Practice reports on some of my boys from the recent Under Armour AA game:
Andre Debose (Sanford, Fla./Seminole) continues to create the best separation, and is by far the Black squad's best game-breaker.
We knew White's
Gary Brown (Quincy, Fla./West Gadsden) was a good player coming into the week, but he has exceeded expectations. He has shown the ability to play inside and on the edge, especially in pass-rush situations. He uses his hands like a veteran, gaining inside hand control on the offensive lineman while showing the ability to power rush and work the outside edges on the offensive line.
Gary Brown , DT, West Gadsden HS/ Quincy, Fla.; Florida
Florida Gators fans who have followed the Under Armour coverage the past two years have to be very excited about the future of their defensive line. Last year, DT
Omar Hunter really impressed, and Gators commit Brown has demanded attention this year. Brown stood out among a talented group of defensive linemen on the White team throughout the week of practice and caught the eye of the NFL coaches who worked with him. He displayed good quickness off the ball and was a disruptive presence in one-on-one and team drills. He displayed good athleticism for a big man, plus versatility. His true home in college will be at the defensive tackle position, but he showed the ability to line up at end and rush the passer. We were impressed with Brown coming into the week, but his performance in Orlando really proved he is further along then we first thought. The Under Armour alum pair of Hunter and Brown could cause problems for future SEC teams.
Jelani Jenkins (Wheaton, Md./Good Counsel) has been playing more inside than they have been accustomed to. Today he showed great burst scrapping off tackle and making plays sideline-to-sideline.
Frankie Telfort (Miami/Gulliver) continues to look great in coverage with his speed and smooth hips.
And, one helluva recruit that got away due to our 2 deep returning defense:
Greg Reid, Athlete, Lowndes HS/Valdosta, Ga.; Undecided Reid was arguably the biggest surprise of any Under Armour All-American participant the entire week of practice, and he capped it off with an MVP performance Sunday night. He simply came up with big play after big play and made it nearly impossible for opposing receivers to create separation. Although not one of the biggest or fastest corners in this class, Reid showed us this week that he might be one of the quickest and most instinctive perimeter defenders in the country. He consistently jumped routes, showing great anticipation skill, transitional quickness and closing burst. When you couple those traits with his outstanding ball skills, you have an upper-tier cornerback prospect and a very versatile athlete who also can provide a spark in the return game.
Reid decommitted from the Florida Gators this week, and his performance should make him one of more coveted national prospects down the stretch. Also, expect a significant jump in his ESPNU 150 ranking.
