played just for fun, but both Jones and Asiasi agreed that when you're surrounded by talent, it's only natural for competitive natures to rear their heads.

Consider it a time to determine who's the No. 1 "athlete."

Credit: 247Sports.com

Hardman currently occupies that top spot and is ranked No. 21 overall in the composite rankings. Robertson is the No. 2 athlete and No. 24 overall. Hardman and Robertson, two from the state of Georgia, will play for the East team Saturday.

The West team will feature Jones and Asiasi, two California players considered top-50 players by many. Jones is the No. 3 athlete and the No. 44 overall player according to the composite rankings. Asiasi is the No. 4 athlete and just missed the top-50 cut in the composite rankings at No. 51, but that could change with his play in practices throughout the week.

Saturday, everybody will look to make multiple plays. The game will be televised on NBC, which means there will be an opportunity to shine on a global level.

"That motivates me, but being in the top five motivates me, too," said Asiasi, who is looking to play tight end and not defensive end in college. "All those athletes are crazy. They're fast, they've got good hands and they're all-around great players. Every day, I have to come out with the mentality that I have to prove something."

Credit: 247Sports.com

Being No. 1 is strictly for bragging rights, but playing well against the talent on the field further enhances their already stellar recruiting resumes. Collectively, the quartet has 103 reported offers.

Hardman (31 reported offers) is eyeing schools such as Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, Florida and Clemson. Robertson (28 offers) has schools like Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Stanford high on his list. Jones (22 offers) posted a top-five video with Bleacher Report, including USC, UCLA, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Asiasi (22 offers) is eyeing USC, UCLA, Alabama, Washington and others.

All four could have announcements on national signing day. But on Saturday, the casual fans—those slightly unfamiliar with their talents—get to see why they are top-five talents at the position in the first place.

And expect all four to compete for the No. 1 spot as we inch closer to signing day.

"Everybody's going to compete," Jones said, "but I'll let you know that I'm coming to play and will get you better on the field and off the field. I'll let the reporters will decide on who they think is the best athlete."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports.com's composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles