Army All-American Game 2015: Grading the Top 10 Recruits

Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American game was another showcase that featured some of the elite talents in the 2015 class competing against one another.

Despite touted recruits such as 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson and 5-star linebacker Justin Hilliard missing the game due to injury, Saturday’s game at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, featured eight 5-star prospects in action and 12 of the nation’s Top 50 players overall. 

In particular, the action in the trenches was worth watching considering that the East featured a trio of 5-star offensive linemen trying to contain a pair of touted 5-star defensive linemen on the West squad. 

After jumping out to an early lead, the West held on to defeat the East, 39-36.

How did the Top 10 players squaring off the Army All-American Game fare?

10. Ricky Town

The battle between USC quarterback commits in Ricky Town and Sam Darnold failed to materialize.

Town—who took the field for the West squad—didn’t look comfortable at the start of the game, as he took a sack and struggled to adjust to the speed of the game.

However, after some shaky moments early in the game, Town evaded pressure from Trent Thompson and fired a 61-yard touchdown pass to Derrius Guice.

Despite that highlight, a fourth-quarter interception put a damper on Town’s overall performance.

Grade: C

9. Jamal Peters

The top-rated safety in the U.S. Army All-American Game is 4-star Mississippi native Jamal Peters.

Due to the East squad’s struggles on offense, Peters was rarely tested in coverage.

However, the Mississippi State pledge was noticeable, however, as he showcased his range and speed, making tackles all over the field, as noted by Riley Blevins of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. 

The ball-hawking safety showed why he’s among the nation’s top defensive backs.

Grade: B

8. Tarvarus McFadden

Earlier in the week, Florida State commitment and 5-star corner Tarvarus McFadden was honored as the Defensive Back of the Year during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Awards Show, as Chris Nee of Noles247 relayed. 

After a strong week of practice, McFadden carried his performance over to Saturday’s game.

He was able to showcase his leaping ability when he snatched an interception on a deep ball in the fourth quarter.

To cap off his day, he ran a kickoff back 88 yards for a score late in the game.

Overall, it was a stamp on a week that cemented the 6’3”, 198-pounder as one of the nation’s top corners.

Grade: A

7. Keisean Lucier-South

At 6’5”, 225-pounds, 5-star defensive end and UCLA commitment Keisean Lucier-South will need to add some bulk to play with his hand in the dirt at the next level.

However, his package of length and speed off the edge was on display during the U.S. Army All-American Game. 

He recorded three tackles, including a sack in the second quarter in which he showed off his motor by tracking the quarterback down from the back side. 

He held up fairly well against the run, which is impressive considering the East started a trio of 5-star offensive linemen.

Grade: B

6. Deon Cain

The top-rated wide receiver in Saturday’s game was 5-star Clemson pledge Deon Cain. 

Cain proved to be a handful to bring down when the ball was in his hands. He hauled in four receptions for 81 yards—including a 50-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

For good measure, the former high school quarterback also threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Lawrence Cager.

Overall, the 6’1”, 190-pounder proved why he’s one of the nation’s most dynamic playmakers. 

Grade: A

5. Chuma Edoga

Chuma Edoga was one of three 5-star offensive linemen competing for the East squad.

The 6’3”, 276-pound USC pledge is viewed as an offensive tackle at the next level, but he slid inside and played a little guard during the game.

It’s clear that he needs to add weight in college, as evidenced when he got blown up by 5-star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie on a two-point conversion play early in the game.

However, Edoga’s versatility and athleticism were on display all week long, and he showed why he’s a candidate to be a standout left tackle at the next level.

Grade: B

4. Kahlil McKenzie

Similar to Daylon Mack in the Under Armour All-America Game, Kahlil McKenzie put on a show in the Alamodome.

After missing his senior season due to an eligibility issue, McKenzie consistently showed great burst off the line of scrimmage and was constantly getting penetration and drawing double teams.

His signature play came when he blew up Edoga on a two-point conversion play early in the game.

Overall, it was a dominant performance for the future Tennessee Volunteer.

Grade: A

3. Mitch Hyatt

Similar to Edoga, 5-star offensive lineman Mitch Hyatt had an up-and-down day dealing with a strong group of defensive linemen on the West squad. 

He had his hands full with Ohio State defensive end pledge Dre’Mont Jones in the early going.

However, the 6’6”, 271-pounder settled in and flashed his reach and athleticism as the game went on.

He was able to showcase the tools that helped him earn his designation as one of the elite offensive linemen in the 2015 class.

Grade: B

2. Trent Thompson

Throughout the week, no player at the event was as consistently dominant as 5-star defensive tackle Trent Thompson, as noted by Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.

Thompson flashed his strength by plowing through double teams at times during Saturday’s game. He notched four tackles, with two of them resulting in a loss of yards for the West squad.

He also pushed the pocket and put heat on the West quarterbacks at times, even though he was unable to notch a sack. 

The Georgia commitment’s performance was strong enough to show why he’s one of nation’s top overall talents in the 2015 cycle.

Grade: A

1. Martez Ivey

Usually, offensive linemen don’t stand out in all-star games unless its for the wrong reasons.

Martez Ivey, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, showcased his athleticism when he scooped an onside kick late in the game and took off running with the ball.

Never mind that the play was called back for illegal touching. The sight of the 6’6”, 276-pound Ivey galloping with the ball in his hands was enough to show why he possesses unlimited upside.

He also sprinted downfield to spring a block on T.J. Rahming’s second long touchdown reception of the game.

Overall, Ivey put together a solid outing that validated his lofty credentials entering the contest.

Grade: A

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani