U.S. Army All-American Bowl Notes & Observations
By Andrew Hall
Jan 5, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; General view of the All American Bowl logo before the start of the high school football game between the West and East at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylon Smithmissed a tackle on the touchdown run by Derrick Henry. Smith looks very athletic. He is extremely agressive on the run and pursues relentlessly. However, he whiffed on several tackles. Smith looks like a college player right now. He is ripped, strong and thick. In the second half, he played much better. He finished off plays and covered well. Smith blocked a kick in the 3rd Quarter.
Eddie Vanderdoes was also blocked on the play that Henry scored. Vanderdoes has a very low center of gravity. People really want Vanderdoes because of his great size but he will really need to rework his body. He showed some speed on a sack in the 2nd Quarter. He seems to be more of a penetrator than someone who absorbs blocks like Louis Nix III. He had an excellent game today
John Montelus played today after suffering a shoulder injury earlier in the week. Montelus’ activity was limited because of the injury.
Doug Randolph started at linebacker for the East. When compared to Jaylon Smith, Randolph looks small. He will need to add good weight before stepping on the field at Notre Dame.
Steve Elmer started at left tackle for the West team. Elmer looks like a well rounded Offensive Linemen. He pass protected on several plays very well. He utilizes excellent footwork.
Greg Bryant looked powerful in his runs against the West Team. He does not typically go down after the first hit. However, he is one cut and go player. He was dancing looking for running room a lot in the first half. He did a lot of dancing in the second half as well. But, he was successful catching the play out of the backfield. He is a tough, between the tackles, workhorse type Running Back.
Corey Robinson has really good size. When he adds good weight, he will be a great receiver. It will be interesting to see if Robinson adds a few inches when he arrives in South Bend. In addition, Robinson is an extremely well spoken young man. He will be a good representative for the University over the next four years.