ellitor 33,093 Posted December 31, 2018 Share Posted December 31, 2018 (edited) Keith has a good article on the game so I figured it would be good to post it. Quote Viewing guide: All-American game info By Keith Niebuhr As usual, numerous Auburn signees, commits and targets will compete in the upcoming postseason high school games -- the Under Armour All-America Game and All-American Bowl (formerly the U.S. Army All-American Bowl). For some, it's their first chance to step out from the local scene and face many of the country's top prospects. For others, like Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, it's old hat. He has taken part in multiple events for elite recruits this year. For all of those taking part, it's one final chance to represent your high school -- and also prop up your future home. In last year's Under Armour All-America Game, current Auburn receiver Matthew Hill was one of the game's stars. What's great about these events from a rankings and evaluation standpoint is the best-on-best component. How does one's arm strength stack up with the others in the class? Can a receiver get separation from top-flight defensive backs? Is a linebacker capable of sticking with high-end running backs? So from that point of view, it's an opportunity during the respective games -- but mostly the practices -- to compare and contrast the top recruits in the country. Here's a look at the Auburn signees, commits and targets who will compete in these games ... UNDER ARMOUR ALL-AMERICA GAME WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 3; ESPN2 TIME: 5 p.m. CT LOCATION: Orlando, Fla. Hall, a 4-star buck signee with Auburn, had 83 total tackles in 2018 while playing multiple position at Gulfport High in Mississippi. This is his second big event of the year; he competed at The Opening this summer in Texas. It's not yet known if Hall will be a traditional linebacker or work with the ends in this game. Sheffield played receiver and defensive back in high school. It's to be determined where he'll line up in Under Armour practices. He's extremely athletic and should be able to flash that wherever they put him. But, this will be a major jump up in competition so it will be interesting to see how he performs. Hampton, a 4-star safety who also is an elite baseball prospect, currently is committed to LSU but Auburn is pushing hard and apparently is very much in the picture. Auburn hosted him on an official visit in December -- and he did not sign early wtih the Bayou Bengals. A longtime Mississippi State commit, Moore officially visited Auburn in December and then did not sign early with the Bulldogs. The Tigers are very much in the picture for a flip. Moore was hurt as a junior and reports are he had an okay -- but perhaps not great -- senior season. He could play end or tackle in college based on how much he grows. This is Moore's first chance to face elite talent on a big stage. The 5-star defensive tackle visited Auburn this fall and could return for an official visit in January. He will announce his final decision Feb. 6. Right now, it seems like an Alabama-LSU battle. Jones, an Auburn signee who will enroll next summer, slimmed down this year and had a strong senior season. The teams in this event will be determined with a draft later this week so it's not yet known which Auburn commits he will play with in Florida. A 5-star recruit and the highest-rated Auburn signee, Pappoe almost certainly will be among the two or three most athletic prospects competing in this event. He has shown off his freaky skills time and again in elite competitions. Pappoe is expected to be an outside backer in the Under Armour game. Nix, the all-time leader in total offense in the state of Alabama, is a two-time state champion. He will enroll at Auburn in early January. Nix can make all the throws and has shined in these types of events -- but the thing to watch is whether he has a tired arm after a long season, followed by the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. LSU is pushing hard to flip the longtime Auburn commit (he didn't sign early), but Gus Malzahn and Co. feel good about keeping him in the class. Will he be paired up again with Nix in this event (there were teammates in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, The Opening and in 7-on-7 for Cam Newton's team)? That isn't yet known. Pickens is sure to wow with his hands -- but what type of separation can he get from elite defensive backs? He did a pretty good job at that at The Opening last summer. ALL-AMERICAN BOWL Saturday, Jan. 5; NBC TIME: 1 p.m. CT LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas Fromm, an early enrollee at Auburn, missed much of his senior season with a shoulder injury but returned late in the year and helped his team to the state finals. The 6-feet-5, 225-pound Fromm continues to grow. He's an outstanding pass catcher. A longtime FSU commit, Fuller did not sign in December and is giving other schools a good look. Notably Auburn and Florida. He officially visited the Tigers in early December and said afterward they were a program he would strongly consider. He's an end/tackle. Also from the Under Armour event practices will be aired on ESPNU Monday Dec. 31st & Tuesday Jan. 1st at 3 PM CT,. The skills challenge will be on ESPN2 Wednesday Jan. 2nd at 5 PM CT. Edited December 31, 2018 by ellitor 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted December 31, 2018 Author Share Posted December 31, 2018 Some tweets from All Star Festivities. @Auburn Kev & @GwillMac6 when y'all find stuff via your normal perusing feel free to post them as well. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted December 31, 2018 Author Share Posted December 31, 2018 Quote Top performers from Day 1 at Under Armour AA Game By Greg Biggins Top Five Offense 1. WR, George Pickens, Hoover (Ala.)- Pickens looks like a college receiver right now. He’s pushing 6-4 and 190 pounds and has an athletic frame with great body control. The Auburn commit aways good for a few highlight reel catches every time out and had multiple impressive plays earlier tonight. When you look at his frame, athleticism and big play ability, there’s aren’t too many receivers with more next level upside. 5. QB, Bo Nix, Pinson Valley (Ala.)- Nix came out firing and had a very good day. He’s always accurate and threw the best deep balls of the day. He’s a mature quarterback with an advanced feel for the position. He never looks rattled and plays with a poise and maturity beyond his years. We could see the Auburn signee competing for playing time as soon as next year. 3 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted December 31, 2018 Author Share Posted December 31, 2018 Quote Three-Point Stance: Practice begins for Under Armour All-America Game Mike Farrell • Rivals.com 1. PROSPECTS THAT HAVE STOOD OUT SO FAR George Pickens – Pickens is the most physically impressive receiver at the event and probably the strongest. Auburn needs to hold on to the five-star. Derrick Hall – Hall, an Auburn signee, is the best-looking kid overall at the event in my book. He could easily be a huge linebacker or grow into a defensive end at the next level. Charles Moore – The Mississippi State commitment is just what you want in a defensive tackle. He is long but plays low and can add weight. 2. RANKING THE QUARTERBACKS 1. Bo Nix – Nix wasn’t as polished as we’ve seen him and he’s still establishing timing with his wide receivers but he clearly threw the best ball and had the most zip of anyone. The ball comes out quick and always on a good spiral. 3. ODDS AND ENDS FROM ORLANDO ... Owen Pappoe and Nakobe Dean, the top-ranked outside and inside linebackers in the country, looked small out there compared to many of the other linebackers. Size is the reason Pappoe lost his fifth star in our last ranking and Dean, who just earned his fifth star, worries me at 5-foot-11 tops. We will see how they do this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted December 31, 2018 Share Posted December 31, 2018 QBs after Day 2 Quote 1. Bo Nix, Pinson (Ala.) Valley – Auburn Nix, who is the No. 1 dual threat quarterback in the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, had the best day again, and a large part of it was his decision making and his ability to get rid of the ball on time. He had plenty of zip on the throws, his accuracy was good and he made good decisions. He was comfortable and at ease throughout the two hour session. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted December 31, 2018 Share Posted December 31, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted January 1, 2019 Share Posted January 1, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted January 1, 2019 Share Posted January 1, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CR 2,442 Posted January 1, 2019 Share Posted January 1, 2019 9 hours ago, ellitor said: Size is the reason Pappoe lost his fifth star in our last ranking I don't know if Pappoe's a 4 or 5 star. But if he lost a star due to his size, how did he ever have it to begin with? It's not like he's shrunk over the last season. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted January 1, 2019 Author Share Posted January 1, 2019 1 hour ago, CR said: I don't know if Pappoe's a 4 or 5 star. But if he lost a star due to his size, how did he ever have it to begin with? It's not like he's shrunk over the last season. Because he was given the top 30 overall player rating early like in 9th or 10th grade and was expected to grow some but really hasn’t to this point. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted January 1, 2019 Share Posted January 1, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted January 1, 2019 Share Posted January 1, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GwillMac6 20,671 Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abw0004 10,112 Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 I’m telling you, Nix needs every opportunity to be our starter next year. Super excited for this kid 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted January 2, 2019 Author Share Posted January 2, 2019 2 hours ago, abw0004 said: I’m telling you, Nix needs every opportunity to be our starter next year. Super excited for this kid He will get a fair shot but unless the OL improves dramatically the logical move would be to not have him start unless he is clearly better than the other QBs. No need to risk shattering his confidence as a true freshman. We will still look to find a plug n play GT QB for next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey 16,589 Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 3 hours ago, abw0004 said: I’m telling you, Nix needs every opportunity to be our starter next year. Super excited for this kid The best guy will start, the opportunity is there. I'm thinking that will be Nix unless Gatewood shows out in Spring practice and Fall camp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abw0004 10,112 Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 52 minutes ago, ellitor said: He will get a fair shot but unless the OL improves dramatically the logical move would be to not have him start unless he is clearly better than the other QBs. No need to risk shattering his confidence as a true freshman. We will still look to find a plug n play GT QB for next season. I think the OL in the last quarter of the season held up pretty well. Do you not agree? I only expect them to improve in the off-season. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted January 2, 2019 Author Share Posted January 2, 2019 2 minutes ago, abw0004 said: I think the OL in the last quarter of the season held up pretty well. Do you not agree? No. OK at best IMO. Plus remember Tega is likely gone. Won't be the same OL. We have to find a quality LT in the Grad Transfer market in the next few months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird 60,522 Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 1 hour ago, ellitor said: No. OK at best IMO. Plus remember Tega is likely gone. Won't be the same OL. We have to find a quality LT in the Grad Transfer market in the next few months. Watch the Purdue game again and focus on the center. Watch how many times he is laying flat on the ground and how many times his assignment makes or assist in the tackle. It's surprising 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted January 2, 2019 Author Share Posted January 2, 2019 15 minutes ago, bigbird said: Watch the Purdue game again and focus on the center. Watch how many times he is laying flat on the ground and how many times his assignment makes or assist in the tackle. It's surprising Don't have to watch the game again. I noticed it while it was happening. Also noticed Gus adjusted some by running the ball to the perimeter more than he usually does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GwillMac6 20,671 Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 Quote Steve Mariucci high on George Pickens, Owen Pappoe By Keith Niebuhr LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA — As a football coach, Steve Mariucci reached the highest level of the profession by becoming head coach of two different NFL organizations. This week, “Mooch” as he affectionately is known, is coaching one of the teams in the Under Armour All-America Game. On his squad — 5-star Auburn linebacker signee Owen Pappoe, 4-star receiver commit George Pickens and 4-star buck signee Derick Hall. Following Wednesday’s practice, Auburn Undercover caught up with Mariucci and he shared his thoughts on Pappoe and Pickens. Note: the game is 5:30 p.m. CT Thursday and will be broadcast on ESPN2. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 Quote Top performers from Day 2 at Under Armour AA Game By Greg Biggins Top Five Defense 2. DL, Charles Moore, Louisville (Miss.)- We didn’t mention Moore yesterday but after watching video of every one on one rep, we definitely should have. He played well and was even more impressive today winning just about every rep in convincing fashion. He can play inside or outside and showed a nice burst and get off. The Mississippi State commit is rated the No. 105 prospect in the 247Sports Composite and No. 87 by 247Sports. News and Notes: *He didn’t make our top five offensive performers but Pinson Valley (Ala.) quarterback and Auburn signee Bo Nix was our top quarterback of the day for the second straight day. Nix is the most polished quarterback in the camp and the most accurate as well. *There was very little separating the receiver group today. George Pickens, Theo Wease and Stanley King all could have easily made our top five offensive performers and had strong showings. Pickens wasn’t as dominant as he was Sunday but still got open a ton and caught everything. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aujeff11 6,243 Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 On 1/2/2019 at 6:00 AM, abw0004 said: I’m telling you, Nix needs every opportunity to be our starter next year. Super excited for this kid He will be afforded every opportunity to beat out Gatewood. If he wins the job, I hope he is as capable of a runner as Ehlinger even though he is probably 20 pounds lighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellitor 33,093 Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 Quote Bo Nix excited about his future at Auburn By Keith Niebuhr ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- Auburn 4-star quarterback signee Bo Nix of Pinson Valley (Ala.) liked what he saw from the Tigers in their bowl win over Purdue on Friday. They key to Auburn's success? "I think they just played together as a team and they converted on third down, didn't really have negative plays and they had explosive plays at the same time," Nix said. "They were able to throw the ball deep and effectively run the ball and that's why they scored so much." Nix, an early enrollee who signed with the Tigers last week during the Early Signing Period, will take part in the Under Armour All-America Game on Thursday (5 p.m. CT on ESPN2) in central Florida. In this video interview with Auburn Undercover on Saturday during check-in day for the event, Nix covered a wide range of topics, from new Auburn quarterbacks coach Kenny Dillingham, who recently visited with Nix, to his friendship with Tigers receiver commit George Pickens to the young talent Auburn is likely to return on offense in 2019. Nix spoke to us for over 4 minutes. We hope you enjoy his insight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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