Sizing Up Auburn's Recruits: Under Armour All-America Practices
After seeing three Under Armour All-America practices leading into the game on Jan. 3, it's time to start measuring what these young men have been doing. The prime reason to do this would be to see how close these young men are able to compete for early playing time. The results will make Auburn fans happy.
A'Mon Lane, Cornerback, Moody (Ala.) High School
He's one of those players that's always looking for more. Auburn coaches are going to love Lane's attitude and humbleness. He comes to work with a lunch-pale mentality and a person will see him pick up the finer points of defensive back footwork when working with UA defensive backs coach Don Cox. Here's an example.
Within three minutes Lane's technique for a particular drill went from solid to significantly advancing what he could do. He listens, learns, and then puts the knowledge to work. Cox is one of the best in the business and Lane is taking advantage of his information. Well done young man.
Looking forward, Lane could end up playing multiple roles for the Tigers. Nickel and outside cornerback make sense for Lane's long-term projection. He will have to earn the playing time as a freshman, but he's not going to be outworked. Hard to imagine him not immediately contributing on special teams, too.
Jalyn Crawford, Cornerback, Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview
Advanced technique for his age, especially as it relates to Crawford not being too aggressive and allowing poor judgment to get him beat. Also important to note that Crawford is a player with supreme confidence and backs it up during one-on-one competition. Plus, he accepts directions from coach Cox and adds it to what he's already capable of doing. All of these points bode well for his future.
The area that could aid Crawford the most in playing early for Auburn would be the ability to use his length as a bump-and-run cornerback. Crawford does not panic when going against one of the top-notch wide receivers, relies on his technique, and then his long arms help him close on the football at the last moment.
It will be good to see more of Crawford in the next couple of days, but he's undoubtedly been one of the best defensive backs during the Under Armour practices. Crawford could make a big impact for the Tigers if he continues playing like he's shown he's capable over the past three practices. That's expected going by Crawford's business-like approach to the game of football.
Perry Thompson, Wide Receiver, Foley (Ala.) High School
Physically developed like an NFL receiver, Thompson's upper-body strength catches a person's attention. During an outside run, Thompson walled off the cornerback with ease. At 205 pounds, he's chiseled. Adding the ability to be a consistent blocker is going to help him compete for starter's reps. Any person who's seen Thompson already knows he could make plays on the football, and it's time to discuss that as well.
Watching him in one-on-ones, his blend of changing speeds and using his strength keeps defensive backs from beating him to the football. Even against smaller and twitchier defensive backs, Thompson runs by some of them with sheer speed. That might be the biggest eye-opener from the three days of practice.
Thompson's humble nature is also a good sign. Just chopping it up with him after practice, he's as easygoing as anyone will find. Look for him to fit right into the Auburn locker room.
Cam Coleman, Wide Receiver, Phenix City (Ala.) Central
Well known for his ability to catch the deep ball, two other areas are standing out for the explosive receiver. First, Coleman can be dynamic in a short-area space. Even during a route, Coleman routinely uses his quick feet to move away from defenders and provide a bigger area where the quarterback can throw him the football.
Second, Coleman's hands are true. Yesterday there was a pass that went high and to the left. It did not look like he could even physically touch the football. His length and athleticism allowed Coleman to get to the football; his excellent hands made a two-handed grab that should be considered elite. Both hands placed around the football as he brought it into his body with the defensive back attempting to knock it away to no avail.
Without question, Coleman is still catching deep passes but that's not the story from Under Armour. It's his all-around pass-catching ability that is standing out. Coleman is a big-time prospect that's going to play early for Auburn. He's also a lot of fun to be around. Coleman loves to laugh and have a good time.
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