2009 Under Armour roster

It is hard to imagine a better group than the 80 prospects who played in the inaugural Under Armour All-America Game. But though spring is just upon us, the talent already committed to play in the 2009 Under Armour Game (Jan. 4, 2009, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN) is outstanding and has individually and collectively surpassed last year’s great assembly.

2009 Under Armour All-America Game Roster


The 2009 game will feature its share of highly-touted superstars and numerous top positional prospects upon the release of this summer’s ESPN 150, but like in 2008, Scouts Inc.’s staff worked hard in the film room to invite and showcase a handful of under-the-radar prospects we feel will explode on the national scene next fall. These initial 45 All-Americans do not constitute the complete roster, and more players will be added over the course of the year.

2009 Under Armour All-America Game alphabetical roster
Player
Pos.
State
School
Player
Pos.
State
School
Corey Adams DL AZ Ray Ray Armstrong LB FL
Thomas Ashcraft OL TX Texas Matt Barkley QB CA USC
Vontaze Burfict LB CA USC Duron Carter WR FL
Andre DeBose ATH FL Washaun Ealey RB GA Georgia
Melvin Fellows DL OH Ryne Giddins DL FL
Stephon Gilmore ATH SC Kevin Graf OL CA USC
Logan Heastie WR VA West Virginia Devonte Holloman S NC
J.K. Jay OL SC Damario Jeffery LB SC
Paden Kelley OL TX Texas Kendall Kelly WR AL
Dre Kirkpatrick CB AL Craig Loston S TX
Victor Marc ATH FL John Martinez OL UT
Barrett Matthews TE TX Texas Jacobbi McDaniel DL FL Florida State
Jack Mewhort OL OH Ohio State Sam Montgomery DL SC
Josh Nunes QB CA Jamal Patterson WR GA
Morrell Presley TE CA USC Russell Shepard QB TX LSU
Xavier Su’a Filo OL UT Manti Te’o LB HI
Frankie Telfort LB FL Mason Walters OL TX
Quinton Washington OL SC Jaamal Berry RB FL
Montrell Conner RB LA Garrett Gilbert QB TX Texas
Darrell Givens CB MD Janzen Jackson CB LA LSU
Prince Kent CB GA Dexter Moody LB GA Georgia
Greg Reid CB GA Florida Trent Richardson RB FL
Tyler Stockton DL NJ


Under Armour All-America Quarterbacks

Matt Barkley, Mater Dei (Calif.)
6-foot-3, 222 pounds

Junior accolades: Passed for 3,576 yards and 35 touchdowns. Won Gatorade California and National Player of the Year, the first junior to ever win the national award. Named L.A. Times First Team All Southland, Cal-Hi California Junior Player of the Year, Maxwell Award Junior Player of the Year, First Team CIF Pac-5, Orange County Register All-County Offensive MVP and First Team All-County.
On what is his best skill: I believe my best skill is discipline and a deep understanding of the game, most importantly reading defenses and knowing progressions.  My coaches have spent so much time me over the years breaking down film and making the technical parts of the game a priority.
Favorite band: U2

Scouts Inc. says: Barkley looks like a college player now in terms of polish, mechanics, footwork and most importantly, production. He has prototypical size and is a true pocket guy who understands timing and has a great sense of anticipation and ball placement. Fundamentals and ball handling are exceptional and he does the little things very, very well.


Garrett Gilbert, Lake Travis (Texas)

6-foot-3, 186 pounds
Junior accolades: Set Texas records with 359 completions, 555 attempts and 4,826 passing yards.  Also threw for 52 touchdowns and named First Team All-State by AP.

On goals for his senior season: Hopefully to win another state championship.

Favorite movie: Wedding Crashers.

Scouts Inc. says: The more you watch Gilbert, the more you realize how heady and savvy he is. He is similar to Aaron Corp from the 2007 class in terms of size and athleticism, only Gilbert is much further along at this stage and has a bigger arm. He has prototypical drop-back passer size but is a sneaky athlete who will surprise you and hurt you with his feet if you don’t respect that aspect of his game.


Josh Nunes, Upland (Calif.)
6-foot-4, 187 pounds

Junior accolades: Passed for 2,1054 yards and 14 touchdowns. Won co-MVP of the Baseline League.
On goals for his senior season: I would love to get the team clicking and get a Baseline League championship and a CIF ring.
Favorite food: Mom’s homemade tacos and enchiladas
Scouts Inc. says: This young man is very good, very polished and savvy as can be. He is a pocket passer who is well groomed, knows what he is doing, works through progressions and has the arm to make every single throw you want. His ball handling, timing and footwork are among the best in this class. He appears to have put a lot of time into his mechanics and technique and has obviously been well coached.


Russell Shepard, Cypress Ridge (Texas)

6-foot-2, 183 pounds
Junior accolades: Combined for 2,500 total yards. Won district MVP, named to all-area team and nominated for Joe Montana Award.

On his best skill: I am a quarterback who is very athletic (10.7 100m dash, 21.5 200m,

23 foot long jump, and 4.44 40-yard dash). My first five steps are very explosive. I have breakaway speed. I am a mixture of speed and quickness and can make all throws with nice spin on the ball and am accurate on intermediate and deep routes.

Favorite movie: Remember the Titans.

Scouts Inc. says: Percy Harvin lining up at quarterback on an every-down basis, which is a scary thought. He is a lean, flexible athlete with a lot of wiggle to him. He has great speed, athleticism and is a nightmare in space as a read-option guy in the spread. Has the tools to be just as good a passer in time and is a legit dual-threat.


Under Armour All-America Running backs

Jaamal Berry, Miami Palmetto (Fla.)

5-foot-10, 190 pounds
Junior accolades: Rushed for 1,033 yards and 14 touchdowns. Named All-Dade County.

On goals for his senior season: I want to rush for more than 1,800 yards and 25 touchdowns and win the districts.

Favorite movie: Waist Deep.

Scouts Inc. says: One of the more explosive backs in the class with elite acceleration and speed. He shows rare initial burst and suddenness through the hole and excels at changing speeds to make defenders miss. Deceptive power separates him from your typical speed back; he shows good balance, leg drive and second effort on contact. A great prospect who should excel as a one-back in a zone-heavy scheme.


Montrell Conner, Ouachita Parish (La.)

6-foot-2, 210 pounds
Junior accolades: Rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns. Named All-State.

On his best skill: Running north-south and getting downfield, and I have to work on catching the football.

Favorite movie: The Temptations.

Scouts Inc. says: Physically gifted with a great blend of size and straight-line speed. We project he will develop into a workhorse runner at the college level with the strength to wear down a defense. He is a good yards-after-contact back and consistently finishes runs, making smaller defensive backs think twice about coming up to tackle him when he reaches the second level.  If his skills do not develop on offense, he could make one heck of a strong safety or outside linebacker.


Washaun Ealey, Emanuel County Institute (Ga.)

5-foot-11, 200 pounds
Junior accolades: Rushed for 2,982 yards and state-record 58 touchdowns. Named Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year, Class A Player of the Year and Class A First Team All-state.

On why he chose Georgia: I always liked Georgia growing up—the red and black—and really liked the campus when I visited.

Favorite musical artist: Gucci Man.

Scouts Inc. says: An explosive downhill runner with excellent in-line body tilt and balance. He runs with deceptive power and seemingly bigger than his listed measureables. Ealey shows the suddenness and burst to hit small creases and cutback lanes, and to remain elusive in traffic. While most of his production comes between the tackles, he flashes a sneaky extra gear when he bounces to the perimeter and good top-end speed.


Trent Richardson, Escambia (Fla.)

5-foot-11, 210 pounds
Junior accolades: Rushed for 1,490 Yards and 15 touchdowns. Named All-League and Third Team All-State.

On his best skills: I would say my power.  My agility needs the most work.

Favorite musical artist: Lil Wayne.

Scouts Inc. says: A violent runner with the strength to pound it between the tackles and the perimeter speed to turn the corner and take it the distance. He possesses great size with his compact, thickly-built frame and is very strong throughout his upper and lower body. A potential high-carry, durable runner at the next level who can wear down a defense.


Under Armour All-America Wide receivers

Duron Carter, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)

6-foot-2, 170 pounds

Junior accolades: Seven of his 22 receptions went for touchdowns.

On what he’s looking for in the school he signs with: A place where I can get a great education and a school that has great football tradition. I also am looking for a wide receiver coach that can help me improve my skills and fundamentals that relate to the position.

Favorite players: Marvin Harrison and Tory Holt are players I try to copy. Most importantly, I look up to my father Chris as my main hero.

Scouts Inc. says: Carter has soft hands and doesn’t use his body when catching the football. Runs good routes, can snag the difficult passes and is especially effective in the red zone. Makes the crucial yards after catch by making the first defender miss and by breaking tackles in the openfield.


Logan Heastie, Great Bridge (Va.)

6-foot-2, 181 pounds
Junior accolades: Caught 58 passes for 1,058 yards and 17 touchdowns. Named All-Southeastern District, All-Tidewater and All-Virginia.

On goals for his senior season: I want to win the state championship game.

Favorite musical artist: Jay-Z.

Scouts Inc. says: Heastie is smooth, fluid and a legit deep threat for a taller wide out. He is lean at this stage but has the frame to add bulk and strength to his upper body. Really stretches the field and will threaten defenders off the ball. He changes directions without losing much speed in transition, uses quick feet to set defensive backs up and runs crisp short-to-intermediate routes.


Kendall Kelly, Gadsden (Ala.)

6-foot-1, 200 pounds
Junior accolades: Named to All-Area Team.

On what he’s looking for in the school he signs with: Education, facilities, the campus, the location and things like that.

Favorite movie: Friday.

Scouts Inc. says: Kelly is a great-looking prospect and not a lot of 6-foot-3 wide outs can run and accelerate like him. His build, strength and speed make him a vertical threat and red-zone target. He is a competitive, tough receiver with solid open-field running skills to boot.  One of this class’ most underrated wide receivers, he’s very good with upside to be great.


Jamal Patterson, Henry County (Ga.)

6-foot-3, 190 pounds
Junior accolades: Caught 43 passes for 944 yards and 11 touchdowns. Named First team All-Southern Crescent, All-Region and All-County. Also the Gatorade Player of the Year in track and has a 4.5 GPA.

On his best skill: My best skills are catching the ball in traffic, my jump ball ability and the ability to generate separation with great route running.

Favorite football player: Randy Moss.

Scouts Inc. says: Patterson continues the trend of the tall, imposing wide receiver infiltrating the college game. He has excellent size, extremely long arms and big hands. Shows the ability to catch the ball away from his body, above his head and on the run. Has a huge catch radius and will make acrobatic catches when attacking the football.


Under Armour All-America Tight ends

Barrett Matthews, North Shore (Texas)

6-foot-2, 225 pounds
Junior accolades: Caught 13 passes for 395 yards and seven touchdowns. Named to

22-5A First Team All-District and Houston Chronicle Second Team All-Area.

On why he chose Texas: The coaching staff reminds me of our coaching staff (at North Shore) and Coach (Mack) Brown reminds me a little bit of Coach (David) Aymond. The facilities are amazing and I get to work with one of the best (strength) trainers in the nation.

Favorite movie: Any Given Sunday. I love the “piece with inches” speech by Al Pacino’s character.

Scouts Inc. says: An exciting prospect with the tools to be well rounded at the college level. He’s a sound, tenacious blocker while also a weapon as a receiver. Has the ability to stay on the field in all situations and be a factor making him a player to watch.


Morrell Presley, Carson (Calif.)

6-foot-3, 210 pounds
Junior accolades: Caught 31 passes for 493 yards and six touchdowns. Named All-Marine League and Second Team All-City.

On why he chose USC: I didn’t really want to leave home and it is one of the best schools out there.

Favorite TV show: Flavor of Love.

Scouts Inc. says: Presley has a tall, lean frame and looks like a big receiver at the tight end spot. His hands and concentration allow him to adjust to bad throws, and he can stretch the field with good speed. A productive blocker who is willing and physical. Comes off the ball, strikes a defender and creates power from his lower body to get push.


Under Armour All-America Offensive linemen

Thomas Ashcraft, Cedar Hill (Texas)

6-foot-5, 280 pounds

Junior accolades: First Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-State.

On why he chose Texas: I felt at home at Texas. The coaches were real, they didn’t feel fake like they were putting on a show or it was rehearsed—they were real comfortable and natural. My parents liked it and my major (mechanical engineering) is a top major there.

Favorite TV show: The Boondocks.

Scouts Inc. says: A gifted lineman with the size college coaches seek. He has shown the foot agility to both pull and trap from the offensive tackle position and also get back from a three-point stance and set before a defensive lineman gets into his frame. Ashcraft has the tools to develop into one of college football’s best, most athletic offensive linemen.


Kevin Graf, Agoura (Calif.)

6-foot-6, 302 pounds
Junior accolades: Named First Team All-Ventura County, All-Marmonte League and All-State.

On goals for his senior season: I want my team to get to the playoffs and be the best player I can be.

Favorite player: I really look up to my brother (Derek, who played at USC where Kevin is committed) as a player. He talks to me about so much, I just really look up to him.

Scouts Inc. says: Size matters on the offensive line, and he’s got it. Graf is physical, athletic, intimidating and has the tools to be a dominant offensive tackle. With his father and brother both former USC offensive linemen, his lineage is apparent in his technical skill at offensive tackle. One of the nation’s top offensive line prospects.


J.K. Jay, Christ Church Episcopal (S.C.)

6-foot-7, 280 pounds
Junior accolades: Was injured his junior year.

On why he chose Clemson: I grew up a Clemson fan and always dreamed of playing there. It felt like the right school too.

Favorite player: I met Marc Colombo, the left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys recently on spring break and he has taken me under his wing and been calling me, so he’s my favorite player.

Scouts Inc. says: An athletic offensive tackle whose greatest asset is quick hands. He really does a good job of keeping defender away from his body. Also runs exceptionally well and could adjust to playing guard at the next level. Has a great attitude and should develop into an excellent lineman at either position.


Paden Kelley, Lake Travis (Texas)

6-foot-6, 270 pounds
Junior accolades: Named to Texas 4A first team by Texas Sportswriters Association. Also named to First Team All-District.

On goals for his senior season: I have hopes of leading my team to a back-to-back state championship and being awarded First Team All-State.

Favorite band: Rage Against the Machine.

Scouts Inc. says: Kelley’s a very athletic offensive tackle with the versatility to also play guard.  Tall and rangy, he looks the part carrying his weight extremely well. Biggest strength may be his reach-blocking skills.


John Martinez, Cottonwood (Utah)

6-foot-4, 275 pounds
Junior accolades: First Team All-Region and All-State.

On goals for his senior season: Improve my 3.3 GPA in the classroom and play to an elite level on the football field. Grade a winning performance every game.

Favorite players: My favorite offensive lineman is Jonathan Ogden and I like the way Troy Polamalu hits and hustles on defense.

Scouts Inc. says: Martinez never takes a play off. Quick off the ball and stays after the defender at the line of scrimmage. Also has great leg drive and plays with good leverage.


Jack Mewhort, St. John (Ohio)

6-foot-6, 285 pounds
Junior accolades: First Team All-City and All-Conference, Second Team all-state.

On why he chose Ohio State: My sister goes to Wittenberg so it will be easy on my parents. I’ve always wanted to play for Ohio State with its great tradition and outstanding coaching staff.

Favorite player: I really like Jake Long because he plays with great intensity and likes to punish the guy across from him.

Scouts Inc. says: Tall and physical, he gets great movement at the point of attack. Good first step allows him to pick up stunting defensive linemen.  Big wingspan helps him be a solid pass protector and then he gets his hands on the pass rusher and extension to keep the defender from getting into his body.


Xavier Su’a Filo, Timpview (Utah)

6-foot-4, 270 pounds
Junior accolades: First Team all-state.

On goals for his senior season: Get bigger, faster and stronger, lead Timpview to the third state 4-A title and be a master technician as a lineman.

Favorite music: I like reggae, jazz and easy listening.

Scouts Inc. says: Su’a Filo is very athletic and can pull and trap as well as any other offensive lineman in the country. Gives effort getting downfield and locks on to defenders or runs them over. Has exceptional feet and runs more like a tight end.


Mason Walters, Frenship (Texas)

6-foot-7, 285 pounds
Junior accolades: Named All-District, All-Area, All-South Plains, All-City and 4A Second Team All-State.

On what he’s looking for in the school he signs with: Coaches you get along with for five years, a winning tradition and a bunch of good talent that is going to be there when you are there to give yourself a chance to win the national championship.

Favorite food: Buffalo Wings with Ranch.

Scouts Inc. says: A max-effort player with exceptional ability, he’s a self-starter who clearly loves the game. He goes after opponents like a heat-seeking missile. Comes off the ball aggressively and has the skills to reach, block back and even get to the second level with little trouble and shows outstanding hustle by frequently getting a second block after executing his initial assignment.


Quinton Washington, Timberland (S.C.)

6-foot-3, 315 pounds
Junior accolades: First Team All-conference and All-state. Threw shot put 47 feet.

Favorite hobby: I like to tutor younger students. I want to help them the way teachers and other people have helped me out in the past.

Scouts Inc. says: Washington has all the tools to be a big time collegiate offensive lineman as an impressive 300-pounder who moves like a lightweight. Very athletic for a big man, he’s fluid when pulling and trapping. Also a real fighter in pass protection, taking pride in winning the individual battles.


Under Armour All-America Defensive linemen

Corey Adams, Saguaro (Ariz.)

6-foot-4, 272 pounds
Junior accolades: Had 120 tackles and 25 sacks. Named First Team All-State, All-Region and All-City.

On goals for his senior season: To take State for a third time in a row, anything less than that would be embarrassing. Personally, for my stats to be better than they were for my previous two seasons playing varsity. Also to be Gatorade Player of the Year.

Favorite band: As Blood Runs Black

Scouts Inc. says: There is a lot to like about Adams, who has good height and the frame to keep developing into a physical monster. Flashes good quickness off the ball, is very active and violent with his hands and shows a closing burst.


Melvin Fellows, Garfield Heights (Ohio)

6-foot-4, 245 pounds
Junior accolades: Had 97 Tackles and nine sacks. Names All-League NOC.

On why he chose Illinois: They offered me my sophomore year and from there I just loved the coaching staff. Coach Zook is an Ohio guy and with him offering me when he did and with keeping in contact with him we have built a relationship and I thought that was the right place.

Favorite food: Surf & turf.

Scouts Inc. says: Fellows is a tough dude to run at. A physical kid who punishes smaller blockers. There is not a ton of flash to his game, but he takes care of his business. Should be a tough run defender at the college level but is athletic enough to stay on the field in all situations and be productive.


Ryne Giddins, Seffner-Armwood (Fla.)

6-foot-4, 225 pounds
Junior accolades: Had 97 tackles and 21 sacks. Named Defensive MVP of the Year for Hillsborough County and All-Sun Coast.

On his best skill: It’s my ability to read linemen and get to the ball. I want to improve my

4.55 40 speed.

Favorite player: Julius Peppers because of his explosiveness from his stance and his ability to work off of blocks.

Scouts Inc. says: A high-motor prospect whose blend of energy, speed and skill make him dangerous. He can apply pressure off the edge and terrorize quarterbacks and also be disruptive versus the run. Giddins steps on the field and looks to challenge opponents and make plays for 60 minutes.


Jacobbi McDaniel, Madison County (Fla.)

6-foot, 267 pounds

Junior accolades: Recorded 65 tackles, 30 of them for loss, and 19 sacks. Had 58 pancake blocks as an offensive guard. Named to All Big-Bend and 2A All-State teams.

On goals for his senior season: As a team I want all of us to come together and win one more state title (won the 2A title in 2007). Personally I want to get better as a person on and off the field and put up similar or better stats than last year. You are never too good to work and keep getting better.

Favorite Music: T-Pain because he is from Tallahassee and never forgot where he came from, Krunk Music, and also I am really getting closer to the Lord and I like listening to church music.

Scouts Inc. says: Not the biggest but one talented football player. He is quick, smart and can be a terror when pulling and blocking on the move, but he’s even more effective on defense. A fun player to watch as a fine athlete for a big man.


Sam Montgomery, Greenwood (S.C.)

6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Junior accolades: Had 65 tackles (19 for loss) and 20 sacks. Named All-Region, All-Lakeland and All-State.  Also All-Lakeland and All-Region basketball player.

On his goals for his senior season: Win a state championship and to help as many guys on my team as I can to get D-I scholarships.

Favorite movie: Sonic the Hedgehog

Scouts Inc. says: Despite playing only one year of football, he looks to be a natural. He has wonderful athleticism but also does the little things.  His get-off and long arms could make him a menace off the edge—has a ton of potential.


Tyler Stockton, The Hun School of Princeton (N.J.)

6-foot-1, 290 pounds
Junior accolades: Recorded 70 tackles (24 for loss), nine sacks and three fumble recoveries. Named MAPL Defensive Player of the year, First Team All-State Prep and First Team All-Area.

On what he’s looking for in the school he signs with: A good atmosphere and good coaching because I will be with them for four or five years. Also stable coaches, a good program and good academics are high on my list.

Favorite food: Everything.

Scouts Inc. says: Stockton is a menace in the trenches. He possesses one of the most explosive get-offs in this class. Opponents lined up against him better be prepared to get hit and jarred backwards—he will physically hit a blocker so hard and so quickly that he will snap his head back and put him on his heels.


Under Armour All-America Linebackers

Ray Ray Armstrong, Seminole (Fla.)

6-foot-4, 215 pounds
Junior accolades: Averaged more than 100 yards passing and rushing per game.

On his best skill: I’m a very smart and aggressive player and I’m working on getting faster.

Favorite musical artists: Lil Wayne and Webbie.

Scouts Inc. says: Armstrong is possibly the best overall athlete in this class in relation to his size and has the versatility to play just about any skill position on either side of the ball.  He’s big, smooth, sturdy and explosive.


Vontaze Burfict, Centennial (Calif.)

6-foot-2, 235 pounds
Junior accolades: Had more than 150 tackles, including 16 for loss.

On goals for his senior season: I want to get bigger and faster and win a California state championship.

Favorite movie: The Wood.

Scouts Inc. says: A physical specimen with his outstanding blend of size, speed and quickness. He is a hard hitter and filler but still very athletic for a 235-pound middle linebacker. He possesses a prototypical Division I frame with great height, bulk and the long limbs to pack on additional muscle. What separates him from other great linebackers is his ability to run through the cutoff block with strength or slip it with deceptive lateral quickness; very difficult to block in traffic. Physically ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.


Damario Jeffery, Columbia (S.C.)

6-foot-3, 217 pounds
Junior accolades: Recorded 109 Tackles and four sacks.

On goals for his senior season: I want to win a South Carolina state championship and try to get more tackles.

Favorite football player: Champ Bailey.

Scouts Inc. says: An extremely versatile athlete who really stands out on defense. Loves contact and does a great job of driving his legs and exploding through ball carriers. Great body control for his size and can turn the hips and change direction without losing speed. Jeffery possesses good coverage skills, range and is a force on run support; a potential difference maker in college.


Dexter Moody, Emanuel County Institute (Ga.)

6-foot-2, 215 pounds

Junior accolades: Had 76 tackles and 13 sacks.

On why he committed to Georgia: I enjoyed my visit with high school teammate Washaun Ealey, who also committed to Georgia.

Favorite TV show: SportsCenter.

Scouts Inc. says: Has some of the best upside we have seen in a defensive prospect in the past few classes. Young for his age, this pup should develop into an outstanding college linebacker with his natural physical gifts. Flashes the speed and great closing burst to chase plays down from the backside and is difficult to seal and reach on the frontside with his long, strong hands and quickness slipping blocks. Moody should provide good scheme versatility at the next level with his ability to set the edge against the run and provide pressure as a pass rusher.


Manti Te’o, Punahou (Hawaii)

6-foot-2, 230 pounds
Junior accolades: Had 99 tackles while rushing for more than 400 yards. Named All-State, Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year in Hawaii.

On goals for his senior season: Win a state championship. We won one at Punahou when I was a freshman, but I have never personally been part of one.

Favorite musical artist: Toa.

Scouts Inc. says: A man amongst boys on film; it’s very difficult to find any physical weaknesses in this kid’s game at outside linebacker. He plays fast, physical and with great intensity on every snap. Shows great power and strength inside and excels attacking off the perimeter with his great burst and closing quickness. Has all the measurables to develop into an outstanding strongside or inside linebacker at the next level.


Frankie Telfort, Gulliver Prep (Fla.)

5-foot-11, 194 pounds
Junior accolades: Recorded more than 60 tackles and had four forced fumbles in just six games.

On his best skill: My speed and my knowledge of the game are good. I need to get off blocks better and you can always improve your speed.

Favorite movie: American Gangster.

Scouts Inc. says: Emerged as one of the top linebackers in the state of Florida for

2009 despite playing only six games as a junior. He lacks great size, but has a rangy, tapered body and should be able to add bulk without losing much quickness. Very explosive and attacks ball carriers with a rare burst in space. He is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with great range and a knack for making the big hit. Outstanding special teams potential only enhances his upside.


Under Armour All-America Cornerbacks

Darrell Givens, Lackey (Md.)

6-foot, 180 pounds
Junior accolades: Recorded 82 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass deflections and four forced fumbles. Named All-County and All-State.

On goals for his senior season: I want to win states, we lost in the semifinals last year. Personally, I want to increase my interception total.

Favorite football player: DeAngelo Hall.

Scouts Inc. says: One of the better instinctive, athletic corners in this class. He possesses good size with his tall, rangy frame and knows how to utilize it on the field. Needs a bit of polish but the physical tools and natural instincts are there to mold into a great all-around corner at the next level. 


Janzen Jackson, Barbe (La.)

6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Junior accolades: Accumulated 93 tackles, 15 pass breakups, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

On why he committed to LSU: They won a national championship!

Favorite movie: Roscoe Jenkins.

Scouts Inc. says: A rare defensive back prospect who combines safety size and physicality with cover corner speed and quickness. Smooth pedal and transitions very quickly to break on plays in front of him, flashing an exceptional burst. Displays excellent range and is a textbook tackler.  Legit threat blocking kicks on special teams to boot with his first step quickness and burst off the edge.


Prince Kent, Norcross (Ga.)

6-foot-2, 193 pounds

Junior accolades: Recorded 59 tackles (two for loss) and five pass breakups.

On goals for his senior season: To become a leader and improve my stats and overall play. Team-wise, I want us to go from being the underdog to winning states.

Favorite movie: Superbad.

Scouts Inc. says: A rare cornerback prospect with exceptional size and skills at the position. He is tall, very high cut and rangy but possesses great transitional quickness and is very smooth in all of his movements. Is well balanced, providing great range on both run and pass support. Great size, athleticism and competitiveness make it difficult to throw jump ball or fade routes on him; should develop into an excellent red-zone defender at the next level.


Dre Kirkpatrick, Gadsden (Ala.)

6-foot-2, 180 pounds
Junior accolades: Made 65 tackles and six interceptions. Named First Team All-State and All-County.

On his best skill: My best skill is press coverage, and I want to improve my loose coverage.

Favorite player: Deion Sanders

Scouts Inc. says: Kirkpatrick’s natural athleticism and coverage skills are excellent and extremely rare for a defensive back with his large frame. He offers safety size and physicality with excellent cover corner skills. He should be an immediate impact player with exciting scheme versatility at the college level.


Greg Reid, Lowndes (Fla.)

5-foot-9, 175 pounds
Junior accolades: Picked off seven passes on defense, rushed for 989 yards on offense and had three returns for touchdowns on special teams.

On why he chose Florida: I love the tradition.

Favorite food: Mac and cheese.

Scouts Inc. says: Reid might step on campus without a set position, but it won’t take too long for him to step on the field and make an impact. He is an explosive, fast-twitched athlete with great speed and rare initial burst in the short area. On offense, he is a very sudden, decisive runner who reaches top speed within steps. On defense, he utilizes his elite closing burst and anticipation skills to close extremely quick, jumping underneath routes and breaking under the ball on deep throws. Special teams play puts Reid on another level; one of the better athletes in this class.


Under Armour All-America Safeties

Devonte Holloman, Charlotte-Independence (N.C.)

6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Junior accolades: Compiled 50 tackles on defense while also playing quarterback. First Team All-Conference and All-State.

On what he’s looking for in the school he signs with: Academic reputation and a football system I can fit into. It’s also important that my parents can see me play.

Scouts Inc. says: A tall, rangy athlete who can be an outstanding pass defender and provide solid run support. Shows athleticism by high pointing the football when going up for the interception, demonstrates physical toughness when tackling and has the size to punish the ball carrier or receiver.


Craig Loston, Eisenhower (Texas)

6-foot-2, 193 pounds
Junior accolades: Had 67 solo tackles, 23 assists and three interceptions while amassing 847 receiving yards on offense. Named First Team All-State. 

On goals for his senior season: I want to lead the league in interceptions and become a first team All-American along with leading my team to the league championship.

Favorite hobby: I really like drama and have been involved in school plays.

Scouts Inc. says: Loston could be one of the most athletic triple threats in the 2009 class. Shows versatility by playing safety, wide receiver and being a return specialist. Possesses tremendous closing speed and covers a lot of ground in zone pass coverage. Athletic enough to also play a receiver man to man while displaying tremendous catch-up speed and change of direction.


Under Armour All-America Athletes

Andre DeBose, Seminole (Fla.)

6-foot, 180 pounds
Junior accolades: Rushed for 712 yards and had 300 receiving yards.

On goals for his senior season: I want to rush for more than 500 yards and have an undefeated season.

Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber.

Scouts Inc. says: This kid is a special athlete who when he gets polished up as a wide receiver could become a gamebreaker with the ball in his hands at the next level. Has good size and lean bulk. A wonderful combination of speed, quickness and acceleration, he has huge upside as a field-position changer as a return man.


Stephon Gilmore, South Point (S.C.)

6-foot-1, 180 pounds
Junior accolades: Passed for 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns and ran for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns as his team’s quarterback. Named First Team All-Region and All-State.

On goals for his senior season: Individually I would like to repeat as an all-state player and lead my team to the state championship. I want to excel on both sides of the ball.

Favorite player: One of my real heroes is Devin Hester; he plays with great intensity and is a big playmaker.

Scouts Inc. says: An extremely smooth, fast, rangy athlete who has the chance to really excel at the next level. Is instinctive and always around the ball on defense and is a big playmaker as a quarterback on offense. Shows toughness on both sides of the ball and has the speed to go with his flexibility and athleticism.


Victor Marc, Hallandale (Fla.)

6-foot, 210 pounds

Junior accolades: At Doctor Krop, combined to rush and throw for more than 1,500 yards.

On goals for his senior season: Win states, distribute the ball more and become a better leader.

Favorite musical artist: Kanye West.

Scouts Inc. says: A tremendous athlete who shines as a dual-threat quarterback but could be a potential difference maker as a college running back. He is a rugged, sturdy-built player who also possesses smooth, fluid change-of-direction skills for a player his size. Football comes pretty natural for him and he definitely has some big-play ability when projecting for the next level.

Photo credits: ICON SMI, The Statesman, WeAreSC.com, Morrell Presley, Los Angeles Daily News, Bucknuts.com, Gulliver Prep athletics, Dre Kirkpatrick, InsideTheU.com.