The East dominated the West in the 2019 Army All-American Game, winning 48-14. A lot of players stuck out to me. Here’s what I saw:
Top Players
1. 4☆ QB Graham Mertz (Wisconsin)
Mertz threw for 188 yards and a record 5 touchdowns. His poise, accuracy and pocket awareness stood out to me. The Badgers getting a big time QB like this will make them an interesting team in the Big Ten West for the next few years.
2. 5☆ WR Dominick Blaylock (Georgia)
Georgia is losing a few WRs to the NFL Draft, and Blaylock is someone who can come in immediately and make an impact. He had 2 receiving TDs and 1 Passing TD in the Army All-American Game. His athleticism, quickness, and route running skills will make him an immediate impact player at UGA.
3. 5☆ QB Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma)
Rattler got a lot of playing time and showed off his athleticism and arm strength. He went 12-27 for over 200 yards and 2 TDs. Rattler has good pocket awareness, and when the line broke down he found ways to escape the pocket and make a play. The Sooners got another good QB with Rattler on the way.
4. 5☆ DE Nolan Smith (Georgia)
Smith was very disruptive. At 6’3″ 230 lbs, he has a good combination of size and speed. He had 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack, but he made an impact on numerous other plays. The Georgia Bulldogs are landing another game changing player with Smith.
5. 5☆ WR Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)
Wilson had 2 receiving TDs and made some impressive plays, displaying his speed, quickness, and ability to high point the ball.
6. 4☆ WR Cornelius Johnson (Michigan)
Johnson had 2 receiving TDs, and at 6’3″ proved to be a big red zone threat. He has good hands and his route running really stood out.
7. 4☆ LB Marcel Brooks (LSU)
Brooks is 6’3″ 200 lbs, and he flew around the field all game making plays. He ended the game with 7 Tackles and 1 TFL. Brooks could be the next Devin White type Linebacker for LSU.
North Carolina signee Sam Howell showing the sauce on this touchdown run 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5mYCNZHgvR
— Sports Daily (@SportsDGI) January 5, 2019
8. 4☆ QB Sam Howell (UNC)
Howell went 11-13 for 213 yards and a rushing touchdown. On his rushing touchdown, he made an incredible play on the sideline to score. Howell also made plays with his feet to escape the pocket and make some nice throws down the field. The Tar Heels are getting a player who could quickly turn around the football program.
9. 5☆ WR Jadon Haselwood (Oklahoma)
Haselwood made a commitment to Oklahoma during the game, which was expected. He also proved why he’s a 5☆ recruit. Haselwood has it all: size, speed, length, and he can run routes well also. I expect him to have a great career with Spencer Rattler throwing him the ball.
10. 4☆ Safety Nick Cross (FSU)
The Seminoles need to hang on to Cross. If they do, they’re getting one of the best players in the 2019 class in my opinion. Cross was excellent in coverage and had an INT that he almost took to the house, all to go along with 4 tackles.
The Best of the Rest
4☆ RB Wandale Robinson (Nebraska)
Robinson showed his explosiveness and “Juke Stick” like moves a few times in the game. He also had a great diving catch in the 3rd quarter. He’s a player who I’d expect Nebraska to get lined up at both RB as well as in the slot sometimes.
4☆ LB Tyron Hopper (Florida)
Hopper had 2 nice pass breakups in the game, where he was close to turning both into INTs. What I loved about Hopper was how he jumped passing lanes and flew around the field. The Gators are getting a good one here.
Punter Will Powers (Princeton)
Powers averaged 43 yards per punt and showed good accuracy and leg strength.
4☆ LB De’Gabriel Floyd (Texas)
Floyd flew all around the field making tackles. He’s quick for a Linebacker, but also strong enough to take on Offensive Linemen to get to the QB.
4☆ TE Kyle Bilodeau (Purdue)
Bilodeau caught a touchdown on a trick play thrown by WR Dominick Blaylock. Bilodeau ran great routes and had better quickness than I thought. Purdue is getting a really solid player.
