Another successful Under Amour All-America Game gave an opportunity to showcase many high school football players’ talents. This all-star game gives the players a stage to highlight their abilities in front of a new audience of casual college and high school football fans, rather than college football recruiters and sports media. Many high school football players strive to earn the recognition of becoming an Under Amour All-American, one of the most highly coveted titles in the sport. The Under Amour All-America Game has turned out a multitude of house-hold names over the years. A perfect blend of talent, high-level coaching, and media coverage has produced an all-star game notorious amongst football players and fans.

 The Under Amour All-American Game dates back to 2008, when the first game was played at Walt Disney World.  After a short stint at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg,  the game is now played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Over 100 elite high school seniors are selected to participate in the game each year. The selection process is taken care of by ESPN recruiting, as the game is broadcasted on ESPN as well. A player’s selection can take place many years ahead of his senior season. Those recruited are eligible to play in the Under Amour Future 50 Game, an all-star game showcasing high school juniors. High level coaching is required for this level of talent. Deion Sanders, NFL Hall of Fame cornerback and NFL Network analyst, and Steve Mariucci, former NFL head coach and analyst for CBS and NFL Network, fill this role.

 Over the years the Under Armour All-American Game has showcased many current household names. Many of the participants in this all-star game have had success in college and the NFL as well. Some of the biggest names from the offensive side include, Jameis Winston, NFL quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Julio Jones, NFL wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. Some of the most notable names from the defensive side include, Jadeveon Clowney, NFL defensive end for the Houston Texans, Landon Collins, NFL safety for the New York Giants, and Dante Fowler Jr., NFL defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams.

 This year’s All-America Game was no exception to high level talent, including nine five-star recruits and a legion of four-star recruits. Two of the biggest standouts were four-star recruits, Jerrion Ealy, University of Mississippi commit, and Marcus Washington, University of Texas commit. Ealy rushed for 119 yards, a new Under Armour All-America Game record, and two touchdowns, tying the most rushing touchdowns in a game. Washington snagged seven receptions for a total of 89 yards, including two touchdowns, tying the Under Armour All-America Game record for receiving touchdowns in a game. These two players are only two of four players who have scored multiple touchdowns in the UA All-America Game, earning them MVP recognition for their respective teams. Ealy’s performance kept Team Flash, coached by Steve Mariucci, in the game, but Washington’s late fourth quarter touchdown closed the game for Team Ballaholics, coached by Deion Sanders, giving them a 28-27 victory.

 Jerrion Ealy and Marcus Washington weren’t the only players to break records, as kicking and defensive records were broken as well. Cade York, Louisiana State University commit, made a 59 yard field goal late in first quarter, setting a new UA All-America Game record for the longest field goal. Josh Calvert, University of Washington commit, tied a UA All-America Game record with 10 tackles. With many broken records, this year’s players proved why they are the nation’s top recruits.

 Three of these top uncommitted recruits had the privilege to announce their college commitments throughout the game with their friends and family. Highly sought four-star linebacker recruit, Shammond Cooper announced his commitment to the University of Illinois before kickoff.  

Tre-mon Morris Brash made his commitment at the start of the second quarter. Brash committed to, “The best team in Florida,” University of Central Florida.  Knights fans were excited to hear this, as the UCF football program continues to be on the rise, such a high level recruit bolsters their path.  At the start of the fourth quarter, four-star wide receiver, Arjei Henderson made his commitment to the University of Florida, joining two other Under Armour All-Americans.

 Hosting the UA All-America Game in Orlando is fitting, due to the extensive high level high school football talent in the state of Florida. Players from Florida amounted to 21, the most out of any state, accounting for almost 20 percent of the roster. Florida football programs tend to produce the most elite prospects in the country, as it was proven during the UA All-America Game.

 The Under Armour All-America Game consistently showcases high-level talent and brings excitement not only to the players, but the fans as well – this year’s game was no exception. With record-breaking performances and unexpected commitments, this year’s game provided the excitement that high school football fanatics were looking for.