Some of Georgia’s top college football prospects got to compete on a national stage at several all-star games last week, including the Under Armour All-America game and the U.S. Army Bowl.
After talking with coaches, scouts and recruiting analysts, here’s a review on how of some of the state’s elite prospects peformed:
THREE OFFENSIVE PLAYERS ON RISE
Alvin Kamara, RB, Norcross (undecided): “He was arguably the best back out there (at the Under Armour game), when you look at the total package,” Scout’s Cahd Simmons said. “Alvin showed people he wasn’t just a speed back, not just a guy you want to get to the edge. He can run between the tackles and get yards after contact, along with catch the ball.” Kamara has Alabama and Georgia as his co-leader.
Brandon Kublanow, OL, Walton (committed to Georgia): “He was arguably the best offensive lineman on the first day of practice (at the Army game), and had a good game as well,” Simmons said. “I don’t know if he will move up in the rankings. He’s still the same size, 6 feet and 1-1/2 inches. He’s going to be limited on the long term. But he should be very productive at Georgia. They don’t get any nastier than Brandon. You don’t finish blocks nastier than he does.”
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Peach County (Enrolled at Florida): Why would Clemson and Florida battle over a kid who has committed four different times? Because Robinson is clearly the state’s best wideout, and one of the top five in the nation. “He dominated practices all week (at the Army game) against a defense that had three 5-stars at defensive back,” said Jake Rowe of Rivals. “Demarcus had his way with just about everybody. He was great getting off the line of scrimmage, he runs great routes, and he has the length to catch over guys and the speed to run past them.”
THREE DEFENDERS ON RISE
Tray Matthews, DB, Newnan (Enrolled at Georgia): He’s probably Georgia’s most celebrated recruit at this point, and he backed it up with a strong week at the Army game. “He was very good in space, and a sure tackler,” said Rusty Mansell of 247sports. “When you’re at safety, you’re the last person your team has in run support and pass coverage. Trey definitely showed he could do both well.”
Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Grayson (undecided): Nkemdiche won over his teammates, coaches and the recruiting media with his dominating performances in practice drills and friendly personality at the Under Armour game. Both Nkemdiche and Mitlon defensive end Carl Lawson, ranked No. 1 and 2 by ESPN, lived up to the hype. Nkemdiche will visit LSU and Ole Miss this month.
Shaq Wiggins, DB, Sandy Creek (Committed to Georgia): He always gets picked on because his small stature (5-9, 160 pounds) but Wiggins impressed everybody with his relentless battles against 5-star wide receivers such as Laquon Treadwell and Robbie Rhodes at the Under Armour game. Wiggins is committed to Georgia but will visit South Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss and Texas A&M this month.
FIVE TO WATCH IN THE FINAL RANKINGS
Montravius Adams, DT, Dooly County (undecided): Even before Adams was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his ankle, he was struggling in one-on-one drills against offensive linemen at the Under Armour practices. It was a lingering injury from when Adams was “chop blocked” in the Class A state championship game. Adams probably would’ve been smart to skip the all-star week to rehabilitate. He has visits to Georgia, Clemson, Florida and Alabama this month.
AJ Jackson, TE, Lovejoy: No one doubts that Jackson can catch the football and has terrific size at 6-foot-6. However, at the Army game, Jackson had difficulty getting open against defenders because of his speed and route-running, according to scouts. He also didn’t show much interest in blocking. Nevertheless, he still has outstanding raw ability. Jackson, a former Auburn commitment, is considering Florida State and Ole Miss, among others.
Jonathon McCrary, QB, Cedar Grove (committed to Vanderbilt): In the Army game, he completed 3 of 6 passes for 23 yards. McCrary had struggles adjusting to the pro-style offensive formation and some of it may have had to do with his unfamiliarity with the scheme. McCrary is at his best when he’s allowed to run outside the pocket and to create opportunities. He wasn’t allowed to do much of that last week.
Johnny O’Neal, LB, West Laurens (committed to Georgia): O’Neal redeemed himself in the Army game by tying for the team-high tackles, but it was a tough week of practice. O’Neal will have to improve on his quickness to the ball and his flexibility, as he plays very stiff. O’Neal also drew some concerns in pass coverage, when he was forced to move lateral or backwards to cover running backs on short routes and screen plays.
Brice Ramsey, QB, Camden County (committed to Georgia): There were high expectations for Georgia’s “Quarterback of the Future,” perhaps too high. This was supposed to be Ramsey’s breakout moment, when he could finally show the scouts what he could do outside of the Wing-T offense. At the Under Armour game, Ramsey completed 5 of 16 passes for 64 yards with three interceptions. He was listed as a runner-up for “Biggest Disappointment” by Rivals. Ramsey is all about potential, and he has a high ceiling. Ramsey may have a lot to work on but the raw tools are there.
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