U.S. Army All-American Bowl SEC scouting report
Ethan Levine, Jordan Cox, Drew Laing and Brett Weisband all contributed to this scouting report.
Following Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game, the U.S. Army All-Americans got their moment in the spotlight on Saturday. A total of 28 SEC commits played in the revered Army All-American Bowl. SEC programs received four more commitments from players during the game.
After watching the future stars of the SEC compete against their peers, here’s what stood out to us at game’s end:
OFFENSE
FB Chandler Cox (Auburn): Cox showed his versatility out of the backfield for the East team on Saturday, catching a couple of passes from his running back position. Cox will transition to fullback/H-Back for the Tigers, but will be able to fill a variety of roles in the backfield next season. The Apopka, Fla., native is a physical, downhill runner who also excels in pass-protection. The Tigers struggled at the H-Back position in 2014, and Cox’s performance in the Army Bowl has to excite Gus Malzahn and Rhett Lashlee.
WR K.J. Hill (Arkansas): Hill is an athletic receiver who will add valuable play-making abilities to the Arkansas receiving corps. Hill made his presence felt early the game, recording a catch on the West team’s first possession. Hill showed his skill as a route-runner and sure hands. Hill’s reliability earned him several targets throughout the afternoon, on a stage usually hard for offenses due to the lack of chemistry on offense. Hill should have a chance to play early in Fayetteville.
WR Derrius Guice (LSU): The LSU verbal was perhaps the most impressive player on the field Saturday afternoon. Guice recorded a pair of touchdowns, highlighted by a 92-yard touchdown catch on a post route in which he beat his defender underneath. Guice doesn’t have huge size, but is a versatile back. His ability to tote carries and catch the ball out of the backfield will add an element to the Bayou Bengals’ offense. Guice’s Army Bowl-record 153 receiving yards earned him game MVP honors.
QB Drew Lock (Missouri): Lock, a native of Lee’s Summit, Mo., had a good day for the East team under center. Lock showed his arm strength, but also his ability to make good decisions. A standout basketball player in high school, Lock’s dual-threat ability is no fluke. He showed good escapability, however, his calling card is his accuracy. Lock impressed on a couple deep balls on Saturday afternoon, showing impressive accuracy and an ability to put the ball where only his man can catch it.
WR Derrick Dillon (Florida): Dillon had a touchdown catch on the day, and he’ll add needed athleticism to the Florida receiving corps under first-year coordinator Jim McElwain. Dillion is a sizable target out wide, showing his ability to use his frame on the touchdown reception. Dillon showed great footwork and an ability to make strong breaks at the top of his route.
DEFENSE
DE Kyle Phillips (Tennessee): Phillips began the day on a high note by announcing his commitment to Tennessee, adding to the Volunteers’ defensive line prospects. In an interview with NBC, Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen praised Phillips’ size and his speed on the defensive exterior. Phillips terrorized the West team’s left tackles, using his superior speed and hand skills to collapse the pocket from the edge.
DB Xavier Lewis (LSU): Lewis had a good day in the secondary for the West team. Lewis proved he’s a quintessential cornerback: a little undersized, speedy and with great ball skills. Lewis locked down his opponent on Saturday, showcasing surprisingly good cover skills. The Reserve, La., native will add play-making skills to the LSU secondary.
DT Khalil McKenzie (Tennessee): McKenzie is a massive and showed just how disruptive he can be on the defensive interior. McKenzie came in as one of the top recruits in the country, and he reportedly had a huge week of practice. McKenzie joins Phillips in heading to Knoxville to play his college football.
SEC IN-GAME COMMITMENTS
IMPRESSIVE STAT LINES
RB Derrius Guice (LSU): 2 catches, 153 yards (an Army Bowl record), 2 touchdowns
WR Derrick Dillon (Florida): 1 catch, 25 yards, 1 touchdown
DE Kyle Phillips (Tennessee): 2 sacks
OTHER NOTES
Game MVPs: Derrius Guice
