5 Must-See Players at the Under Armour All-America Game

The Under Armour All-America Game brings many of America's premier prospects to Tropicana Field in St. Petersbug, Florida, on Jan. 2. The talent-packed showdown is broadcast on national television and has previously featured future NFL playmakers like Julio Jones and Trent Richardson.

The latest version isn't lacking for stars, as several top-tier recruits are expected to suit up. It will be the final tuneup before college football for marquee members of the 2015 class.

Here's a look at elite players to keep an eye on when the action kicks off.

RB Jacques Patrick (Orlando, Florida)

School: Timber Creek High School

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 40 overall; No. 3 among running backs

Recruitment Status: Committed to Florida State

Why He's Worth Watching

Jacques Patrick jumped up the all-time state rushing list this fall with his third straight 2,000-yard season. He registered a career-high 237 carries for 2,140 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior, per MaxPreps.

The 6'1.5", 230-pound prospect finished fifth in Florida history with 7,922 rushing yards, just 26 yards shy of passing all-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith for fourth place. He tallied 103 rushing touchdowns at Timber Creek.

Patrick is an explosive runner who churns out tough yardage between the tackles and wears down defenses during the course of a game. He exhibits enough burst to do damage at the second level as a college running back and could create a dominant duo with Seminoles freshman running back Dalvin Cook, who was a 5-star recruit in last year's class.

LB Malik Jefferson (Mesquite, Texas)

School: Poteet High School

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 14 overall; No. 1 among outside linebackers

Recruitment Status: Considering Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Baylor, Texas A&M, others

Why He's Worth Watching

Malik Jefferson anchors one of the most feared defenses in the Lone Star State and has been a staple of the attack throughout his high school career. He enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2012, tallying 105 tackles and seven sacks.

He increased his pass-rushing prowess as an upperclassman, evidenced by 12 sacks last season. Jefferson, who stands 6'2.5", 215 pounds, flashes freakish speed that few blockers can keep up with along the edge.

His 40-yard dash (clocked at 4.39 seconds) stole the show at The Opening. He possesses the physical frame necessary to add mass and handle the rigors of every-down duties in college.

"I think I'm a balanced linebacker and coaches can count on me to get the job done whatever we need to do," Jefferson told me in July. "I like stuffing the run, but I have no problem dropping back to cover passes."

WR Calvin Ridley (Pompano Beach, Florida)

School: Monarch High School

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 13 overall; No. 1 among wide receivers 

Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama

Why He's Worth Watching

Calvin Ridley may be counted on immediately to help replace Crimson Tide star receiver and Heisman Trophy candidate Amari Cooper in Tuscaloosa. The 6'0", 170-pound playmaker earned overall MVP honors at The Opening this summer, teaming up with Alabama quarterback commit Blake Barnett to win the seven-on-seven tournament title.

The duo will compete on the same team again in St. Petersburg, setting the stage for another early glimpse of their potential. Ridley is likely itching to play, as he's been sidelined since September due to Florida high school age limits (you must be younger than 19 years and nine months to compete).

He made the most of an abbreviated campaign, catching 18 passes for 420 yards and six scores in three games. His final high school reception was a 40-yard touchdown, per Ryan Acquavita of the Sun Sentinel.

Look for Ridley to pull down at least one spectacular grab in the All-America Game.

CB Iman Marshall (Long Beach, California)

School: Long Beach Poly High School

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 3 overall; No. 1 among cornerbacks

Recruitment Status: Considering USC, UCLA, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, others

Why He's Worth Watching

Iman Marshall, known as Biggie among his peers, is among the most physical cornerbacks we've seen in recent years. The 6'1", 190-pound defender uses intimidation off the snap, jamming receivers at the line, and can match routes with precise footwork.

He'll look to validate his reputation while working against elite receivers in St. Petersburg. Marshall already holds tremendous respect from fellow recruits.

"You can tell how much he understands the mental part of this game," USC quarterback commit Ricky Town told me this summer. "A lot of defensive backs have the size and speed but get lost in coverage. He can do it all."

He'll be ready to rise to the challenge again in January.

"The most important thing is earning respect from your peers," Marshall told me this fall. "It’s an honor to be considered a top defensive back by some of the best quarterbacks and receivers in the country. I feel blessed about that."

QB Jarrett Stidham (Stephenville, Texas)

School: Stephenville High School 

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 26 overall; No. 3 among dual-threat quarterbacks

Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas Tech

Why He's Worth Watching

Jarrett Stidham is a gifted athlete who has opened plenty of eyes since transitioning from receiver to quarterback in 2013. He just registered his second straight 30-touchdown season through the air, while making a major impact on the ground.

He surpassed 900 rushing yards during each of the past two campaigns, compiling another 30 scores in the process, per the Abilene Reporter-News. His playmaking skills shined at receiver in 2012, when Stidham caught 50 passes for 819 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Stidham is still just scratching the surface of his potential behind center, which should delight Red Raiders fans.

"I feel more comfortable right now than ever before," Stidham told me before the season.

He's ready for a showcase like the All-America Game.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.