Army All-American Bowl 2016: Commit Tracker and Recruit Highlights
The 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl kicks off Saturday at 1 p.m. ET with dozens of premier college football prospects on the same field. The action is expected to be scintillating in San Antonio, Texas, where eventual NFL stars such as Adrian Peterson, Andrew Luck and Odell Beckham Jr. once competed.
A new era of playmakers will head off to universities across America later this year, and some are set to finalize collegiate plans during the All-American Bowl. We'll find out the fates of five recruits, including four coveted wide receivers.
Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame and Oregon are among the programs aiming to add quality pieces to impressive recruiting classes less than a month shy of national signing day on Feb. 3. We've got you covered with updated commitment breakdowns, prospect analysis and video highlights right here.
4-Star WR Dylan Crawford
1 of 5High School: Santa Margarita Catholic (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)
Size: 6'1", 186 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 20 wide receiver; No. 113 overall
His Pick: Michigan
Commitment Reaction
Dylan Crawford reached his decision with four hats on the table, picking Michigan over Oregon, Miami and UCLA. Earlier this week, he told Bleacher Report that Stanford, Georgia and Washington were also under consideration.
The Wolverines match LSU as America's only teams with 14 4-star commitments. Crawford gave Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh the good news before announcing intentions on television.
"He's fired up,"Crawford told NBC during the broadcast.
Crawford adds another dimension to a Wolverines offensive attack set to welcome Elite 11 quarterback Brandon Peters, top-ranked running back Kareem Walker and four 4-star linemen.
B/R Scouting Report
Crawford transferred to Santa Margarita Catholic from St. Francis High School last offseason, and he made an immediate impact on the K.J. Costello-led attack. He racked up 822 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games in 2015, per MaxPreps, and reached 100 yards five times.
Crawford's ability to shake off defenders at the snap helps him gain separation and do damage downfield. He is a deep-ball threat and displays enough agility to turn short passes into pivotal big gains.
4-Star DT Ross Blacklock
2 of 5High School: Elkins (Missouri City, Texas)
Size: 6'4", 314 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 28 defensive tackle; No. 271 overall
His Pick: TCU
Commitment Reaction
It came down to three in-state universities for Ross Blacklock, who considered the Horned Frogs, Texas A&M and Houston. TCU was the favorite to land his pledge, claiming 80 percent of experts' predictions in 247Sports' crystal ball.
Earlier this week, he discussed intentions to spend a January official visit at Alabama, according to Gabe Brooks of Scout.com. We should learn soon if that's still the plan or if he's shutting things down for good.
Blacklock becomes the second 4-star defensive lineman in TCU's 2016 class, joining Houston pass-rusher Isaiah Chambers.
B/R Scouting Report
Blacklock, the son of a former Harlem Globetrotter, will bring college-ready bulk to campus and won't require nearly as much physical refinement as many of his contemporaries. He's built well for a 3-technique role and displays the athleticism to slide outside, depending on his team's situation.
Blacklock holds up well against double-team blocking schemes, churning his way through with a strong lower body and excellent backfield awareness. He tallied 56 tackles—10 for loss—and three sacks as a senior, according to MaxPreps.
4-Star WR Donnie Corley
3 of 5High School: Martin Luther King (Detroit)
Size: 6'2½", 185 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 19 wide receiver; No. 112 overall
His Pick: Michigan State
Commitment Reaction
Donnie Corley took things down to the wire after delaying December announcement plans. He delivered a commitment to Michigan State on Saturday and is expected to enroll early.
The Spartans faced stiff competition from Big Ten Conference rivals Ohio State and Michigan, along with Tennessee. Corley wrestled with this decision but ultimately elected to join a staff that established plenty of trust early in his recruitment.
"I feel comfortable at Michigan State. I feel safe there," Corley told Bleacher Report in December.
B/R Scouting Report
Corley capped his high school career with a game-winning Hail Mary reception as time expired in the state championship game. It was a fitting end to a dominant season in which he was one of six finalists for U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year.
Corley recorded 59 catches for 1,403 yards and 16 touchdowns and added 80 tackles and 10 interceptions on defense in 2015, according to David Goricki of the Detroit News. Corley wears down opponents with constant effort and is a tall task for any cornerback in single coverage because of his length and speed.
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4-Star WR Javon McKinley
4 of 5High School: Centennial (Corona, California)
Size: 6'1¾", 194 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 18 wide receiver; No. 107 overall
His Pick: Notre Dame
Commitment Reaction
The Fighting Irish seemed to be his strongest contender throughout much of this cycle, and that sentiment came to fruition with Saturday's pledge. Javon McKinley chose Notre Dame over fellow finalists Washington and Oregon.
He also weighed offers from Tennessee and UCLA at earlier stages. McKinley was considered a slam-dunk favorite to land in South Bend, with 90 percent of experts' predictions pointed toward the Irish in 247Sports' crystal ball.
B/R Scouting Report
McKinley is among the most prolific receivers in this recruiting cycle. He commanded a national spotlight in 2014, when as a junior, he tallied 97 receptions for 2,062 yards and 25 touchdowns. He followed that effort with another impressive campaign in 2015 (53 catches for 1,145 yards and 12 scores).
McKinley's aggressiveness stands out on game film. He slices through opposing defenses with precise footwork and maintains outstanding body control even when required to go airborne for a high pass.
5-Star TE Isaac Nauta
5 of 5High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Size: 6'3¼", 244 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 tight end; No. 9 overall
His Pick: Georgia
Commitment Reaction
Isaac Nauta was tempted by opportunities at Alabama and Michigan but ultimately elected to stay in his native state with the Bulldogs. A new Georgia regime receives a major recruiting boost with this 5-star pledge.
"It's close to home and there's always a chance to win the SEC East with all the talent around the area," Nauta told Bleacher Report this week. "I have a good relationship with [head coach] Kirby Smart."
Nauta was intrigued by a championship culture in Tuscaloosa and Jim Harbaugh's tight end friendly system in Ann Arbor but ultimately couldn't pass up an opportunity to compete in front of local fans.
B/R Scouting Report
When considering the most complete tight end prospects this decade, few former recruits challenge Nauta. He's physically prepared for the rigors of college football and brings balance to the position.
Nauta is a nasty blocker when called upon to take out defenders and no stranger to the trenches, as he would likely warrant widespread attention at defensive end if he wasn't such a coveted commodity on offense. Nauta is a diligent route-runner and fiery competitor and catches everything thrown his way.
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