MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Practice for the 26th annual Alabama-Mississippi all-star game continued on Wednesday morning. There were several impressive performances on the Alabama squad. Here’s a look at the best.
Reuben Foster was extremely impressive movement wise during Wednesday's practice for the 26th annual Alabama-Mississippi all-star game Wednesday in Montgomery, Ala.
Reuben Foster, ILB, Auburn (Ala.)
For the second consecutive day, Foster moved very well (he’s lost 20 pounds since the summer). During the Wednesday morning session, he showed his sideline-to-sideline speed on a number of occasions, closing on pass catchers outside the hash marks and numbers. Simply put, it’s tough for some guys to turn off their see ball, hit ball carrier physicality, and Foster is one of those even in shorts and shoulder pads. His recruitment still is expected to come down to Alabama, Auburn or Georgia, but Texas A&M and others are working for a visit. It’s a signing day decision as things stand today for the Under Armour All-American.
Darius Paige, DT, Foley (Ala.)
Paige was more of the same on Wednesday. His quick first step, ultra long arms and overall athletic ability at 300 pounds proves to be simply over powering at times. While the Alabama commitment has to continue to work on pad level and refining technique, his baseline athletic ability, body type and upside makes him one of the top defensive line prospects in the class.
Jason Smith, WR, Mobile (Ala.) McGill-Toolen
Smith was again the most precise route runner for the Alabama team, with the understanding Texas A&M commitment Cameron Echols-Luper (Auburn, Ala.) was limited today. The Auburn commit’s ability to get in and out of cuts with quick, fluid and crisp movement makes him a tough cover for any defensive back in the short and intermediate passing game.
Jonathan Cook, CB/S, Spanish Fort (Ala.)
The Nebraska commit worked at corner exclusively this morning. The 6-foot, 180-pounder showed the ability to open up and run, stay attached in coverage and track the ball in the air on several reps. Cook, who is likely to be offered by Auburn, Tennessee and possibly Alabama in the coming days and weeks, was also as physical as any defensive back in one-on-one’s.
Nebraska commit Jonathan Cook has been stellar all season and showed excellent ability during Wednesday morning's practice for the Alabama-Mississippi all-star game.
Austin Golson, OT, Prattville (Ala.)
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Golson put together a productive and impressive morning practice. Not only did the Florida State commitment win his one-on-one pass pro battle against four-star Auburn commitment Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals, Ala.), but he received praise from the Alabama coaching staff for his footwork run blocking and also had the look of a future college short snapper.
Notes
- Alabama commitment ArDarius Stewart is one of the top overall athletes on the Alabama team. More than his feet, hips and change of direction ability in coverage, the fact the 6-foot-0, 185-pounder “dunked” his elbow on the goal post was an attention grabbing moment.
- Echols-Luper was slowed this morning with a hamstring tweak suffered Tuesday afternoon. He jogged routes and stayed out of the team portion for the most part. He’s plans to play Saturday.
- Auburn quarterback commitment Jeremy Johnson (Montgomery, Ala./Carver) was much more comfortable on day two of practice. He not only threw the ball well against air, but he was quicker getting the ball out and more accurate in the live bullets portion of the practice. After making a number of arrant throws on Tuesday, the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder threw catchable passes throughout the two-hour practice.
- Louisville commitment Finesse Middleton would take home the relentless, non-stop motor award if there were one. While the 6-foot-0, 247-pounder did get overanxious and jump off-sides in one-on-one pass rush drills, it’s hard to fault the former Ole Miss commitment because of his play in, play out maximum effort and the genuine joy he gets from playing the game. Look for Middleton to be a playmaker on Saturday.
- FSU commitment Marquez White is one of the most explosive prospects on the Alabama team. While he has physical development, and considerable technique work ahead, the 6-foot-1, 170-pounder has nearly every physical tool one can’t coach, but college coaches spend hundreds of hours in search of.
- Gerry Hamilton
- National Scouting Director - 247Sports