Philadelphia (Pa.) West Catholic offensive lineman Marques Slocum, 6-foot6 and 310 pounds: Slocum is an amazing athlete, he moves like someone who is a 100-pounds lighter. Slocum has outstanding quickness off the ball, and has an amazing ability to use his hands and arms to control an opponent’s movement. Slocum desires to play defense in college, and today he received his opportunity. With the East defensive front missing Earl Heyman, Slocum was inserted at the tackle spot, and he promptly pulled off a lightning quick swim move and had a clear lane to the quarterback. Slocum pulled up before burying his teammate.
Riverdale (Ga.) Lovejoy offensive lineman Christopher Scott, 6-5 and 317-pounds, Scott’s footwork was a little sluggish during portions of the lineman drills. During Tuesday’s inter-squad scrimmage, Scott came back and played better. He is another versatile lineman, who can play multiple positions. Scott plays with tenacity, and uses his leverage as well as anyone.
Wheaton (Ill.) Wheaton Warrenville South offensive lineman Dace Richardson, 6-6 and 300-pounds, Richardson was beat one time in today’s inter-squad scrimmage by Marques Slocum, then that seemed to ignite a fire under him. If Richardson maintains that aggressiveness on a consistent basis, he could be unstoppable. Richardson fires off the ball, has a great bend, and moves well for his size. Richardson has a tremendous wingspan, and uses it well pass-blocking. Richardson has been primarily a basketball player until the last two years, Once this kid gets some college coaching the sky is the limit.
Plainfield (N.J.) offensive lineman Eugene Monroe, 6-6 and 315-pounds,who committed to Virginia came in slightly out of shape, by his own admittance. Monroe still shows the ability that led him to receive the No. 1 offensive lineman ranking in the nation. He is being pushed by a group of several outstanding linemen. Monroe suffered a minor knee injury in practice Tuesday. He feel’s that he will be able to go at full-strength on Wednesday. Monroe gets off the ball quickly, gets a great initial push, and maintains control of his blocks. Considering his size, Monroe has great feet. One thing that I have noticed is Monroe needs to develop better lower better leg strength and that will come in college.
Memphis (Tenn.) Briarcrest offensive lineman Michael Oher, 6-5 and 340-pounds, Oher has been the biggest surprise of the week. Oher has only played two years of organized football, but you would never guess that by watching him play. Oher is a very versatile athlete, who can play all three-line positions. Oher is playing center for the first time ever on the East team. Oher has great size, speed, and athleticism. Oher has quickly earned the respect of the East defensive lineman including Melvin Alaeze.
“Oher is tough, he can get after it,” Alaeze said.
Barrington (Ill.) Dan Doering, 6-6 and 285-pounds, Doering is a specimen, to see a kid with his size and agility is rare. He is very fundamentally sound, and he has a non-stop motor. He is a powerful run blocker, and an outstanding pass blocker. Doering has enough speed, and agility to play either guard or tackle at the next level. Doering has been outstanding in practice this week.
Lakewood (Ohio.) St. Edward offensive lineman Alex Boone, 6-8, and 305-pounds, who committed to Ohio State is unbelievably quick off the ball for a player of his size. His ability to release and seal off linebackers is remarkable. He manages to get great bend, and stay low for a 6-8 kid. Several of the linebackers were amazed at how quick, and agile Boone is. Boone has a great wingspan, and is very high-level pass blocker. Among the offensive lineman Boone may have the most upside of them all.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas, at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. Eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen. The game features the top 78 football prospects in the country. East versus West.
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