2011 Under Armour All-American Game: The Top Recruits Who Need a Strong Showing

The Under Armour All-American Game is as much about prospects showcasing their skills as it is about meeting your future competition at the next level and preparing for what's to come in college. 

For many of the prospects, the decision about where they'll be attending college has long ago passed. For others, the choice will be made sometime between this week and National Signing Day in February. 

But for everyone, the All-American Game matters. 

For bragging rights, respect and confidence moving forward. This is the highest level of competition any of these prospects have ever faced and it's important to hit the ground running when the whistle blows. 

Here's the top prospects that really need to have a strong showing on Wednesday. 

5. Devon Blackmon, ATH

Commitment: Uncommitted

A very dangerous offensive playmaker, Blackmon lines up mostly at quarterback in high school, but he has the looks of a wide receiver all the way at the next level. 

One of the best prospects in the country at making plays in open space, Blackmon's change of direction ability marks him as an ideal slot receiver, return man and wildcat specialist. At this point his game is still very raw though, so growing pains are to be expected. 

Blackmon is rated by Rivals as the No. 6 athlete in the 2011 class and the No. 46 overall prospect. He's just the 32nd ranked receiver on Scout though and the Under Armour Game will be his first real opportunity to prove who's right in this debate. 

4. Amir Carlisle, RB, Stanford

Commitment: Stanford

The best of Stanford's three-headed haul at running back, Amir Carlisle has drawn comparisons to former Cal star Jahvid Best. 

He's got a great pair of hands, is elusive, fast, cuts well and changes direction on a dime. He'll get the ball downfield in a number of different ways and just seems to make things happen regardless of the situation. 

But Carlisle is one of three 4-star running backs committed to Stanford, joined by Kelsey Young and Remound Wright. The trio will be in a constant battle for positioning for years and a lot of that will come down to confidence and mental toughness. The Under Armour Game is Carlisle's chance to get a head start in the competition.

3. Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma

Commitment: Oklahoma

Philips is one of three 4-star defensive tackles committed to Oklahoma, so the minutes could be sparse for one or more of them in the early goings. 

Of the three, Philips is by far the most athletic though and moves about as well as any defensive tackle in the class. He's been described as a matchup nightmare.

Like Amir Carlisle at Stanford, Phillips is just one prong of three when you're talking about the Sooners haul of prized defensive tackles. Unlike Carlisle, Phillips is the lowest rated of the bunch behind Marquis Anderson and Marquis Anderson.

Phillips might just be the best of the bunch and he'll get the chance to show it this week. 

2. Marqise Lee, S

Commitment: Uncommitted

Lee projects as a wide receiver, safety or cornerback and while we see him as a safety, it wouldn't be surprising to see him turn into a dangerous receiver. 

If you get the ball in his hands in the open field, he's a threat to take it to the house, but his instincts and ball skills make him a potential difference-maker at the next level.

Lee may be considered one of the top safeties in the 2011 recruiting class, but he's a 4-star prospect and doesn't get nearly the same respect that fellow Florida safety Ha'Sean Clinton Dix does. Dix is the No. 1 safety in the nation and will also be playing in the Under Armour Game.

There are quiet rumblings that Lee is actually the superior prospect so a strong showing this week will go a long way toward deciding that one. 

1. Kiehl Frazier, QB, Auburn

Commitment: Auburn

Kiehl Frazier is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback who could run a spread, an option, a pro-style or pretty much any offense you could dream up.

He throws the deep ball with excellent power and accuracy, and he can really do some damage when he gets loose in open space.

For Frazier the competition will be as much an internal one as a battle on the field. One of the top five quarterbacks from the 2011 class, Fraizer is a long-time Auburn commitment and appears poised to be a star at the next level. Despite a stellar high school career, he's still denied status as a 5-star prospect though. 

He'll prove on Wednesday why he deserves it.