
Army All-American Bowl 2015: Commit Tracker and Recruit Highlights
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl annually attracts many of the country's elite college football prospects. The event returns to San Antonio on Saturday, continuing a tradition that has featured eventual NFL stars Andrew Luck, LeSean McCoy and Adrian Peterson.
The game features a final glimpse at these standouts before they take their talents to the collegiate level and provides conclusions for multiple recruitments. Several key prospects are set to announce commitments during the contest.
Follow along here for live updates on each decision as they occur at the Alamodome.
4-Star DE Kyle Phillips (Nashville, Tennessee)
1 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 110 overall; No. 8 strong-side defensive end
High School: Hillsboro High School
Where He's Headed: Tennessee
Commitment Analysis
Kyle Phillips gives the Volunteers another in-state gem and adds more clout to a defensive class that looks like a program-changer. He joins 5-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie, North Carolina nose guard Shy Tuttle and former Michigan linebacker commit Darrin Kirkland in an impressive group.
Phillips tallied 22.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks as a senior. He chose Tennessee over fellow SEC finalists Ole Miss and LSU.
"Tennessee feels like home," Phillips said during his commitment on NBC.
Scouting Report
The 6'3.5", 250-pound defender provides versatility along the defensive front. Phillips attacks opposing lineman with violent handwork that shows off his strength, allowing him to shed blocks and invade gaps.
He remains in control during downhill pursuits and doesn't allow himself to end up behind the play. As a pass-rusher, Phillips has sky-high potential and must develop finesse moves as things progress in college, though his bull-rush technique is already rather effective.
His anticipation is also a plus. You'll occassionally see Phillips swat away a pass at the line of scrimmage, a result of maintained focus on the offensive backfield.
4-Star DT Neville Gallimore (Ontario, Canada)
2 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 68 overall; No. 10 defensive tackle
High School: Canada Prep Football Academy
Where He's Headed: Oklahoma
Commitment Analysis
Despite a disappointing end to the season, the Sooners claim a commitment from Neville Gallimore. The dominant Canadian linemen spent an official visit in Norman during the season and always felt wanted by Bob Stoops' staff.
"They've been consistent staying in touch with me and my family," Gallimore told me earlier this week. "I feel a lot of overall comfort at Oklahoma, and things are heading in the right direction there."
He chose the Sooners over offers from fellow finalists Florida State and Ohio State.
Scouting Report
Potential is paramount for Gallimore, one of the top recruits ever to come from our northern neighbor. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly where the 6'3", 300-pound defender will make his mark in college, but it's safe to say he won't be playing from a standup end position nearly as frequently as he did these past couple of years.
Expect Gallimore to slide inside, with enough range to fill a 3-technique or 5-technique role. He carries a sturdy frame with good weight and displays elite quickness for an athlete of his size.
Gallimore shows the ability to chase plays down from the backside and possesses outstanding range in the trenches. He projects as a rotational defensive lineman who could seize three-down duties as he develops increased strength and understanding for the game.
4-Star TE Devonaire Clarington
3 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 169 overall; No. 4 tight end
High School: Booker T. Washington High School
Where He's Headed: Texas
Commitment Analysis
Devonaire Clarington gives the Longhorns another big pickup in All-American action. The 6'5.5", 222-pound playmaker joins 4-star Dallas linebacker Anthony Wheeler, who committed Friday during the Under Armour All-America Game.
Charlie Strong continues to gain momentum during the final stages of this recruiting cycle, with five pledges of the 4-star and 5-star variety since December. Clarington left three hats on the table during his announcement (LSU, Florida and Miami).
He predominately played defense as a senior but will make a shift to tight end in college.
Scouting Report
Clarington is far from a complete tight end prospect at this point in his career, but there's plenty to like about what he brings to the passing game. His greatest attribute right now is as a downfield route-runner.
He is purely a pass-catching tight end who has the ability to beat linebackers at the second level and go up top to attack smaller defensive backs. Clarington displays excellent hands and smooth footwork in the open field.
His immediate impact in college will be realized as a "hybrid" receiver who can line up out wide or in the slot. Increased strength training and physical development will eventually open the door for him to play tighter to the line in a more traditional every-down role.
4-Star ATH Stanley Norman (Gardena, California)
4 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 106 overall; No. 8 athlete
High School: Junipero Serra High School
Where He's Headed: Arizona State
Commitment Analysis
The Sun Devils add another top California prospect in dynamic athlete Stanley Norman. Arizona State wasn't always considered a top contender for his services but managed to make a strong push and overcome fellow Pac-12 members UCLA and Washington State.
"It wasn't a tough decision," Norman said during his commitment on NBC.
Coach Todd Graham has assembled a standout class during this cycle, and it now features three U.S. Army All-Americans. Norman joins quarterback Brady White (California) and two-way talent Jaason Lewis (Virginia).
Scouting Report
The 6'0", 180-pound prospect could play on both sides of the ball in college given his expansive skill set. Norman is explosive off the line of scrimmage, controlling perimeter matchups with short-area quickness and an aggressive style of play that's help earn him the nickname "Scrappy."
Norman has a lot of wiggle in the open field, enabling him to both gain separation from defensive backs and maintain stride-for-stride coverage while working against receivers. He's a threat to reach the end zone anytime he gets his hands on the football, creating opportunities for game-changing plays.
Wherever Norman winds up in college, expect the coaching staff to consider utilizing him in multiple roles and perhaps as a special teams returner.
4-Star WR Lawrence Cager (Towson, Maryland)
5 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 335 overall; No. 42 wide receiver
High School: Calvert Hall College High School
Where He's Headed: Miami
Commitment Analysis
Lawrence Cager provided a twist by announcing his intentions to attend Miami. He actually told NBC game announcers last night that Alabama would be the choice, but a change of heart took place Saturday morning.
Cager didn't even list the Hurricanes as one of his top six options in November when we broke down his favorites. Virginia Tech, Georgia, Ole Miss and Ohio State were also in the mix.
He gives impressive Miami freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya a potential top target to work with moving forward. Cager caught a long-distance touchdown pass in the All-American Bowl just moments after announcing his decision.
Scouting Report
Cager, a dynamic athlete who once drew professional baseball scouts to his school as an underclassman before focusing solely on football, garnered attention for improvements this season. He's transformed from a raw athlete to polished pass-catcher.
He cut down his 40-yard dash time by nearly two-tenths of a second this summer and flashed that newfound speed as a senior. Cager gets downfield in a hurry and uses his 6'5", 202-pound frame to beat defensive backs for the football.
Run blocking is one of his strongest attributes, which should accelerate his chances of seeing the field early in college.
"I refuse to take a play off," Cager told me this fall. "If you're loafing on my side of the field, I will pick you up and throw you."
4-Star DB Ykili Ross (Riverside, California)
6 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 108 overall; No. 10 cornerback
High School: Polytechnic High School
Where He's Headed: USC
Commitment Analysis
Ykili Ross spurned Pac-12 rivals Oregon and Arizona State to join USC. He also heavily considered an offer from Notre Dame and previously visited the Fighting Irish.
Though he's expected to still spend time at Arizona State later this month, for the moment he gives the Trojans another impressive defensive back. Ross said during his commitment that he could see some reps at receiver for USC, but he expects to take the majority of his snaps at safety.
His role could mirror that of 2014 signee Adoree Jackson, who played on both sides of the ball this season as a true freshman.
Scouting Report
Ross is among the most versatile West Coast prospects in this class. He displays above-average strength and physicality that suits him well on along the perimeter.
Ross shows the ability to thrive in off-man coverage, denying separation downfield with excellent length. His agility allows him to seemingly glide in the secondary, able to change direction and close cushions before the ball arrives.
There's a lot to like about his efforts at receiver and roster needs could ultimately dictate he lines up on offense, but the 6'2", 185-pound prospects projects as an immediate-impact defender with plenty of room to grow moving forward.
4-Star ATH Tim Irvin (Miami, Florida)
7 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 276 overall; No. 23 athlete
High School: Westminster Christian School
Where He's Headed: Texas
Commitment Analysis
Charlie Strong secures his second commitment of the day, and it's another South Florida prospect. Tim Irvin chose the Longhorns over fellow finalists Florida, Miami, West Virginia and Auburn.
Texas added Miami tight end Devonaire Clarington earlier during All-American Bowl festivities. The Longhorns continue to climb national class rankings, cracking the top 10.
Scouting Report
Irvin, the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin, is an electric talent who does damage with incredible agility. The 5'9", 186-pound playmaker is more powerful than his size would suggest, laying out opponents as a defensive back while breaking tackles with tenacity and spin moves alike.
He isn't afraid to stick his nose in the fray as a run defender, but he is ultimately at his finest downfield in secondary coverage. Irvin has a strong understanding of timing, and fluid hips help him keep up with even the slipperiest of receivers.
His quickness could set the stage for a successful career in the special teams return game.
4-Star DB Marvell Tell (Encino, California)
8 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 57 overall; No. 4 safety
High School: Crespi High School
Where He's Headed: USC
Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian secures his second commitment of the day. Marvell Tell teams up with fellow in-state prospect Ykili Ross and the two could create quite a safety tandem in Los Angeles.
He expressed plenty of confidence in his decision.
"It's where I feel like I fit," Tell said during the announcement on NBC. "You know we're going to bring that national championship back."
He picked the Trojans over Oregon and Texas A&M.
Scouting Report
Tell displays potential to play cornerback or safety in college. Based on what we've seen, his strengths are most suitable for the free safety position, where he can patrol center field and use outstanding reactive quickness to close in on receivers and disrupt pass attempts.
The 6'2", 175-pound playmaker isn't an ideal defender near the line of scrimmage, but that doesn't mean Tell lacks tackling skills. He does an excellent job wrapping up receivers downfield and prevents opponents from breaking off big plays by bringing them down to the turf.
His transition from backpedal to pursuit is effortless, and he puts himself in good position by taking proper angles along the chase. Excellent closing speed provides a reliable backstop for fellow defenders in downfield coverage.
4-Star DE D'Andre Walker (Fairburn, Georgia)
9 of 9247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 161 overall; No. 10 weak-side defensive end
High School: Langston Hughes High School
Where He's Headed: Georgia
Commitment Analysis
It's a big win for Mark Richt and the Bulldogs, as D'Andre Walker spurned fellow SEC finalists Auburn and Tennessee to stay in his home state. The 6'2.5", 209-pound prospect made his most recent visit to Athens in December.
Walker projects as a hybrid defender in Georgia's scheme. He should see time at outside linebacker in a 3-4 front, though a role at defensive end could also await him with the Bulldogs.
His commitment announcement included a stuffed Bulldog toy, which received a kiss from the newest Georgia pledge.
Scouting Report
There's a reason many refer to Walker as "Da Animal." He may be undersized at the point, but there's a ferocity and relentlessness to his game that overshadows any physical limitations.
Walker lays the lumber while bowling over blockers and leaves an impression on ball-carriers by slamming them to the turf. He stays compact in the trenches and uses strong hips to fire off the snap, landing his hands on an opponent's chest plate with a violent punch.
His flexibility also shines, as Walker maneuvers well laterally and maintains balance. He has the change-of-direction burst to do damage while facing perimeter rushing attacks.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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