Under Armour All-America Game 2016: Commit Tracker and Recruit Highlights
The 2016 Under Armour All-America Game takes center stage Saturday at the Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. This annual showcase provides an opportunity for America's premier high school football players to compete against fellow collegiate prospects.
It's also a time when multiple recruits reach a conclusion, as five commitment announcements are expected during game action. Let's take a peek at the athletes prepared to reveal college plans Saturday, with updates arriving here as things develop.
4-Star RB Devwah Whaley
1 of 5High School: Beaumont Central (Beaumont, Texas)
Size: 6'0", 209 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 4 running back; No. 119 overall
His Pick: Arkansas
Commitment Reaction
Devwah Whaley chose the Razorbacks over Georgia and in-state Texas. He previously pledged to the Bulldogs in November but quickly backed off that verbal pledge soon after it was announced the program and longtime head coach Mark Richt were parting ways.
Arkansas adds a physical rusher to an offense that aims to wear defenses down on the ground. He joins a class that now includes six 4-star pledges, among whom he is the top-ranked offensive recruit.
B/R Scouting Report
Whaley emerged as a dominant force in Texas high school football as an upperclassman, rushing for 2,835 yards and 33 touchdowns since 2014. He posted workhorse production during that span, compiling 412 carries in two seasons.
His best work is done in a one-cut setting, as Whaley's decisiveness shines while bursting downfield. A powerful lower body and quality physical build make him a tough man to bring down in one-on-one tackling situations.
4-Star OG Terrance Davis
2 of 5High School: DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland)
Size: 6'4", 305 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 offensive guard; No. 66 overall
His Pick: Maryland
Commitment Reaction
New Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin makes a major splash by securing in-state standout Terrance Davis. Durkin battled against two of his former employers in Florida and Michigan for this commitment.
The Terrapins are attempting to rebound from a frustrating 2015 campaign next season, the program's third as a Big Ten member. Davis is the latest key local addition to a class this program will count on to contribute right away, joining fellow 4-star homegrown talents Dwayne Haskins (quarterback), Keandre Jones (linebacker) and Tino Ellis (wide receiver).
B/R Scouting Report
Davis was identified as one of America's most impressive young interior offensive linemen early in this recruiting cycle. He's continued to match and exceed expectations, dominating as a road grader in rushing efforts.
While his technique will be the primary focus of college coaches, there's a lot to like about his physical potential once he enters a comprehensive conditioning program later this year. Davis could blossom into a reliable run- and pass-blocker quickly, offering immediate depth at the heart of an offensive attack.
4-Star WR Drake Davis
3 of 5High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Size: 6'4", 215 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 13 wide receiver; No. 93 overall
His Pick: LSU
Commitment Reaction
The Tigers won a multiteam SEC showdown to claim this Louisiana native. Drake Davis also weighed offers from Alabama and Ole Miss down the stretch, with the Rebels appearing to present LSU's stiffest competition.
IMG Academy quarterback Shea Patterson, a 5-star passer, pressed hard for his teammate to join him in Oxford and the two even traveled to campus together during the season. Davis instead becomes the third 4-star wide receiver in an LSU class still searching for its quarterback, joining Stephen Sullivan and Dee Anderson.
B/R Scouting Report
Davis is relatively raw at receiver when compared to many of his top-tier contemporaries at the position. But few players in this class bring more athleticism to the field. His size gives opponents fits, and he managed to set himself apart on a star-studded roster at Sunshine State powerhouse IMG Academy.
Though his reception total this season won't turn heads (11 catches, according to MaxPreps), the results of those touches command attention. Davis used limited opportunities to tally 431 receiving yards and seven scores, adding two kickoff-return touchdowns.
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4-Star OT Jean Delance
4 of 5High School: North Mesquite (Mesquite, Texas)
Size: 6'5", 291 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 10 offensive tackle; No. 90 overall
His Pick: Texas
Commitment Reaction
The Longhorns land a homegrown talent at a position of need. Jean Delance arrived in Orlando with LSU and Michigan still in the mix, but he ultimately elected to continue his career in Austin.
Texas picks up just its fourth 4-star commitment of the 2016 cycle, with each coming on offense. Delance, a former Oklahoma pledge, surpasses quarterback Shane Buechele as head coach Charlie Strong's highest-rated member of a class that still has strides to make.
B/R Scouting Report
The Lone Star State lineman looks like a strong bet to push for playing time at left tackle early in his collegiate career. Delance is versatile enough to compete in multiple roles along an offensive front and may initially rise up the depth chart at right tackle before making the switch.
His quickness augments solid technique, and he appears well-equipped to handle speedy pass-rushers off the edge when called upon. First-step burst and outstanding reach set Delance apart from many fellow offensive tackle prospects who simply don't have their footwork down quite yet.
4-Star LB Rahshaun Smith
5 of 5High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Size: 6'3", 239 lbs.
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 2 inside linebacker; No. 74 overall
His Pick: Clemson
Commitment Reaction
Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney brings Rahshaun Smith back into the fold five months after he lost a verbal pledge from the prized defender. After considering his options at LSU and Auburn, the lauded linebacker determined his best choice was one he already made earlier in the process.
It's a monumental pickup for Clemson, now riding the momentum of its first College Football Playoff victory. Smith joins 5-star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, Kansas pass-rusher Xavier Kelly and Georgia linebacker Tre Lamar in an impressive Tigers defensive class.
B/R Scouting Report
Smith swiftly took on a leadership role upon his arrival at IMG Academy, where he spearheaded a defense loaded with eventual FBS talent. He averaged 11 tackles per game as a senior, according to MaxPreps, adding three sacks and a fumble-return touchdown.
He's extremely stout against the run and has the ability to identify rushing lanes and plug them with a long, powerful frame. Smith's lateral speed also stands out in various aspects of coverage, setting the stage for him to challenge for every-down duties in college for years to come.
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