Team Highlight took home the 16-3 victory against Team Nitro in the 2013 Under Armour All-America Game as the nation’s best high school football players faced off Friday night at Tropicana Field.
However, it was a Florida Gators commitment that stole the show in a game where defenses shined.
Tampa (Fla.) Wharton defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III was named the game’s MVP after recording a team-high five tackles, an interception and a pass deflection.
Hargreaves III had a great performance, but the 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior doesn’t focus on his stats. He would rather focus on just having fun out on the field.
“It was great. I had so much fun out there,” Hargreaves III said about his MVP performance. “That’s all I try to do is just have fun.”
Perhaps the most impressive skill Hargreaves III showcased during the game was his open-field tackling. Several times, he prevented big plays with his sure tackling.
After last night’s performance, it’s no surprise tackling is something Hargreaves III prides himself on and continues to work on even at the end of his high school career.
“If you can tackle, you will be able to play a long time,” Hargreaves III said. “At least, that is what my dad always tells me. So tackling is something I just always try to work on.”
Hargreaves III will be enrolling at the University of Florida this summer and hopes to compete for significant playing time as a true freshman.