SAN ANTONIO – More than 600 of the nation’s top underclassmen gathered at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Friday to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Combine, which essentially marks the first step toward playing in the game in years to come.
Prospects competed in drills like the 40-yard dash, shuttle run and vertical jump and received instruction from coaches on how to handle the recruiting process, improve their play and become a leader on and off the field.
Several prospects with an early offer from Ohio State were in attendance, as were a few who will likely land one in the coming months. And even though 247Sports — as a sponsor of the game — is the only media outlet allowed on the field to watch and mingle with recruits, I made my way to the event and made a few observations from the stands.
2019 OHIO DEFENSIVE END ZACH HARRISON
Though he didn't participate in the event, Olentangy Orange five-star defensive end Zach Harrison was on hand as part of his commitment to play in the 2019 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He'll be joined in the game by Georgia five-star defensive end pledge Nolan Smith II and Texas five-star wide receiver Jordan Whittington, both of whom also hold offers from the Buckeyes.
2019 KANSAS DEFENSIVE END MARCUS HICKS
The 6-foot-5, 236-pound Hicks is a physical specimen, built in the same mold as 2018 Penn State five-star defensive end signee Micah Parsons. One-on-one drills show he's still raw in terms of technique, but that's to be expected from a junior in high school.
Hicks, who picked up an offer from defensive line coach Larry Johnson in November, also ran a laser-timed 4.9-second 40-yard dash.
2019 KENTUCKY OFFENSIVE GUARD BRYAN HUDSON
The 6-foot-4, 292-pound Hudson doesn't face the toughest competition week-in and week-out in high school, but should be in line for a massive ratings bump after his performance on Friday. He has a quick release off the snap of the ball, uses his hands well and has a strong push back against defensive ends who think they're going to run around him, all of which he showed during Ohio State's one-day camp last June, as well.
2021 TEXAS OFFENSIVE TACKLE DONOVAN JACKSON
The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Houston native checked into the combine on Thursday afternoon with an 84-inch wingspan. Despite being one of the youngest prospects at the event — and only freshman to hold an offer from Ohio State — he used his length and balance to win several one-on-one reps against stronger and more experienced defensive ends.
By the time he's a senior, he'll be the top-rated offensive tackle in his class and hold an offer from every major program in the country.
2019 FLORIDA DEFENSIVE END CHANTZ WILLIAMS
There are certain players who simply look the part of an elite prospect, and the 6-foot-4, 212-pound Jacksonville native is is just that. He's quick off the snap and runs right past opposing offensive tackles and still has room to grown physically.
Ohio State hasn't offered yet, but he's been on campus and anticipates the Buckeyes will follow through when he attends a camp this summer.
2019 WEST VIRGINIA OFFENSIVE TACKLE DARNELL WRIGHT
Ohio State already holds one commitment from the Mountain State in four-star offensive tackle Doug Nester, but adding a second player like Wright would be huge given the need at the position will remain no matter how the Buckeyes close out the current cycle.
Standing 6-foot-6 and 290-pounds, Wright laid his claim to being the best underclassmen at the entire event. He used his length and lower body strength to dominate opposing defensive ends and won every one-on-one drill in which he participated.
