Under Armour Game a first-class event for prospects
My view of the field from behind "home plate" at Tropicana Field. (Chip Towers)
St. Petersburg, Fla. — Greetings from Tropicana Field. I’m here to cover today’s Under Armour High School All-America Game (11 a.m., ESPN) and will be blogging live during the game. So welcome and please join in.
It’s a good thing this game is being played in a domed stadium. It’s sunny and beautiful outside but it feels more like Atlanta than Southwest Florida. It was in the 40s as I drove down here from Orlando this morning. They’re expecting a high of 55 degrees this afternoon, relatively frigid in these parts, but it will be about 68 degrees under this
The Tampa Bay Rays’ baseball facility appears to be a good set-up for today’s football game. They put down field turf over the basepaths and where the pitcher’s mound usually is the St. Petersburg Bowl between Rutgers and UCF two weeks ago and kept it for today’s game. They have added a huge Under Armour All-America logo at midfield and painted “Under Armour” in the end zones.
I’ve been very impressed with the way this bowl is run. It’s definitely a first-class event and a whale of an experience for the players. Tony Dungy, the former NFL coach from these parts and one of the most inspirational men you’ll ever meet, spoke to the players at breakfast the Hilton St. Petersburg this morning.
There are at least a dozen five-star recruits, 12 players from the state of Georgia, four UGA commitments and one Georgia Tech commitment in the UA game.
I was going to take a picture of just Mack Brown (33 Black) and Storm Johnson (32 Black) when a bunch of the other Gerogia players on the white team came running up and they all started hollering "Georgia boys, Georgia boys!" That's Alec Ogletree (9) and Ryan Ayers (21) up front) and Antonio Goodwin and Da'Rick Rogers or in the back. A bunch of other Georgia players came running up a second later. (Chip Towers)
Representing the Bulldogs in the game are guard Kolton Houston of Buford, safety Alec Ogletree of Newnan, wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers of Calhoun. Georgia commitment Brent Benedict (OT, Jacksonville, Fla.) is participating but can’t play due to a knee injury. Cornerback Ryan Ayers of South Paulding is representing the Yellow Jackets.
Six players will announce their college choices during ESPN’s broadcast. Here’s my story advancing the game.
I’m heading down to the field for a little while to see what I can see. In the meantime, let’s get the conversation going for the game.
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227 comments Add your comment
Gene Okerlund
January 2nd, 2010
10:04 am
Let’s just hope nobody gets injured. I think all of these “all-star” games are ludicrous, as they are nothing but advertisements for the brands and present great opportunities for the kids to get hurt.
I will not watch, because I do not want to support these phony events.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
January 2nd, 2010
10:10 am
i’ll watch a little to see the upcoming recruits play. good for them, they’ve all earned this game why not let them enjoy it?
1eyedJack
January 2nd, 2010
10:20 am
The future is now!
Look Alive
January 2nd, 2010
10:32 am
To each his own. This event is not near as phony as the grammys (even rappers receive grammys – what’s with that), nobel peace prize (jimmy carter. al gore, pres obama- all frauds), stimulus package, and many other super phony events. I would not go on an entertainment blog and say that I am not watching MTV awards because I thought they were ludicrous – which they are- I would go to a blog that I like such as this one. Happy New Year and enjoy the game.
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
10:53 am
Have you guys ever heard of the U.S. Army All American Bowl? Adrian Peterson, Tim Tebow, Terrelle Pryor, etc., all played in that game, which has been around for 10 years and has all the best high school players. This one is an ad for Under Armour, and Chip is somehow on this bandwagon. Please recognize that this game is 2nd rate…the real game is next weekend on NBC. The cheap AJC must let Chip drive and pay for mileage–go to San Antonio next week for the REAL game.
Top Dawg
January 2nd, 2010
11:03 am
Could the future of UF be any more in doubt than it already is?
Top Dawg
January 2nd, 2010
11:04 am
Oh, and Army Bowl, I think the balance of power is shifting to the Under Armour game. The Under Armour game is geographically much closer to the nations best recruits, who are in Georgia and Florida.
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
11:04 am
Chip: Is the stadium full there in St. Pete? 5,000 fans? Give us an idea of what’s up.
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:05 am
JUST CAME UP FROM FIELD: Sorry just making it up but I ended up talking to Tommy Tuberville for a long time. I’ve known the former Auburn coach for a long time, going all the way back to his Ole Miss days, and it’s always nice to catch up with him, especially in a relaxed and unguarded environment such as this one. . . . Couple of quick things from Coach Tubs: Yes, he’d be interested in the Texas Tech job; no, he’s not a candidate for the Georgia DC job and never has been; no, he doesn’t know who will be; and he doesn’t think Willie Martinez was the problem for Georgia’s defense and was surprised Mark Richt let him go. . . .
JOHN FULTON TO COMMIT TO BAMA: That was the word down on the field regarding the cornerback from Manning, S.C. He’s one of six guys that’s going to announce their choices today and was also considering Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and LSU. His announcement is scheduled for sometime during the first quarter. Other annoucements:
WR Kenny Shaw — second quarter
DT Domique Easley — second quarter
WR Chris Dunkley — third quarter
CB Toney Hurd — third quarter
WR Darius White — fourth quarter.
OldDawg
January 2nd, 2010
11:06 am
Army Bowl…REALLY?
While there is SOME validity to your point…there are certainly more than enough “great players” to fill the roster for more than one All Star game!
The difference is simply the “sponsers” and while I would choose “Army over Under Armor” there are great players in BOTH games!
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:07 am
Army Bowl: Yes, I’ve heard of it. I’m sure you know it’s next week. And I flew, thanks.
john
January 2nd, 2010
11:09 am
Are the rosters of both teams posted anywhere? Thank you.
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
11:09 am
Top Dawg: Geography, really? Ever heard of an airplane? And are there not great players in Texas, California, etc–where San Antonio would be closer? Please…its an ESPN sponsorfest in FL, where they try to sell the kids on a free trip to Disney, which they also own…
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
11:10 am
Good deal, Chip. So you’re flying to San Antonio next week for the Army Game, too? Cool, will look forward to those updates, as I know there are several GA kids playing there, too.
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:11 am
Incredible play on both sides of the ball as Blur QB Jesse Scroggins shoveled the ball to Michael Dyer to avoid being sacked for a safety. Dyer, ESPN’s No. 1 back in America, rambled 30 yards before being flipped by Florida-bound safety Demar Dorsey and fumbling. But Blur, or the white team, recovered. . . .
Da’Rick Rogers just caught his first pass. . . .
Three-star recruit Jonathan Dowling just pulled off a pick six for about 50 yards for the black team. Missed PAT. 6-0 Nitro.
OldDawg
January 2nd, 2010
11:14 am
Army Bowl…thanks for helping my point…there are great HS players all over the country..and several HS all stAR GAMES IN WHICH THE ROSTERS ARE MADE UP OF MANY GREAT PLAYERS WHO WILL STAR ON THE NEXT LEVEL AND PLAY ON SUNDAYS…..sorry for caps,,,not intended…you seem to have a bone to poick with ESPN?
What is wrong with these players enjoying a free trip to disney and getting a chance to showcase their talents?
Your point please?
Top Dawg
January 2nd, 2010
11:15 am
Army Bowl: Yes, really. No, I have never heard of an airplane. What’s that? And, no, there are no great players in California or Texas.
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:15 am
officially 54 yards on that Interception return. . . .
Another turnover, fumble by Scroggins. Nitro ball at 23.
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
11:15 am
3-star? Wow. How many fans are there? Just guess for us.
Sellout?
Gator in the Hootch
January 2nd, 2010
11:15 am
Get this anti-Gator fans….defensive backs for the next four years…CBs – Joshua Shaw and Jaylen Watkins, and Cody Riggs. Safties, Demar Dorsey and Jonathan Dowling. Now, you see one of the reasons and Matt Elam went to FSU…and why the Gator run is not going to slow down any time soon.
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:16 am
Nick Montana, Joe’s boy, gets the start for Team Nitro. . . .
Storm Johnson gets a 6-yard run on first carry.
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
11:16 am
Top Dawg: No wonder UGA is flopping so badly…their fans
are as swift as Willie Martinez.
Top Dawg
January 2nd, 2010
11:16 am
Gaytor in the Hootch: It’s over for UF. Get used to it.
Top Dawg
January 2nd, 2010
11:18 am
Army Bowl: Ever heard of tongue in cheek. I’m just goofing with ya man. The Army Bowl is good too. (Aaron Murray played in it last year.) Matthew Stafford is from the state of Texas, etc. It is a good game too. And in the words of Les Miles, “have a great day.”
Lord of The Lizards
January 2nd, 2010
11:21 am
GO GATORS!! Sorry Dawgs, nothing gonna change!! Florida Football is built on SOLID foundation and is bigger than Steve Spurrier or Urban Meyer. By the way Coach, we’ll see you in the fall!!!
atl-xmen
January 2nd, 2010
11:21 am
i didnt think willie was the problem either. having to play a ton of underclassmen the last two years against the sec teams will put a dent in your defense really quick. all about match-ups in football and our young guys were just overmatched most games. they will be back next year and have the uga defense ranked in the top 10 to 15 again in all of football.
Gator in the Hootch
January 2nd, 2010
11:23 am
Top Dawg……Is every Dawg fan homophobic like you?????????????????????????
Gator in the Hootch
January 2nd, 2010
11:24 am
I guess Auburn will be going for 2 after every touchdown in the future…that kicker is terrible!
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:24 am
Oklahoma commit Blake Bell now in at quarterback for Team Blur.
atl-xmen
January 2nd, 2010
11:24 am
lizard..when uga beat you guys two years ago and mich did too with tebow it was your defense that was your problem..when all your guys leave for the nfl its back to the freshmen and sophs learning really quick what is is like to play in the sec. fla will go through what uga did this year and last year for the next few years.
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:26 am
Third turnover for Blur on mishandled punt. Glad I wrote about how good their offense was going to be. Can’t be very good if you can’t hold onto football.
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
11:28 am
I hear you, Top Dawg…just frustrated that people see ESPN take over things and falsely play them as ‘for real.’ And media, and then fans, buy what they sell.
Army Bowl
January 2nd, 2010
11:28 am
Still no attendance guess for the BIg Game, Chip? Help us out here.
Gator in the Hootch
January 2nd, 2010
11:28 am
Solomn Patton….yet another Gator dominating the game….yep, the Gators are done! Keep on daydreaming!!!!
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:29 am
Touchdown Team Nitro — Montana to Soloman Patton (Florida). Botched two-point attempt. 12-0 Nitro (black).
orangej
January 2nd, 2010
11:31 am
Who will hire the new coaches at UF next year. Saw where we have another coach going with Strong because he believes Myers will not be there next year.
Gator in the Hootch
January 2nd, 2010
11:32 am
atlxmen…you better go check the roster. Not many starters next year will be freshman. Even with loses, the Gators have studs on the roster ready to step in…and they will be joined by a host of extremely talented freshman. The Gators might not go into next year #1, but they will be in the top 10 and will challenge for the East and SEC titles, along with the Dawgs. But Flordia is going to be very good next year and for years to come. Get used to it.
yzemann
January 2nd, 2010
11:32 am
Is Sony Michel on the roster today Chip?
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:33 am
It’s official, John Fulton to Bama. Does that count as a scoop for me? . . . Along with Team Nitro defensive backfield mate and five-star recruit DeMarcus Milliner, that’s two really good cornerbacks for the Crimson Tide.
Bama_Fan
January 2nd, 2010
11:33 am
Roll Tide
Gator in the Hootch
January 2nd, 2010
11:36 am
Chip…it has been know for some time that Fulton was going to commit to Bama. No surprise or scoop there. Now finding out where Dunkley is going…Bama, Florida, or Miami would be a scoop? Can you do it?
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
January 2nd, 2010
11:38 am
is Art Vandelay on either roster?
atl-xmen
January 2nd, 2010
11:40 am
hooch..i agree they will be good but like uga last year and this year will have a hard time beating the more experienced teams in the sec. key word being sec.fla will have talent every year just like uga but they will need time to grow and learn how to play college football. and i will bet you fla will have more sophs and freshmen playing that jrs and srs…you guys will struggle next year on defense without too many players have the game experience needed to really win those tough sec games.
Gator in the Hootch
January 2nd, 2010
11:42 am
The ESPN announcer just said that none of the remaining Florida recruits are wavering at this time and are comfortable with the situation in Gainesville. Eat your hearts out. CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP!!!!
atl-xmen
January 2nd, 2010
11:46 am
still doesnt help the fact that you guys lose a ton of experience next year with jrs and seniors bolting for the nfl. plus your def coord is gone along with your head coach. and tebow wont be there to run that system offense meyer had that was perfect for tebow.
Guessing
January 2nd, 2010
11:47 am
The players are invited but how are the 2 teams rosters decided? It is not a north south or east west type thing is it?
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:47 am
Adrian Hubbard of Norcross just came up with a big pressure and hit on White team quarterback Chase Rettig. Adrian was extremely fired up for today’s game and wanted to make a good showing. He just blew right by Miami commitment Tavadis Glenn just then.
Tebow is finally gone
January 2nd, 2010
11:48 am
Well that’s weird because Matt Elam just decommitted and committed to FSU
Tebow is finally gone
January 2nd, 2010
11:49 am
Enter your comments here
Chip Towers
January 2nd, 2010
11:50 am
Gator in the Hootch: Well, your team just got another guy. DT Dominique Easley of Staten Island, N.Y. just committed to the Gators.