Under Armour, Army All-American Bowl 2015: Tracking Top Practice Performers

This week presents the final audition for college football's future stars. Premier members of the 2015 recruiting class have an opportunity to cap off outstanding high school careers during nationally televised matchups in the Under Armour All-America Game and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Action kicks off Friday in St. Petersburg, Florida, home of an Under Armour showdown that once starred Julio Jones, A.J. Green and Jadeveon Clowney. The focus will then shift to San Antonio on Saturday for the All-American Bowl, which features an alumni list that includes Reggie Bush, Teddy Bridgewater and Odell Beckham. 

Practice sessions are now underway at both events. Here's our updated look at prospects who've shined.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

4-star defensive back Kerryon Johnson (Madison, Alabama) - Under Armour All-American Game

The Auburn commit is among the most electric playmakers in this class and exhibited elite skills in pass coverage Wednesday. Johnson, who capped off his career at Madison Academy with a state title, intercepted a pair of passes and returned one for a score: 

Johnson also considered offers from Florida State, Clemson, Alabama and LSU. He was named Alabama's 2014 Gatorade Player of the Year after a sensational senior season.

His campaign included more than 2,000 offensive yards, 31 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

4-star running back Michael Weber (Detroit, Michigan) - U.S. Army All-American Bowl

A respected crop of ball-carriers have invaded San Antonio this week. So far, an Ohio State commit is standing out.

Weber, a former Michigan pledge, has drawn rave reviews from All-American defenders through two days of practice. 

"He's fast and strong—a tough guy to deal with," linebacker Porter Gustin told Bleacher Report. "He's an explosive runner."

Fellow 4-star defender Osa Masina echoed those sentiments.

"Weber is doing some big things," he said. "Definitely a nice player."

The 5'10", 205-pound back rushed for 2,266 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2014. It was his third straight season with at least 1,600 yards on the ground.

5-star defensive end Byron Cowart (Seffner, Florida) - Under Armour All-America Game

The coveted edge-rusher carried a strong start into Tuesday, sending a clear message that he belongs in any discussion as the No. 1 overall prospect. 

"I'm just trying to show people that I'm violent and dominant and aggressive and relentless," Cowart told Wesley Sinor of AL.com. "If I say I look up to guys like (Ndamukong) Suh and (Nick) Fairley, I have to play just like them."

He's shown those attributes so far in his home state, including this fierce performance against 4-star Arizona offensive tackle commit Keenan Walker:

Cowart, an Armwood High School standout, is considering three finalists. Florida, Auburn and Florida State remain in the mix for the 6'4", 250-pound defender.

Look for him to spend plenty of time in the offensive backfield when game action kicks off Friday. 

5-star defensive tackle Trent Thompson (Albany, Georgia) - U.S. Army All-American Bowl

The country's top-rated defensive tackle is living up to his billing in Texas. Thompson, listed second overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, could challenge to return to the No. 1 spot he held earlier this cycle, as Michael Carvell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution points out:

The 6'4", 292-pound Westover High School standout was named Defensive Player of the Year by USA TODAY this season. Barton Simmons measured up the elements that make him special while observing drills in San Antonio.

"Thompson showed how incredibly powerful he is at the point of attack," Simmons wrote. "He stands offensive linemen straight up, moves them off the spot and finishes plays. For a guy that size, Thompson is absurdly quick."

He committed to Georgia over Alabama and Auburn in August.  

4-star cornerback Donte Jackson (New Orleans, Louisiana) - U.S. Army All-American Bowl

The speedster from SEC country continues to rack up accolades with top-notch performances in drills and scrimmage competition. 247Sports' reporter Barton Simmons wrote Jackson "has the best hips of all the defensive backs, looks like the fastest player on the field and is just so natural."

Simmons also mentioned that Jackson caught a pair of touchdown passes when he moved across to offense. He is listed as an "athlete" in recruiting rankings but expected to spend time in the defensive secondary at the next level.

If you'e compiling a list of potential 5-star post-event upgrades, it should absolutely include Jackson. His top college options include Georgia, USC and LSU.

Monday, Dec. 29

5-star cornerback Tarvarus McFadden (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) - U.S. Army All-American Bowl

The American Heritage High School standout found himself in coverage against several premier pass-catchers. He then showed off the skills that made him a shutdown defender during back-to-back state championship runs. 

Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports broke down a big day for the Florida State commit.

"He was able to handle the bigger receivers in Lawrence Cager and Devonaire Clairington just as easily as he could the smaller and quicker players," Wiltfong wrote. "McFadden was the only one that had a chance to match up with the nation’s top-ranked receiver Deon Cain."

The 6'3" 198-pound prospect committed to the Seminoles in October, but intends to explore other options before signing day. He plans to visit LSU and Georgia in January, per Barton Simmons of 247Sports.

Credit: 247Sports

4-star wide receiver Trent Irwin (Newhall, California) - U.S. Army All-American Bowl

The Hart High School standout set career records in California for receptions and receiving yards. Irwin finished his prep run with 285 catches for 5,268 yards and 57 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.

Despite taking on the country's top defensive backs in San Antonio, he's still putting on a clinic:

He's repeatedly won battles in one-on-one settings Monday, including a matchup with 4-star Texas cornerback Kris Boyd, according to Rivals.com reporter Jason Howell:

Irwin is still considering offers from Arizona State and Stanford, with a decision looming after the All-American festivities. Brady White, his high school quarterback, is committed to the Sun Devils. 

5-star cornerback Iman Marshall (Long Beach, California) - Under Armour All-America Game

Marshall, rated the nation's No. 1 defensive back in 247Sports' composite rankings, aims to maintain that distinction on a game roster that features fellow 5-star coverage man Kevin Toliver II, an LSU pledge. The Long Beach Poly High School product didn't seem to let anyone down Monday.

JC Shurburtt of 247Sports caught up with an Under Armour coach following early action.

“(Marshall) has that tenacity like (Michigan freshman) Jabrill Peppers, but he moves around like (Florida All-American) Vernon Hargreaves III,” he told Shurburtt.

Marshall will look to continue proving his value while lining up across from top receivers, such as 5-star Florida State commit George Campbell:

4-star defensive end Canton Kaumatule (Honolulu, Hawaii) - Under Armour All-America Game

Island prospects may not always receive all the respect they deserve, but Kaumatule is doing his best to earn it. The mammoth 6'7", 290-pound defender dominated initial drills, showing off an expansive skill set for an athlete of his stature:

Rated fourth nationally among strong-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, he appears ready to wreak havoc throughout his stay in Florida. The Oregon commit has quickly tuned the heads of onlooking analysts:

This event features an impressive list of elite offensive tackles, so keep an eye on trench confrontations as the week progresses. The bull's-eye on Kaumatule became larger Monday.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.