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Covering High School Sports in America

Tag: Chandler High School

  • File photo by Dennis Carter

    Kendell Williams, Kell

    Kendell Williams closed out her brilliant prep track career in a blaze of glory over the weekend.

    The Kell (Marietta, Ga.) senior won three state championships during the Class 5A meet in Albany, Ga., to finish her career with 11 titles. Some of the records she broke belonged to her.

    On Saturday the versatile star won the 100-meter hurdles in a state-record 13.23 seconds, erasing the standard of 13.29 which she had established during Friday's trials. It also is the fastest time in the nation this spring.

    Williams told the Marietta Daily Journal, "I was really surprised by that time. I had a personal record in the prelims, so I didn't think I could get it down that low again. I had an ice bath (Friday night) and didn't come in expecting (the time) to be that good. It's an amazing (personal record). I can't believe it."
     
    On Friday she set a 5A state record in the long jump with a leap of 20 feet, 9 3/4 inches, bettering a record she had set earlier at 20 feet, 3/4 of an inch. She also captured the high jump at 5-8.

    Williams scored 31 points, which tied for high in all classes, and helped her team to finish second in 5A.

    The University of Georgia signee summed up her career when she said, "It all feels great. I always perform well here. I thought my junior year was great, but this whole weekend just went so well. It was a good way to go out."*

    *In Arizona, Devon Allen led Brophy College Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.) to the Division I boys state title by winning three individual events. He captured the 110-meter hurdles in 13.59 seconds, the 300-meter hurdles in 36.74 and the 200-meter dash in 20.98.

    The Division I distance races all went to workhorse Bernie Montoya of Cibola (Yuma, Ariz.), who won the 800 in a state-record 1:50.19, the 1600 in 4:05.89 and the 3200 in 8:56.60. The Arizona State University signee closed his outstanding career with eight state titles.

    For the eighth consecutive year, the Division I girls title went to Chandler (Ariz.), which was led by junior star Ky Westbrook. She won the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the shot put, but was most proud of her state-record clocking of 23.39 seconds in the 200.

    *Superstar distance runner Edward Cheserek of St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.) was upset in the mile during the 46th Loucks Games in White Plains, N.Y. Ben Malone of Pascack Valley (Hillsdale, N.J.) overtook the legendary Cheserek in the final 400 meters to set a meet record of 4:09.73. Cheserek was second in 4:11.19. The record of 4:10.5 had stood since 1979.
  • Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic reported this week that a blind pole vaulter has qualified for Arizona's state track & field tournament.

    Aria Ottmueller, a junior from Valley Christian (Chandler, Ariz.), cleared 6 feet, 7 inches during the Chandler City Meet to reach provisional Division IV qualifying.

    Photo by Richard Obert/Arizona Republic

    Aria Ottmueller

    The amazing teenager told Obert, "I was born completely blind and then I gained some vision, so I was at 20-200. Then I lost half of what I had. So now I'm at 20-400."

    She admitted, "When I'm pole vaulting, I can't see the pit. I can't really see anything."

    Obert explained, "Ottmueller does it based on steps and memory. She lines herself up on the runway, marking where she needs to start. Then she counts the strides, knowing at which stride to plant the pole and rise into the air to come over the bar."

    In the beginning she was a distance runner, but it wasn't enough of a challenge for the spunky junior. She also has done gymnastics.

    When she first approached coaches about pole vaulting, she was given a definite "no," but she persisted and wore them down.

    Assistant coach Al Nelson said, "What a story. We have a little joke, that because she really can't see where she's landing, it's almost easier for her. She has overcome so much in the classroom and on the field. She was determined that she was going to pole vault."

    Brushing off thoughts of a possible injury, the fearless teenager says simply, "You can't be afraid of what you can't see."

    * Two-time defending state sprint champion Ky Westbrook of Chandler (Ariz.) made her mark this week in an entirely different event when she set a state record in the shot put. She threw 47 feet, 9 inches to break a record which had stood for 33 years. Ky is the daughter of former NFL wide receiver Michael Westbrook.


  • This NFL Draft special feature is brought to you by Speed Stick. Don't Sweat it, Handle it.

    When Dion Jordan is selected in this week's NFL draft, almost certainly in the first round on Thursday, you can bet he will be quite reflective.

    The high school graduate of Chandler (Ariz.) and the University of Oregon will no doubt be asking, "what if?"

    Getty images

    Dion Jordan at Oregon.

    What if his aunt Yative Tiger hadn't become his legal guardian as a youth? What if the flash fire that spread to 40 percent of his body and gave him second- and third-degree burns in October of 2007 had been more severe? What if he had grown to 6-foot-8 instead of 6-6 and 248 pounds?

    Jordan's life would have certainly been different, but come Thursday he's all but guaranteed to become a very wealthy and famous young lad.

    The defensive end, tabbed as an outside linebacker in the NFL, is projected to be a Top 5 pick — No. 2 in fact by a pair of cbssports.com experts.

    All around Chandler, where his prep legend was made, people are extremely excited, said his football coach Eric Richardson. Jordan had 54 catches for 804 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior before his burn injuries led to just 13 catches and three TDs as a senior. He had a combined 85 tackles and eight sacks those two seasons as a prep.

    "You can't find anyone who worked any harder than Dion," Richardson said. "We're all so proud of him. It definitely bodes well for everyone in Chandler. To have a Top 5 or 10 pick like Dion. … We're all quite giddy."

    Jordan was actually a track and field and basketball standout before taking up football in the eighth grade. Richardson actually made a deal with Jordan as he continued to grow.

    "If he got to 6-8, he was going to pursue basketball," Richardson said. "If he was shorter than that he'd pursue football. Needless to say I was happy how things turned out."

    Chandler track and field coach Stephen Carson said Jordan was the greatest 110-meter hurdler in the school's history and could have been one of the nation's best had he pursued the sport.

    Instead, he tackled football at Oregon, first recruited as a wide receiver, before moving to tight end and eventually defensive end. He was a Butkus Award finalist as a senior, recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, and Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti said he was the most improved player in the program.

    When he ran a 4.60-second 40-yard-dash at the NFL combine, his draft status also improved dramatically. 
    Getty images

    Dion Jordan started out as a wide receiver then tight end at Oregon before switching to defensive end.

  • Shelbi Vaughan told MaxPreps on Sunday that she had a feeling she was going to break her own national discus record during Saturday's 53rd annual Golden West Invitational in Folsom, Calif.

    The recent graduate of Mansfield Legacy (Mansfield, Texas) revealed that she had thrown over 200 feet a couple times during recent practice sessions. Therefore, she was not surprised that she won the meet (by over 57 feet) with a prodigious throw of 193 feet 11 inches. Her national record, set in March during the Texas Relays, was 191 feet, 6 inches.

    The 6-foot-2 Texas A&M recruit said the most important thing was to move higher on the list to compete in the Olympic Trials on June 22 in Eugene, Ore. She currently is ranked No. 10 and hopes to go higher during this coming weekend's Junior Nationals in Bloomington, Ind.

    A strong wind aided Vaughan's throws and some of the running events, but kept the running events from being eligible for any records.

    Aldrich Bailey of Mansfield Timberview (Arlington, Texas) won the 200-meter dash in 20.49 seconds and his specialty, the 400, in 47.57. Devon Allen of Brophy College Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.), who was second in the 200, won the 110-meter hurdles in 13.32 seconds - the fastest time in the nation this year.

    On the girls side, Ky Westbrook of Chandler (Ariz.) captured the 100 in 11.42 and the 200 in 23.75. Trinity Wilson of St. Mary's College (Berkeley, Calif.) won the hurdles in a swift 13.30 clocking, which was No. 2 in the nation this year under all conditions.
  • Photo by James Conrad

    D.J. Foster, Saguaro


    Every recruiting period has a different feel.

    With Arizona prospects garnering more attention nationally in recent years only to see them leave for out-of-state destinations, the vibe hasn't been good.

    So it is no wonder that both Arizona State and Arizona entered the National Signing Day with new coaching staffs trying to stop the parade out of the state.

    It might have started in 2012, but, of course, only time will tell.

    Yes, the top recruit in the state – Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) offensive tackle Andrus Peat (No. 8 overall, No. 2 tackle by MaxPreps) – still wiggled away to Stanford, but there were signs of that changing.

    Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.) running back D.J. Foster (No. 30 overall) was the key piece to stay home as the record-breaking 6-foot, 185-pounder chose to sign with new coach Todd Graham and Arizona State.

    "There was something there, that family and that support, that put it over the top," Foster said.

    He is believed to be the highest nationally ranked recruit from Arizona to choose the Sun Devils since former Desert Vista tight end Zach Miller picked them over UCLA, Oklahoma and others in 2004.

    Arizona might be able to do something similar if first-year coach Rich Rodriguez can convince Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.) athlete Davonte Neal to stay home as well. The playmaking wide receiver/defensive back is holding off on making his decision and has an official visit to Tucson in the coming days.

    The Wildcats signed 24 players – six from Arizona – with one spot being left open for Neal in hopes of topping the likes of Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and North Carolina.

    Another turn for the good came from Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) defensive tackle Jaxon Hood, who originally gave a soft verbal to Boston College but felt all along he was undervalued. So when Graham and Co. came calling he jumped at the chance.

    "If you don't believe in yourself, nobody will," Hood told the East Valley Tribune.

    While the two programs managed to sign just 10 combined local products as quality players like Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.) strong safety Zach Hoffpauir (Stanford) and Chandler (Ariz.) wide receiver Javon Williams (UCLA) found homes elsewhere, the first go-around with the new coaches was the first step in tightening the borders is in the books.

    Year two is already underway with top prospects receiving out-of-state attention.

    Top recruits for next season are Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.) defensive end Marcus Farria, Blue Ridge (Lakeside, Ariz.) linebacker Chans Cox, Brophy College Prep (Phoenix) quarterback Tyler Bruggman and Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) lineman Kenneth Lacy.

    Farria already has eight offers including both in state schools along with Notre Dame, Arkansas and three other Pac-12 schools (Oregon State, Washington and Colorado). Cox has five offers with Boise State, Duke and Oregon State joining ASU and Arizona.

    Arkansas, Purdue and Colorado State along with the in-state schools have offered Bruggman. Lacy can consider Purdue, Washington, San Diego State, Oregon State along with ASU and Arizona as possible destinations.

    Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothill News staff writer, is a 15-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.
  • The Valley had several pockets of celebration on Wednesday as National Signing Day played out.

    File photo by Mitchell Reibel

    Andrus Peat, Corona del Sol

    Although not everyone was exactly happy about the hoopla, as about 200 or so Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) students huddled outside the administrative offices instead of attending class while waiting on classmate Andrus Peat to announce his decision on national television.

    "My teacher is going to be mad, but I'll just tell them I didn't hear the bell ring," a student said while waiting on the big decision.

    It wasn't long after that no one could hear a bell ring as the surrounding crowd went nuts when Peat announced he chose Stanford over Nebraska and USC. The No. 8 overall recruit (No. 2 offensive tackle) was slick enough to wear black plants and a dress shirt with a red tie that could have indicated any of his top pursuers.

    In the end, Palo Alto was the destination.

    "I think it is the total package," Peat said. "Academics are second to none. I like the coaching staff. I thought it was a perfect fit for me."

    For a long time, it was assumed that the 6-foot-6, 305-pound Peat was going to follow his brother, Todd Jr., and teammate defensive end Avery Moss (6-5, 250) to Nebraska. Reports were his father, Todd Sr., wanted him to head to Stanford.

    "It was nerve wracking, especially the last couple days," he said. "I didn't decide until this morning. I was going back and forth between the two schools but thought I had a better opportunity at Stanford."

    While Peat didn't make up his mind until signing day, a couple of notable Arizona top recruits changed their minds in recent weeks.

    Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.) strong safety Zach Hoffpauir committed to Stanford on Wednesday, changing his mind after previously telling Cal coaches he would be a Bear. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder was one of several Cal recruits who re-opened their research when the Bears' recruiting ace Tosh Lupoi left for Pac-12 foe Washington.
    Hoffpauir had more than 15 offers but when he took an official visit to Stanford on Jan. 13 it was enough to change up his decision.

    "I had to do what was best for me," he said during a local TV broadcast.

    Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) defensive lineman Jaxon Hood gave a "soft" verbal to Boston College on Dec. 8. Todd Graham was not the Arizona State head coach at the time. He is now and he has made an impression on some the state's top athletes.

    Hood chose Arizona State, joining Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.) stud D.J. Foster (RB, No. 30 overall), Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, Ariz.) long snapper Easton Wahlstrom and Mesquite (Gilbert, Ariz.) tight end Kody Kohl as local kids staying close to home.

    Arizona first-year coach Rich Rodriguez did a nice job of getting the state's top recruits, as Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.) defensive end Dylan Cozens chose the Wildcats over Boise State and Washington.
    Others heading to Tucson are Chaparral's Cody Ippolito (LB), Mesquite (Gilbert, Ariz.) running back Anthony Lopez, North Canyon (Phoenix) cornerback Jamar Allah, Chaparral's Lucas Petrullo (RB), Fairfax (Laveen, Ariz.) defensive tackle Dwight Melvin and Chandler (Ariz.) offensive lineman Zach Hemmila.

    Chaparral has a handful of players heading to Arizona and they are hoping to get one more in No. 67 overall Davonte Neal, an athlete who could play on either side of the ball at wide receiver or defensive back. Neal said he plans on taking a visit to Arizona on Feb. 11. Oklahoma is making a late push while Ohio State and Notre Dame are also in the final group.

    "I'm a recruiter now," Ippolito said. "I am going to do whatever I can to get him down there with us, but at the same time he has to make his own decision."

    Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothill News staff writer, is a 15-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.

    Image for MaxPreps Video.
  • The backstory behind the eventual landing place of some of the lower-profile recruits can be more interesting than the high-profile recruit.

    It might not make as big of an impact but that doesn't mean it isn't a better story.

    Take Desert Vista (Phoenix, Ariz.) linebacker Mike Arredondo for instance.

    He committed to Northern Arizona on Jan. 22 when he didn't get the offer from New Mexico he wanted. Then this week a fifth-year senior linebacker at New Mexico walked into the coaches offices and said he was done playing.

    It opened up a linebacker spot and Arredondo is now going to be a Lobo.

    The domino effect will be felt all across the nation over the next 24 hours as players make their picks, change their minds and find a new home.

    Saguaro's D.J. Foster decided to say in Arizona as Arizona State's Todd Graham picked up his first big in-state recruit.

    Will others make similar decisions?

    Stay tuned as top players in Arizona like Corona del Sol's Andrus Peat, Chandler's Javon Williams, Chaparral's  Dylan Cozens, Centennial's Zach Hoffpauir and others make their decision on Wednesday.

    Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothills News staff writer, is a 15-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.


  • Photo by James Conrad

    D.J. Foster

    Players who have confirmed their attendance are:
    Zach Hoffpauir Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.)
    D.J. Foster Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
    Easton Wahlstrom Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
    J.J. Dielman, Ryan Ortega, Michael Arrendondo and Scotty Goldfine Desert Vista (Phoenix, Ariz.)
    Lloyd Mills, Paul Perkins, Zach Hemmila, Kisima Jagne, Javon Williams, Richard Winston, Darren Handy and Terry Lewis Chandler (Chandler, Ariz.)
    Trevon Reagan, Anthony Arledge, Dwight Melvin and Kurtis Walls Fairfax (Laveen, Ariz.)
    Adam Pavlenko and Tommy Thornton (Marcos de Niza); Kendyl Taylor and Jaxon Hood (Hamilton) and Drew Mahooty and Evan Sarver, Basha (Chandler, Ariz.)

    Watch live here at 9:00 am
  • Right about 10:30 a.m. Marjele's Sports Grill in Chandler, Ariz., saw a mass exodus of people as the National Signing Day event ended.

    It was a similar sight for most of the state's top football talent, as most of the highly recruited athletes signed letters of intent to play out of state.

    Arizona State and Arizona signed a combined six players from the Grand Canyon State with one of those players cracking the top 50 at their position according to most recruiting analysts.

    Those leaving for opportunities around the country are numerous and impressive.

    It's led by Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) tackle Christian Westerman, who chose Auburn, Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.) guard Cyrus Hobbi, who picked USC, and Chandler combo quarterback Brett Hundley, who is on his way to UCLA.

    Other prestigious programs were able to land top Arizona recruits as Nebraska (DL Todd Peat, Tempe Corona del Sol), Penn State (OL Ryan Nowicki, Glendale Cactus), Arkansas (S Kelvin Fisher, Gilbert Higley) and Oregon (OL Tyler Johnstone, Hamilton and OL Andre Yruretagoyena, Scottsdale Chaparral) snagged quality players.

    It's clearly not a good trend for ASU or Arizona.

    "ASU better get in the Rose Bowl," Saguaro coach John Sanders said last week after Hobbi's announcement. "(Arizona) needs to get off to a great start and finish. If you don't (win), kids are going to go away. The other thing is, I think (ASU and U of A) get a little complacent in-state. They kind of count on that the kids want to stay home, so we've got an edge. I don't see that anymore. Kids are willing to go."

    Phoenix Mountain Pointe coach Norris Vaughan said the kids who decided to stay in state have a chance become even bigger than those that choose to leave.

    "If you go to Nebraska or wherever you can have a great career and it is what it is," Vaughan said. "But if you go to Arizona State, stay home, go o nto have a great career as a local product you become a football God forever."

    Fisher made up his mind in October and it was clear he had no problem taking the Razorbacks over the hometown school.

    "The main part was academic because they have a great business school," said Fisher, who had Oregon and Washington in his top three. "I gave ASU a chance. I didn't cross them off right off the bat. I just felt like they didn't have a lot to offer me. Nothing against ASU because they are a great program, but I am happy with my decision."

    The trend coincides with the fact that Arizona might have the most overall talent that it has ever had and seemingly fewer and fewerathletes are sticking around.

    "We had seven (Arizona) kids at the Under Armour game (out of 88), and that has got to tell you that high school football in Arizona is in great shape," Sanders said. "That's the reason places like Nebraska recruit here hard. Bo Pelini's been out at my practice. Notre Dame flew out the other day just to offer (Saguaro junior defensive back) D.J. Foster a scholarship. Those are storied programs. USC, Notre Dame, all those places. They do a good job recruiting, and those are big-time football programs. And it's getting to be the trend."

    One of the big unknowns heading into Wednesday's decision day was where Canyon del Oro's Ka'Deem Carey was going to end up.

    The 5-foot-11, 190-pound all-Arizona running back gave a soft verbal to Arizona over the summer, but took a late visit to Arizona State to put the decision in doubt. He ended up staying close to home and chose the Wildcats.

    The four-star recruit had academic problems, but is confident he will be ready to go this fall. He ran for more than 4,400 yards and scored 69 touchdowns over the last two seasons.

    Joining him from Arizona will be 6-5, 280-pound offensive tackle Jacob Arzouman of Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, Ariz.) and wide receiver Reggie Gilbert of Betty H. Fairfax (Laveen, Ariz.).

    The Sun Devils managed to keep Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.) offensive lineman Mo Latu and Moon Valley (Phoenix) offensive lineman Vi Teofilo along with Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) linebacker Izzy Marshall.

    "I am not going to name names, but I was disappointed we didn't get more," Marshall said. "The class we bring in will work hard and make sure we represent Arizona the best we can."

    Jason P. Skoda has been a sports writer in the Phoenix area for the last six years of his 15-year career.
    He currently works at the Ahwatukee Foothills News after stints with The Arizona Republic, CoachesAid.com Arizona and a turn at freelancing for various newspapers and Web sites around the country.
    Before landing in Arizona, he also worked in Ohio, California and Texas.
    He can be contacted at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.
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    10:18 p.m.
    Bertolet's second attempt is good. Red Team blows a big lead, but comes from behind to win 24-22. Surprising that they put it all in the kicker's hands (foot?), but Bertolet has quite a leg. That's all she wrote for the 2010 Under Armour All-America game. Check back Saturday when we'll have live coverage of the U.S. Army All-American Game.

    10:16 p.m.
    Kick is BLOCKED! But there's some laundry on the field. Illegal blitz on the defense. Red Team will get another chance.

    10:14 p.m.
    Taylor Bertolet will attempt a 28-yard field goal. White Team coach Mike Ditka will attempt to ice the kicker. NFL strategies in a high school All-American game.

    10:12 p.m.
    Steve Mariucci continues to refer to Savon Huggins as "the running back." Also called Frazier "the quarterback." Surprised he doesn't know more names.

    10:10 p.m.
    This time, Frazier chooses to air it out, hitting Eli Rogers for a 43-yard gain. Red Team is playing for a game-winning field goal attempt now.

    10:09 p.m.
    Frazier needs to keep that ball tucked away. He might be able to get away with that in a regular high school game back in Arkansas, but not in an all-star game like this.

    10:07 p.m.
    Max Wittek is the player of the game. An overall very impressive performance for the future Trojan. The Red Team still has some time.

    10:05 p.m.
    Wow, Lady Momentum is now wearing white. Max Wittek finds Malcolm Mitchell for a 49-yard score with 1:47 left. After a failed two-point conversion, White Team now leads 22-21. An impressive, and quite frankly, surprising comeback.

    10:00 p.m.
    Less than three minutes remaining, the White Team has a chance to win, but starting on its own 10-yard line.

    9:56 p.m.
    The 2012 Under Armour All-Americans features MaxPreps Junior All-Americans Mario Edwards and Kwon Alexander. The graphic had "Qwon", but they really meant this guy.

    9:50 p.m.
    Wittek to Landry once more, this time for a touchdown. The White Team is back in the mix, trailing only 21-16 with over five minutes remaining. Almost zero effort to block the extra-point attempt by the Red Team.

    9:47 p.m.
    The White Team is driving once again, but it's likely too little, too late. Brandon Williams is rushing with purpose right now. 6:25 left, 21-9 Red Team.

    9:45 p.m.
    Some nice camera time for Kevin McReynolds. This Kevin McReynolds, not that Kevin Reynolds, of New York Mets quasi-fame.

    9:38 p.m.
    Quan Bray is Auburn-bound. "War Eagle baby! War Eagle baby!" That concludes the announcement portion of this broadcast (and the announcement portion of this blog.)

    9:36 p.m.
    An Erique Florence interception thwarts that drive. Amazingly, although he's an Under Armour All-American, he was not even an all-state selection this season in Alabama's 5A.

    9:34 p.m.
    After a nice Bellamy run, White Team is threatening, have a third-and-goal situation. Could really use points.

    9:33 p.m.
    Our team recruiting rankings will definitely see some changes after tonight. Here's the current Top 25.

    9:29 p.m.
    One name I haven't heard much tonight: MaxPreps All-American Lawrence Thomas.

    9:27 p.m.
    That does it for the third quarter. White Team is still struggling on offense. Score remains 21-9.

    9:20 p.m.
    Oregon adds another weapon in Devon Blackmon, who announced for the Ducks. Chip Kelly's really starting to gain some recruiting momentum.

    9:16 p.m.
    Speaking of breaking a play, Driskel puts his elusiveness on display, making a number of cuts en route to a 63-yard touch down. Red Team scores again, leads 21-9.

    9:15 p.m.
    Savon Huggins continues to chip away. Eventually, he'll make a cut and just break one. Very patient runner. While popular thought has him committing to Rutgers, I think UNC and Notre Dame have a better shot.

    9:11 p.m.
    Anthony Chickillo is quietly putting forth a really impressive performance. Gotta believe he'll stick with Miami, probably one of the first recruits Al Golden called.

    9:07 p.m.
    Bradley Sylve strikes back! 92-yard touchdown return. No one was going to catch him. In addition to his football exploits, he's also a track star. Not sure there's a faster player in this game. 14-9, Red Team.

    9:03 p.m.
    Karlos Williams with a HUGE play. Takes a tipped pass over 40 yards for the the pick-six. Early favorite for game MVP?

    8:59 p.m.
    Clowney with another sack. He's truly on another level. Check out some of his highlights here.

    8:55 p.m.
    Third quarter begins. The White Team begins with the ball, trailing 7-3. Kendall Thompson, headed to Oklahoma, is behind center.

    8:53 p.m.
    In the latest commitment, Robenson Therezie chooses Auburn. Really like how the production folks are keeping the commitments moving. No histrionics with the hats.

    8:45 p.m.
    Greg Townsend Jr. is on his way to USC. Considered TCU, but it seems like distance was the deciding factor.

    8:41 p.m.
    Fabolous is performing at halftime in front of an eclectic crowd of all ages. Seems like the energy left the field with the players, however.

    8:30 p.m.
    Big drop by Devon Blackmon. Would've given the Red Team another score before the half. At least it was fun watching Driskel air it out. 7-3 Red Team at halftime.

    8:25 p.m.
    Jadeveon Clowney terrorizing Miller. Here's a Clowney flashback: He was a 2008 MaxPreps Sophomore All-American, along with James Wilder, Christian Westerman, et al.

    8:20 p.m.
    Marcus Roberson picks off a Brett Hundley pass that just sailed over A.C. Leonard's head. Roberson was named a U.S. Air Force All-American earlier this week.

    8:18 p.m.
    Despite his fumble, I like what Braxton Miller has done. Jamal Turner just dropped a beautiful pass from him that would've been a first down. Miller shredded some really good defenses and took Wayne to the Division 1 state finals this season.

    8:12 p.m.
    Marcus Jackson commits to Tennessee. Nice grab by the Vols.

    8:08 p.m.
    TOUCHDOWN RED TEAM! Brett Hundley connects deep with Devon Blackmon for a 58-yard touchdown. Hundley is heading to UCLA. Blackmon may be going there as well. We'll find out later. 7-3 Red Team.

    8:06 p.m.
    First turnover of the game. Marqise Lee live forces a fumble and Anthony Chickillo pounces on it.

    8:02 p.m.
    Doran Grant makes his pick.

    7:57 p.m.
    Kiehl Frazier now in at quarterback. He's been on our radar since after his freshman season.

    7:52 p.m.
    White Team stalls out on its drive, settles for a field goal to take a 3-0 lead. On that drive, Mike Bellamy showed glimpses of his shiftiness. He's a real home-run threat. Clemson fans are excited to have him, but also fearful someone will poach him before National Signing Day.

    7:46 p.m.
    Wittek is on fire, completing seven-straight passes. No one has been this comfortable facing Jadeveon Clowney since Justin Worley in August.

    7:40 p.m.
    0-0 after the first quarter. The White Team is starting to drive, as Wittek and Landry demonstrate some solid rapport.

    7:38 p.m.
    He may not be an absolute burner, but Jarvis Landry has great hands and is an outstanding overall receiver.

    7:33 p.m.
    Jabari Gorman is heading to Florida. No shock there. The surprise thus far is that there haven't been any hat game antics in the selection process. Well done, class of 2011.

    7:29 p.m.
    Karlos Williams making his presence felt earlier with a big hit. Florida State fans are thrilled to have him.

    7:25 p.m.
    Neither offense has been able to do much thus far. Interesting note: Vinnie Sunseri and Max Wittek, who did battle last series, have both attended high school in different states. Sunseri was in North Carolina last year before moving to Alabama, while Wittek spent ninth grade in Connecticut before moving to California.

    7:14 p.m.
    First commitment of the day: Xzavier Dickson to Alabama

    7:11 p.m.
    Desmond Jackson gets to Max Wittek. Jadeveon Clowney was also in pursuit. I simply cannot imagine being a 17-year old kid staring down the field with those two giants rushing after me. White Team is also three-and-out, punts it away.

    7:08 p.m.
    Red Team goes three-and-out. May take a while for these offenses to get going. The defenses are pretty loaded.

    7:05 p.m.
    Kickoff! The Red Team will start with the ball on their own 28-yard line after a return from Savon Huggins.

    6:30 p.m.
    We'll be blogging live throughout the 2010 Under Armour All-America Game, set to kickoff at 7 p.m. EST.

    In the mean time, check out our college fan's guide to the game.