2011 Under Armour High School All-America Game: Commitment Recap

Tonight wrapped up the 2011 version of the Under Armour All-American game and there were quite a few prospects who announced their college decisions during the game.  As usual, there was a ton of speculation as to where each uncommitted prospect would pledge to play, but as the night wore on those speculations were laid to rest as eight verbals were announced.

Let's take a look at each of the commitments (in order of commitment) and how they stack up.

1. Xzavier Dickson: 

The 4-star DE is the 22nd ranked player in the ESPN150 and was first in line to announce his college choice and it was really only a two team race.  Alabama and Georgia had been reported to be leading for his services for quite some time and early in the first quarter Dickson sat down to announce his decision.

It took Dickson just seconds to formally announce his intentions to the University of Alabama.  It was rumored (and reported at the game) that Dickson might even flip a coin to determine his college choice, but he said it was too important.  Take that how you wish Dawg fans...

2. Jabari Gorman

A 4-star S from the Sunshine State had a ton of options, but had narrowed his choices to Florida, Miami (FL), and Ohio State.  Many thought there was a chance he would leave his home state and head north to become a Buckeye.  Unfortunately for Ohio State fans that was not to be the case.

Gorman took his time and committed to the Gators.  Officially, Gorman is the first verbal to pledge to Florida since WIll Muschamp took over the reigns in Gainesville.  It's a great start for Muschamp, but how will he finish? Should be an interesting National Signing Day in the Swamp.

3. Doran Grant

Possibly the worst kept secret in 2011 recruiting, Grant had been rumored to be a huge lean to Ohio State for a long time.  True, Michigan State had made an impression on Grant, but it was never enough to sway the 4-star CB from Ohio State University.

Grant, a 4-star CB and the 66th ranked player according to ESPN, had what seemed like an entire entourage with him to make his decision, but I'm sure Coach Tressel didn't mind.  This was not a surprise, but a good pick-up nonetheless.

4. Marcus Jackson

Considering a host of schools ranging from Tennessee to Florida to Michigan State, Jackson was a tough recruit to get a good read on before Wednesday night.  Any school would be grateful to secure Jackson's services, but he chose to commit to Tennessee.

This is a very nice pick-up for Derek Dooley and the Vols.  After the way Tennessee's season started it wouldn't have been unreasonable to expect a pitiful recruiting class.  However, Tennessee finished strong, and despite a loss in their bowl game, has picked up some serious momentum in recruiting.  Watch out for the Vols going forward.

5. Greg Townsend Jr.

Despite being the 102nd ranked player in the country, Townsend Jr. hasn't been talked about much outside of USC and TCU.  However, those who have been talking about him have thought there was a chance he might ink with TCU since his father played for the Horned Frogs.  That wasn't to be the case.

The 4-star DE from Beverly Hills, CA elected to stay close to home and committed to USC.  TCU proved it could beat the "big boys" of college football in the Rose Bowl, but failed to convince Townsend Jr. not to sign with one.  Solid pick-up for USC especially since they are on probation with limited scholarships.

6. Robenson Therezie

Therezie, a 4-star S from Miami, had been thought by many to be an Auburn lean, but with three teams in the running during the Under Armour game things were unpredictable, to say the least.  Fortunately for Auburn fans, Therezie chose to suit up for the Tigers starting in 2011.

In spite of not being ranked in the ESPN150 Therezie has been called the "number 1 head hunter in the country".  Auburn now has 15 commitments in the 2011 class, but after watching the secondary for the Tigers struggle this year it is important to note that Auburn now has two of the top DB recruits in Therezie and Jonathan Rose.

7. Devon Blackmon

Not to be outdone by their BCS National Championship game counterparts, Oregon picked up a commitment from the 39th ranked player in the country in Devon Blackmon.  A California recruit, Blackmon was widely expected to stay out west, but it was unclear where he would end up until he actually put on the Oregon cap.

As a 4-star ATH, Blackmon will fit in great with Oregon's system.  He is listed at 6'0" and 180lbs, but also turns in a 4.4 second 40-yard dash time.  He is Oregon's fifth ESPN150 commitment for the 2011 class.  He is a very nice addition to their squad.

8. Quan Bray

A pattern seemed to develop towards the end of the evening with Auburn and Oregon exchanging commitments.  Bray, the 23rd ranked player in the country according to ESPN, came into the game with four teams in the running for his commitment.  Most thought Auburn was the team to beat, but Georgia was thought to be making up ground.  In the end though, the Tigers landed yet another top prospect.

Look for Bray, a 4-star ATH from Lagrange, GA, to compete for playing time right away.  He will more than likely be redshirted his freshman year, but anything is possible.  Bray makes for the 16th commitment to an Auburn class that is rapidly moving up in the team recruiting rankings.  Quan Bray is a huge pick-up for the Auburn Tigers.

Essentially, it was a huge night at the Under Armour All-American game where we saw eight of the nation's top recruits declare their intentions for college football in 2011.  It wasn't a great night for everybody (I'm looking at you, Georgia), but some teams heard some great news, like Auburn for instance.

All in all, it was a great game with a very wild finish on the field, but a more entertaining game off the field watching all the commitments.