Grading the Top 10 Recruits from the 2016 Army All-American Bowl
Like all recruiting showcases, the Army All-American Bowl is more about who commits where and how players develop than the actual game.
Despite that, stars are expected to shine on a national stage and play up to the reputation that got them there.
Even among a group of All-Americans, the following 10 players stand out. They are all 5-star recruits and rank among the top 25 prospects in the class (top 10 in the All-American Bowl). Fans of the teams they will play for tuned in Saturday to see them live for the first time in many cases.
Which ones lived up to the hype?
10. ATH Demetris Robertson, Uncommitted
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Demetris Robertson balled out on special teams, showcasing the track speed and open-field skills that make him a 5-star prospect.
His 60-yard kickoff return was one of the game's best highlights and left a lasting impression on fans who want their teams to sign him.
According to 247Sports' crystal ball predictions, the Georgia native is favored to stay local and play for the Bulldogs, but Alabama and Notre Dame are circling. After seeing his explosiveness Saturday, they will ramp up their efforts to woo him.
Grade: B
9. LB Caleb Kelly, Uncommitted
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Caleb Kelly made an impact by proxy, forcing Team East to run away from his size, as noticed by Lorenzo Reyna of the Passing Down tournament.
When he did have the chance to make plays, he took advantage of it, flashing the range and vision that make him so coveted.
Favored to land at Oklahoma, per 247Sports, Kelly would have proved useful in the College Football Playoff against Clemson. His frame is not college-ready (6'3", 215 lbs), but everything else about him probably is.
Grade: B
8. ATH Mecole Hardman Jr., Uncommitted
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Like Demetris Robertson, Mecole Hardman Jr. is a 5-star athlete.
Also like Robertson, he made splash plays on special teams.
Hardman returned two punts for 57 yardsâone for 31 yards, and the other for 26. He buoyed that with an equal impact on offense, catching three passes for 37 yards and rushing once for five yards.
Just get the ball in his hands and watch him work.
Grade: B+
7. LB Mique Juarez, Uncommitted
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Mique Juarez announced his presence early, recording a sack in the second quarter after chasing down a play from behind. The speed and motor that make him a 5-star recruit were on full display.
Also on displayâpotentiallyâwas a sign of his future commitment. Although he's from California and is considered a UCLA lean by 247Sports, he followed his sack by flashing the Ole Miss "landshark."
Wherever he commits, though, Juarez will be a nightmare off the edge. He proved as much Saturday.
Grade: B+
6. RB Tavien Feaster, Clemson
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Tavien Feaster had an explosive week in practice but limped off in the first quarter and spent the rest of the game on the bench.
He finished with four yards on one carry.
Grade: Incomplete
5. TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia
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Isaac Nauta had a lot on his mind, so we can forgive a quiet performance.
The nation's top tight end committed to Georgia over Alabama and Michigan in the fourth quarter, announcing his decision last. In that regard, since he'll be playing the next three to five years with quarterback Jacob Eason, his day might be considered a success.
In another regard, since he registered zero catches, his day might be considered a failure.
Either way, he's a stud.
Grade: C+
4. DT Derrick Brown, Uncommitted
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Derrick Brown had a mostly quiet day, but that's normal for even great defensive tackles.
The Army Bowl's top uncommitted player showed well all week in practice and played hard in the trenches Saturday; however, he just did more of the little things and dirty work than produce tangible numbers.
Regardless, a strong week in San Antonio will have Georgia working even harder to keep Brown away from the state of Alabama.
Grade: B-
3. QB Shea Patterson, Ole Miss
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In a battle of the top two quarterback prospects, Shea Patterson made a strong case for jumping to No. 1.
He led Team West to touchdowns on its first two drives and added another touchdown in the second quarter. In the process, he showcased a rare blend of mobility and arm talent, most notably on a frozen-rope flea-flicker touchdown on Team West's first drive.
He was rightfully named the game's MVP and has Ole Miss fans even more excited than before about the future after Chad Kelly.
Grade: A+
2. QB Jacob Eason, Georgia
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Jacob Eason lost the battle with Shea Patterson, completing six of 13 passes for 71 yards and turning the ball over twice in a sloppy performance.
How much does that say about his future? That's up to the viewer to interpret. All-star games are not prime for scouting, and he definitely displayed is arm strength. Plus, he confirmed he jammed his thumb during the game, per Radi Nabulsi of UGASports.com.
Patterson might have won the battle, but Eason is still a worthy No. 1 quarterback. He might drop to No. 2 in the final rankings, but even so, this debate will be decided in the distant future. Not after one exhibition game.
Grade: B-
1. DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
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The sum of Dexter Lawrence's week was better than his in-game performance.
In practice, the blue-chip defensive tackle dominated, proving why he's the No. 3 player in the class. Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports, who covered the event firsthand, called Lawrence the best player he saw all week.
He didn't have the splash game that Rashan Gary, the No. 1 overall player and top defensive tackle, had in the Under Armour All-America Game last Saturday, but that shouldn't worry Clemson fans one tick, especially considering how Team West double-teamed him.
Lawrence is still the future of Clemson's D-line.
Grade: B
All recruiting information, including rankings, is courtesy of 247Sports.
