Under Armour All-America Game 2016: Top 5 Players to Watch

In recent years, the Under Armour All-America Game has served as a launching pad for several prep stars who are preparing to transition to the college level.

As the 2016 edition of the game is merely days away, a handful of studs in the 2016 class will look to emulate the efforts of alumni such as Jameis Winston, Julio Jones and Jadeveon Clowney. 

The nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary, will be among the event’s main attractions. 

But what other players will be looking to make a statement this week in Orlando?

Let’s break down five players that fans should keep tabs on during the week’s festivities in the Sunshine State.

*Players listed in alphabetical order.

4-Star WR Nate Craig-Myers

After missing a majority of his junior season due to injury, 4-star receiver Nate Craig-Myers bounced back with a strong senior campaign.

According to MaxPreps, Craig-Myers hauled in 63 passes for 1,018 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

During the summer, he was quiet on the camp circuit, but his play on the field helped restore his standing as one of the top receivers in the 2016 class. 

Now, the Tampa native has a chance to make a case as the top overall pass-catcher in the country if he has a good showing against a loaded crop of defensive backs.

5-Star DT Rashan Gary

Upon leaving The Opening, Gary left little doubt that he was the nation’s top overall prospect. 

Gary overpowered all comers in drills that week, but a stud group of offensive linemen will get a chance for revenge when the pads come on in practice and during the game. 

If the Garden State product meets the challenge once again, he will cement his standing as 2016’s best overall player. 

Regardless, watching Gary go to work against the best in his class is definitely a storyline that will command the attention of recruiting fans around the country.

4-Star QB Malik Henry

Much of the hoopla surrounding the 2016 quarterback class has centered around players such as 5-star passers Jacob Eason and Shea Patterson.

However, the highest-rated passer in Orlando this week will be 4-star quarterback and Florida State pledge Malik Henry.

Henry, who missed a chunk of his senior season after enduring two offseason transfers, has slowly dipped in the rankings—in part because of an incomplete body of work in the 2015 season.

With a big stage in front of him, expect Henry—who was one of the standouts of this summer’s Elite 11 competition—to be hungry to prove his standing as one of the nation’s elite passers in the 2016 cycle.

4-Star LB Keion Joyner

Similar to Henry, the hype surrounding 4-star linebacker Keion Joyner has faded because he missed the majority of his senior season after being dismissed from his high school team, as detailed by Shea Dixon of 247Sports. 

In addition to knocking off some rust, Joyner figures to be a player who enters the week with a lot to prove about where he stacks up against the nation's best prospects.

With the mystery surrounding the abrupt ending of his prep career, his recruiting process has also been enigmatic—as he’s yet to take any of his official visits.

However, as Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports notes, Florida State is the school to watch if Joyner does make an announcement on his college future this week. 

Regardless, Joyner’s presence is sure to provide intrigue on the field

4-Star LB Rahshaun Smith

One player who has already made it known that he plans to announce his commitment this week is 4-star linebacker Rahshaun Smith.

Earlier this month, Smith announced that he is down to three finalists—Auburn, Clemson and LSU.

Being that he’s one of the premier linebacker prospects in the country, Smith’s announcement is one that will be widely anticipated.

However, Smith is also the type of player who has the temperament necessary to shine on stages such as this one.

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

Follow @SanjayKirpalani