Where Stars Are Born

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl matches the best high school football players from the East versus the West. 78 of the country’s most sought after college football prospects meet in the most prestigious high school All-Star Game in the nation. This game is a showcase of the future in football where you can see tomorrow’s stars today. The sixth USAAB will be played in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on January 7th, 2006. What players will emerge in this game and in the future?

The first ever USAAB was played in Dallas, Texas in 2001. In the game there were many stars that went on to have very successful college careers and many of these players are in the NFL. Tommie Harris (Oklahoma) went on to be a first round draft pick by the Bears and he now starts at defensive tackle for the NFL’s best defense.

Marquise Hill

Other alumni from the game that were first round draft picks were running back Kevin Jones (Virginia Tech) by Detroit, defensive end Marcus Spears (LSU) by Dallas and wide receiver Michael Clayton (LSU) by Tampa Bay. Defensive end Marquise Hill (LSU) was a high second round pick by New England as was defensive tackle Shaun Cody (USC) by Detroit. Other standouts from that game were defensive back Dominic Robinson (FSU), linebacker Kevin Simon (Tennessee), and offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth (LSU). Robinson was named the game’s MVP. There are many more USAAB alumni currently in the NFL from year one.

In year two of the USAAB the game was moved to San Antonio. Alumni from that contest include one of this season’s Heisman Trophy front runners in quarterback Vince Young (Texas).

Lorenzo Booker

Others from that game include running back Lorenzo Booker (FSU), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (Oregon), wide receiver Will Blackmon (Boston College), linebackers Ahmad Brooks (Virginia) and Kai Parham (Virginia), offensive lineman Nick Mangold (Ohio State), and wide receivers Maurice Stovall (Notre Dame) and Rhema McKnight (Notre Dame).



Will 2003 USAAB alumnist Reggie Bush win the Heisman Trophy this season?

Reggie Bush

It looks that way for Southern Cal’s electrifying running back. Quarterback Chris Leak (Florida), linebacker Xavier Adibi (Virginia Tech), tight end Vernon Davis (Maryland), tight end Greg Olsen (Miami), quarterback Brady Quinn (Notre Dame), offensive lineman Aaron Sears (Tennessee), running back LenDale White (USC), and safety Tommy Zbikowski (Notre Dame) are all college standouts, many with bright NFL futures.



The 2004 game featured the speedy Ted Ginn, Jr. (Ohio State), super running back Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) and the unflappable quarterback Chad Henne (Michigan). Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett (USC) is lighting things up at USC for the Trojans too. Quarterback Brian Brohm (Louisville), linebacker Brian Toal (Boston College), safety Simeon Castille (Alabama), offensive lineman Alex Fletcher (Stanford), offensive tackle Lydon Murtha (Nebraska), defensive tackle DeMario Pressley (N.C. State), and linebacker Keith Rivers (USC) are some other ’04 participants that have gotten off to very good college careers for their respective teams.

Last year’s game featured some standouts from this college football season as impact true freshmen like wide receiver/cornerback Justin King (Penn State), linebackers Rey Maualuga (USC) and Brian Cushing (USC), safety Kenny Phillips (Miami), cornerback Victor “Macho” Harris (Virginia Tech), offensive lineman Michael Oher (Ole Miss) and Alex Boone (Ohio State), running backs Jamaal Charles (Texas), Jonathan Stewart (Oregon) and Toney Baker (N.C. State), wide receiver DeSean Jackson (Cal), cornerback Derek Pegues (Mississippi State), kicker Jordan Congdon (Nebraska), and tight end Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M).

Justin King

What stars will emerge in the sixth edition of the USAAB next season and in year’s ahead on the gridiron? Will it be running back Chris Wells, quarterback Mitch Mustain or safety Taylor Mays? What players will step up? The game will be a good indication but only time will tell.