UA Day 1 Practice

UA Day 1 Recap

UA Day 1 More Practice

UA Day 2 Recap

Athlete Arrivals to San Antonio

Army Day 1 Recap

Ohio State Commits

Quincy Wilson Junior Highlights

Johnny Townsend interview by Michael Chung

Darron Lee Senior Highlights

Shelton Gibson Interview with Michael Chung

Evan Lisle Interview with Michael Chung

James Quick Interview with Michael Chung

Eli Apple Interview with Michael Chung

Trey Johnson Interview with Phil Murphy

Day 2 Wrapup of Army Bowl Practice

Rivals$--Five standing out for Hood '14 NC RB Elijah Hood

• Elijah is currently favoring Notre Dame, North Carolina, Clemson, Ohio State and Georgia Tech. He was very impressed with ND's offer.

BN$--Worley Sets First And Last Visit? '13 OH LB/S Christopher Worley

• Chris will visit 1/11 and now has a 20 on the ACT.

BN$--Marshall Represents OSU At UA Game '13 OH ATH Jalin Marshall

• Jalin says he is working on Trey Johnson and Vonn Bell. 

BN$--OSU Or Louisville To Get Quick(er) '13 KY WR James Quick

• James says whichever coaches has impressed his parents the most is probably where he is going. He admits to having a better relationship with tOSU's staff than Louisville's. 

BN$--Mike Mitchell ready to commit '13 TX LB Mike Mitchell

• Mike says he will announce at the game and the organizers want him to have three hats on the table: Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State. He loves Coach Meyer.

Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets, 1/1

It's the New Year, but the results are bound to be just the same for Urban Meyer and his staff of closers. We look at the latest on Cam Burrows, Joey Bosa, Mike Mitchell, and Eli Apple.

Happy New Year. I know, I know. We'll try to keep volume to a minimum.

You know, scientists from South Korea have found that eating asparagus immediately after waking up with a hangover can help reduce its effects. Eggs have a nice combination of protein and vitamins that could aid, too. But even if you can't stomach a spanish omelette, there's always hair of the dog. Or Vitamin Water. What do we know.

But we aren't the only ones hoping 2013 is your best year yet:

Happy New Year everybody

— Cam Burrows (@CB2ERA) January 1, 2013

Per SB Nation Recruiting's Bud Elliott, Cam Burrows has been one of the best defensive backs he's seen so far in Orlando. Others in attendance have said they think Burrows might ultimately wind up a potentially dominant safety. Bud was also high on Gareon Conley and thought he could be a future difference maker for the Buckeyes.

Both Conley and Burrows were amongst a group that attended Monday night's Orlando Magic-Miami Heat game. Sounds like some Buckeye partisans were in attendance to cheer them on. Potential Buckeye commit LB Trey Johnson certainly looked the part during the first day of practice as well. But it wasn't all wine and roses for those future and prospective future Buckeyes getting prepared for the Under Armour All-America Game:

#OhioState commit Joey Bosa seems to have tweaked his wrist. #Buckeyes

— Blake Alderman (@MistaAlderman) December 31, 2012

There are no updates at this time as to the sincerity of the injury. Hopefully it doesn't impact his ability to participate in Friday evening's festivities.

Meanwhile, in San Antonio, in case you missed it, SB Nation Recruiting's Wescott Eberts spoke to Ohio State target LB Mike Mitchell and verified that Mitchell *will* be announcing his college choice during this Saturday's US Army All-American Bowl. Mitchell has long been considered a strong Ohio State lean, but has announced Oregon and Texas A&M as his other finalists.

It also sound like the early reports on DB Eli Apple have been extremely positive:

Eli Apple has had a solid afternoon so far. Has had the best overall day among the #OhioState commits and targets. #buckeyes

— Marc Givler (@MarcGivlerBG) December 31, 2012

And if that wasn't enough to look forward to, it sounds like P Johnny Townsend is the real deal as well.

Finally, with a look ahead to the class of 2014, Ohio State continues to have an unofficial monopoly on the interest of the studs from the state of Georgia:

5-star Raekwon McMillan, from rural Georgia, says Ohio State "makes me feel at home" bit.ly/WeMUd2

— Michael Carvell (@RecruitingAJC) December 31, 2012

Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, and Demarre Kitt all expressing interest as well might be the real exciting part of the story. If the Buckeyes land even just three of them, the rich will only get richer as we celebrate the early part of the next new year.

Under Armour Game TV: Practice report

ESPN RecruitingNation's Jeremy Crabtree and Derek Tyson bring you the latest news and notes from the second day of Under Armour All-America Game practice at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports. Join them for a live webcast at 3:15 p.m. ET before TV coverage kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Offensive tackle Cameron Hunt (Corona, Calif./Centennial), committed to Cal since July, is about to get busy again with recruiting.

Hunt plans to visit Michigan on Jan. 11 after he returns home from the Under Armour All-America Game, Oregon on Jan. 18 and Cal on Jan. 25.

He’s also considering Ohio State, though he has yet to set a visit. It has been a long road for Hunt, who drew little recruiting interest before a breakout camp circuit last spring

Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder, but the ESPN 150 cornerback is in Florida this week ready to prove he belongs ... as a wide receiver.

Originally a Michigan commit, Conley was recruited by Ohio State as an athlete for his unbelievable ability at the wideout position as well. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Conley committed to the Buckeyes on Dec. 7 after a whirlwind courtship by Urban Meyer and his staff. He accepted his Under Armour jersey Oct. 18. Conley is ranked No. 62 overall and is the ninth-best cover corner in the nation according to ESPN.

An impact two-way threat, Conley heads to Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game with impressive numbers. In just his first season as the starting wide receiver for the Tigers, Conley led the team in every statistical category. His most impressive moves came when he was afforded space as he made 50 catches, for 1,096 yards receiving and scored 16 touchdowns.

Last year, Urban Meyer was able to flip seven recruits before national signing day. This year, he’s already done it twice.

But the most meaningful of the bunch might actually be in his own backyard after the first-year coach got Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) to drop the Michigan commit moniker for one of Ohio State.

When Conley flipped, he joined former West Virginia commit Jayme Thompson (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) in that department for the recruiting class of 2013.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With several standouts from today's Day 2 practice for Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game (5 p.m. ET, ESPN), one player for Team Nitro and one from Team Highlight are closing in on their college decisions, to be announced Friday, while the nation's No. 1 player left the field at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports with an injury.

Folston closing in on decision

Four-star athlete Tarean Folston (Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa) is set to make his college decision Friday. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound ESPN 150 will chose between Notre Dame, Florida State and Oregon.

Folston has been a standout defensive back during the first two days of practice, but he's being recruited by all three of his final schools to play running back.

He said he likes the familiar feeling he gets from Notre Dame and Oregon.

"It's just a home feeling, the fans around there are great fans. The community is all involved in football. It's just a nice town and a home feeling environment. With Oregon, it's pretty much the same as Notre Dame. They are two different schools but I call it 'the village,' just everybody in that place comes together and helps the support the team."

Florida State is the only school Folston is considering from his home state, but he insists distance won't be a factor in his decision.

"It's the capital of my state, I come from Florida," Folston said. "There's a lot of talent down here in Florida and it would be a good situation if I went there. But distance won't be a factor for me."

Folston, ranked the No. 79 overall player in the country, said he has already made his decision.

"I made my mind up about what school I'm going to," he said. "I knew a while ago, but I actually knew 100 percent when I was on the way up here. I let one coach know, but I'm keeping it a secret until the game."

Newsworthy: Johnson ready to announce

ESPN 150 linebacker Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) says he intends to announce his commitment Friday during the UA Game. The 6-1, 215-pound prospect, formerly committed to Auburn, is now down to Florida, Ohio State and Tennessee. All are on equal footing, he said, as he discussed each program.

• Ohio State: “When I took a visit up there it was different. I kind of like the feel up there, the depth chart and there are many factors that make it a good fit there.”

• Florida: “They have a really good defense right now under Will Muschamp. That is the main thing that has them in the mix: their defense.”

• Tennessee: “I have a connection with Tommie Thigpen, who was at Auburn before. Also the scheme they run is very similar to what we do at my high school and I liked it when I visited there last year.”

The Buckeyes could have the inside track for the nation's No. 2 inside linebacker recruit, as they were the last to talk to Johnson as of this afternoon.

“I spoke to Urban Meyer on Christmas and he told me he will be here after the game to see me,” Johnson said.

While he is looking forward to announcing his commitment, he left the door cracked for possible visits before signing day.

“I am excited about making this decision and stopping the calls,” Johnson said. “I have to get back home and talk to my parents to see if we will have time to take any official visits after I make my commitment.”

Trending: 'Prime Time' talks DBs

Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders was on the field for today’s UA Game practice, and Sanders said afterward that he was high on the Team Nitro secondary.

“I like this group of defensive backs,” Sanders said. “It looks like a physical group.”

The eight-time Pro Bowl selection singled out two cornerbacks and two he feels will excel at safety.

“I like Shaq Wiggins and Cam Burrows at cornerback,” Sanders said. “Wiggins has aggressiveness and I like him because he takes chances. He has a lot of athleticism. I think Cam Burrows is a little more physical at cornerback and I like him a lot.

“I think Artie Burns is going to be a tremendous safety in college. I love that he makes plays on the ball and competes every snap. The big fellow Antonio Conner is a banger. I think it is amazing to get a big fellow that is accustomed to playing in the box that is able to get out there and compete with wide receivers one on one.”

Herm likes No. 1

Black Team coach Herman Edwards was highly impressed with top-ranked prospect Robert Nkemdiche (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) and believes he’s the best player at the Under Armour All-America Game.

“He’s good, he’s a special athlete and he asks really good questions,” Edwards said. “That’s real important to me because it shows he’s already looking beyond just being the best athlete. He also wants to be the smartest player on the field.”

Last year, Edwards had the opportunity to coach the previous 2012 ESPN 150 top-ranked prospect, Mario Edwards.

Nkemdiche briefly sidelined

Nkemdiche showed flashes of dominance Tuesday in pass-rush drills, displaying his speed off the edge to school a few offensive tackles.

He also took his lumps – one in particular on a pancake courtesy of Texas pledge Darius James.

Nkemdiche, atop the Class of 2013's ESPN 150 since its initial release, also suffered a groin injury. He walked slowly to the sideline during the second half of the three-hour workout and received an ice pack and attention from trainers, leaving him day to day with two practice sessions left before the game. The defensive end did not return to the practice after he received treatment.

Nkemdiche appear undeterred, though, as he watched the final segments of the workout from the bench.

“I’ll be back,” he said.

Look for his return Wednesday.

Day 2 awards

Ballhawk: Safety Keanu Neal (Committed to Florida)
Neal struggled in 1-on-1 drills yesterday, but the four-star prospect had a solid day on Tuesday. Neal had a nice interception deep over the middle during team drills and returned it for around 25 yards.

Player of the Day: Offensive lineman Grant Hill (Committed to Alabama)
Hill dominated the 1-on-1 drills. Bloodied by a cut on his leg, he went up against Greg Gilmore, DeMarcus Walker and other Team Highlight defensive lineman and won just about every battle. A humble Hill said after practice that he's just trying to get better.

"I think I improved," Hill said. "Yesterday I had some miscues and things, but today I feel like I came out here and improved a little bit. It's great getting competition from guys like Robert Nkemdiche and those guys."

Best Matchup: Offensive lineman Rod Johnson vs. DeMarcus Walker
Johnson, a late addition to the UA game, had a nice battle with four-star Alabama DE commit Walker during 1-on-1 drills. After they played to a draw, a small skirmish broke out between the two. Walker said after practice he and Johnson are good and have no problems with each other.

Mr. Versatility: Athlete Dontre Wilson (Committed to Oregon)
Up until he aggravated an ankle injury, he was Mr. Versatile today. The talented playmaker was lining up at wide receiver and running back and looked good doing both. Unfortunately, Wilson is done playing for the week because of the injury.

Best Hands: Uncommitted wide receiver Laquon Treadwel
He continues to prove why he is the top wideout in the country. The athletic pass-catcher continues to get open and catches just about everything thrown his way.

Skills Challenge qualifiers: QBs -- All quarterbacks qualified. RB/LB -- Reuben Foster, Ben Boulware, Alex Anzalone and Matthew Thomas. WR/DB -- Max Redfield, Tarean Folston, Jeryl Brazil, Vernon Hargreaves III. OL/DL -- Chris Jones, Marcus Baugh, Kelsey Griffin, Ebenezer Ogundeko.

The Skills Challenge finals will be held Wednesday afternoon.

SAN ANTONIO – ESPN 150 wide receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) has drawn plenty of attention for his play through two practices for the East team in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.

SAN ANTONIO -- ESPN 300 wide receiver Tony Stevens (Orlando Fla./Evans) knows where he wants to go to school, but he’ll wait until Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl to announce it.

Florida State, Texas A&M and Ohio State are the three schools Stevens will choose from.

“I know where I want to go,” said Stevens, the No. 29 receiver and No. 207 player overall. “Basically [it came down to] how I felt when I went to the school and how they treated me.”