Melvin Alaeze is a member of the East squad for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Alaeze, from Randallstown (Md.) High School, is a four-star recruit and the No. 8 rated defensive tackle in the country according to Scout.com. Today, Alaeze missed the East practice session because of a wrist injury. So, Scout.com asked Alaeze his thoughts on the very talented East offensive line, player by player. Here are Melvin Alaeze’s scouting observations.
Alex Boone (right tackle) Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward
“That boy is athletic and very quick. He’s got great feet. He’ll get out on you quick. He’s one of the best here if not the best that I have matched up against.”
Dace Richardson (right guard) Warrenville (Ill.) Wheaton South
“I really think this dude has what it takes. He hasn’t played that long and he should get so much better. He’s a hard worker and in great shape. He is going to be really good.”
Michael Oher (center) Memphis (Tenn.) Briarcrest
“This guy is a player that has really impressed. He’s one of the top guys here. He has great anticipation and instincts and I know he has not played football that long. I tell you what he is hard to get by.”
Dan Doering (left tackle) Barrington (Ill.)
“Doering can get low and stay low. When he does that he is really tough. He’s also a fighter that can get a little nasty. He has good feet and keeps a low center of gravity.”
Chris Scott (left tackle, guard) Lovejoy (Ga.)
“He has nice feet and is very big. He moves well and is tough to get by.”
Eugene Monroe (left tackle) Plainfield (N.J.)
“We have battled each other at camps and he knows my moves and I know his moves. He kind of knows me and that makes it a little tough. But he’s big and quick and has great feet.”
Marques Slocum (guard) Philadelphia (Pa.) West Philadelphia Catholic
“He is big, stays low and has great balance. He can move too.”
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.