On The Trail: 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl
The East team snuck out with a 17-14 win at the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, thanks to a touchdown pass from Eddie Printz (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter) to Ryan Switzer (Charleston, W. Va./George Washington) with six seconds remaining. But the biggest takeaway from the game was the impact made by the future Washington Huskies.
Wide receiver Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) caught a touchdown in the game, but the biggest impact he made were the big impacts he made. On a scramble by his quarterback, Daniels peeled back and leveled a pursuing East defender, sending helmets flying. Later, in punt coverage, Daniels got his hands on Switzer and threw the much smaller receiver to the turf.
“I just came out wanting to have fun and make a statement that I could be physical instead of just running around people,” Daniels said.
Wide receiver Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) caught a touchdown in the game, but the biggest impact he made were the big impacts he made. On a scramble by his quarterback, Daniels peeled back and leveled a pursuing East defender, sending helmets flying. Later, in punt coverage, Daniels got his hands on Switzer and threw the much smaller receiver to the turf.
“I just came out wanting to have fun and make a statement that I could be physical instead of just running around people,” Daniels said.
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When John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan) was in Seattle for Washington’s Rising Stars Camp last summer, the 5-foot-9, 170-pound athlete said the Huskies made him feel like part of the family.
Whether he was on the field with Troy Williams, the program’s quarterback commit, or spending time with one of his former teammates who currently plays for Washington, Ross knew the Huskies would be a good fit.
His cousin and high school teammate, 2014 receiver Rahshead Johnson, enjoyed the trip to the camp so much he gave the university a verbal commitment before returning to California.
Whether he was on the field with Troy Williams, the program’s quarterback commit, or spending time with one of his former teammates who currently plays for Washington, Ross knew the Huskies would be a good fit.
His cousin and high school teammate, 2014 receiver Rahshead Johnson, enjoyed the trip to the camp so much he gave the university a verbal commitment before returning to California.
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Four-star ATH Ross commits to Huskies
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
11:27
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
CARSON, Calif. -- Washington continued its success in mining the Golden State for talent on Friday night, as four-star athlete John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan) announced his commitment to the Huskies during the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
Ross kept a low profile during the recruiting process, but the 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster became one of California’s most sought-after skill position players this past spring and kept that momentum going throughout his senior season. Ross held offers from much of the Pac-12, as well as national programs such as Arkansas, Miami, Michigan and Nebraska.
Ross eventually cut his list to four Pac-12 programs: Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and UCLA. He took official visits to all four, but nothing could top the comfort level he said he felt with the Huskies. He’ll join several former teammates at Washington, and could also be reunited next year with 2014 prospect and teammate Rahshead Johnson, who committed to the Huskies this past summer.
Washington now holds verbal commitments from 21 recruits in the 2013 class, including eight four-star players -- six of whom hail from California. Ross has the ability to play wide receiver or cornerback at the next level and proved throughout his high school career that he can be a dynamic weapon in the return game.
Ross' recruitment could be one to monitor further, as all of his finalists will continue to pursue him until signing day.
Ross eventually cut his list to four Pac-12 programs: Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and UCLA. He took official visits to all four, but nothing could top the comfort level he said he felt with the Huskies. He’ll join several former teammates at Washington, and could also be reunited next year with 2014 prospect and teammate Rahshead Johnson, who committed to the Huskies this past summer.
Washington now holds verbal commitments from 21 recruits in the 2013 class, including eight four-star players -- six of whom hail from California. Ross has the ability to play wide receiver or cornerback at the next level and proved throughout his high school career that he can be a dynamic weapon in the return game.
Ross' recruitment could be one to monitor further, as all of his finalists will continue to pursue him until signing day.
South Carolina gets another ESPN 150 RB 
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
10:49
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Fun and gun? How about ground and pound.
Steve Spurrier was known for airing it out with top-flight quarterbacks while at Florida, but he has been piling up the ESPN 150 running backs while at South Carolina.
The Gamecocks added ESPN 150 running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) on Friday, and Williams is the third running back in the ESPN 150 the Gamecocks will sign in the last four classes.
Steve Spurrier was known for airing it out with top-flight quarterbacks while at Florida, but he has been piling up the ESPN 150 running backs while at South Carolina.
The Gamecocks added ESPN 150 running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) on Friday, and Williams is the third running back in the ESPN 150 the Gamecocks will sign in the last four classes.
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CARSON, Calif. -- Three-star tight end Thomas Duarte (Santa Ana, Calif./Mater Dei) put a quick end to his recruiting process on Friday, as the three-star prospect made a verbal commitment to the UCLA Bruins at the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
"The education is great that I'll receive and their football is on the rise," Duarte said. "I'm going to love to be a part of the revolution that is UCLA football."
Duarte surprised many by even scheduling his announcement to take place at the event. He said all season that he would focus on recruiting after the season and looked to have a busy January ahead of him. But the 6-foot-3, 223-pound, two-way threat felt comfortable enough after multiple unofficial visits to make a commitment to the Bruins.
He held offers from much of the Pac-12 and eventually narrowed his choices to a final four of Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA and Washington. Duarte took unofficial visits to all but Notre Dame.
Duarte had a phenomenal senior season for a Monarchs team that surprised many by posting an 11-3 record. He caught 58 passes for 1,025 yards and 15 touchdowns, and also racked up 42 tackles 10 sacks and three interceptions on defense.
He has the ability to play multiple positions at the next level, but will begin his career as a tight end.
He is verbal commitment No. 20 for the UCLA Bruins, who needed a versatile tight end to bring in alongside a fantastic group of wide receivers. The Bruins were able to turn tight end Joseph Fauria into a dynamic weapon in the passing game this season, and they likely see the same ability in Duarte.
"The education is great that I'll receive and their football is on the rise," Duarte said. "I'm going to love to be a part of the revolution that is UCLA football."
He held offers from much of the Pac-12 and eventually narrowed his choices to a final four of Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA and Washington. Duarte took unofficial visits to all but Notre Dame.
Duarte had a phenomenal senior season for a Monarchs team that surprised many by posting an 11-3 record. He caught 58 passes for 1,025 yards and 15 touchdowns, and also racked up 42 tackles 10 sacks and three interceptions on defense.
He has the ability to play multiple positions at the next level, but will begin his career as a tight end.
He is verbal commitment No. 20 for the UCLA Bruins, who needed a versatile tight end to bring in alongside a fantastic group of wide receivers. The Bruins were able to turn tight end Joseph Fauria into a dynamic weapon in the passing game this season, and they likely see the same ability in Duarte.
CARSON, Calif. -- South Carolina added a headliner to its 2013 recruiting class on Friday, as running back David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) announced his commitment to the Gamecocks during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
"From the beginning of process, they've been there strong," Williams said of the Gamecocks. "Coach [Steve] Spurrier showed me a lot of interest."
The ESPN 150's No. 124 player becomes the top recruit in South Carolina’s class and will look to fill the role vacated by Marcus Lattimore’s early departure for the NFL draft.
"I think I'll fit in perfectly," Williams said of South Carolina's offense. "I'll come in and have an opportunity to play early."
Williams, 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is one of the more sough-after backs in the Northeast, as the four-star tailback held offers from a number of prominent programs, including Auburn, California, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin. He eventually whittled his list to Arizona State, Penn State and South Carolina and took official visits to see the Sun Devils and Gamecocks before settling on Steve Spurrier’s program.
He is commitment No. 20 for South Carolina’s 17th-ranked recruiting class. He is the second ESPN 150 commitment and fourth ESPN 300 commitment for the Gamecocks. Williams put together a tremendous senior season for the Panthers, as he led them to an undefeated regular season and a 14-1 record overall. Williams rushed 195 times for 1,904 yards and 23 touchdowns, including two touchdown runs of more than 90 yards.
With Williams’ commitment, only three of the country’s top 15 running backs remain uncommitted.
"From the beginning of process, they've been there strong," Williams said of the Gamecocks. "Coach [Steve] Spurrier showed me a lot of interest."
The ESPN 150's No. 124 player becomes the top recruit in South Carolina’s class and will look to fill the role vacated by Marcus Lattimore’s early departure for the NFL draft.
"I think I'll fit in perfectly," Williams said of South Carolina's offense. "I'll come in and have an opportunity to play early."
Williams, 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is one of the more sough-after backs in the Northeast, as the four-star tailback held offers from a number of prominent programs, including Auburn, California, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin. He eventually whittled his list to Arizona State, Penn State and South Carolina and took official visits to see the Sun Devils and Gamecocks before settling on Steve Spurrier’s program.
With Williams’ commitment, only three of the country’s top 15 running backs remain uncommitted.
Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl preview
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
11:12
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney and
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl should offer plenty of intrigue on the field when it kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. PT from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. With some of the top players from across the country in attendance, recruiting fans will have plenty to keep their eyes on over the course of the game.
West quarterbacks vs. East quarterbacks
In all-star games, the quarterback position almost always receives the most attention, and with it, either praise or scrutiny. This year, the position offers some interesting regional twists, with bragging rights on the line. For the West team, representing the Pac-12 will be Jared Goff (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) and Anu Solomon (Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman), committed to Cal and Arizona, respectively. For the East team, and headed to the SEC, are Austin Allen (Fayetteville, Ark./Fayettevills) and Eddie Printz (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter). Allen is headed to Arkansas, with Printz committed to Missouri. Giving the Midwest fans something to watch are Notre Dame quarterback commitment Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), playing for the East squad, and Northwestern commit Matt Alviti (Park Ridge, Ill./Maine Township), who will suit up for the West.
West quarterbacks vs. East quarterbacks
In all-star games, the quarterback position almost always receives the most attention, and with it, either praise or scrutiny. This year, the position offers some interesting regional twists, with bragging rights on the line. For the West team, representing the Pac-12 will be Jared Goff (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) and Anu Solomon (Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman), committed to Cal and Arizona, respectively. For the East team, and headed to the SEC, are Austin Allen (Fayetteville, Ark./Fayettevills) and Eddie Printz (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter). Allen is headed to Arkansas, with Printz committed to Missouri. Giving the Midwest fans something to watch are Notre Dame quarterback commitment Malik Zaire (Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter), playing for the East squad, and Northwestern commit Matt Alviti (Park Ridge, Ill./Maine Township), who will suit up for the West.
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Cal commit Richardson looking elsewhere
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
1:50
AM ET
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
One of the top offensive weapons on the West squad at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl is sitting out the week with injuries, but he could be one of the players in attendance to make some news before the week is done.
Cal WR commit A.J. Richardson (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne) has been committed to the Bears since July, but the three-star receiver hasn't heard much from the new staff in Berkeley.
"Not really, no. I talked to the new receivers coach once but that's about it," Richardson said. "I guess they think I'm gonna decommit because I took visits to Boise [State], Duke and Nevada. Yeah, I'm serious about looking around at other programs."
Cal WR commit A.J. Richardson (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne) has been committed to the Bears since July, but the three-star receiver hasn't heard much from the new staff in Berkeley.
"Not really, no. I talked to the new receivers coach once but that's about it," Richardson said. "I guess they think I'm gonna decommit because I took visits to Boise [State], Duke and Nevada. Yeah, I'm serious about looking around at other programs."
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FULLERTON, Calif. -- With the first-day jitters long gone and players beginning to settle into their game-day roles during the third day of practices for the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, several players continue to jump out with impressive performances. On Wednesday, it was defensive back David Kamara (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) who authored a standout showing.
“He’s a very athletic kid,” said Shawn Raney, defensive coordinator for the East team. “He understands the game and he catches onto stuff really quickly. He’s mentally sharp and does a nice job.”
During one-on-one action early in the day, Kamara made a terrific play on a deep ball while in coverage against Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks). He stuck with the big receiver down the field and knocked the ball away at the last minute. It was a glimpse at his physical ability, and the East coaches have been impressed with his mental capacity as well.
“He’s a very athletic kid,” said Shawn Raney, defensive coordinator for the East team. “He understands the game and he catches onto stuff really quickly. He’s mentally sharp and does a nice job.”
During one-on-one action early in the day, Kamara made a terrific play on a deep ball while in coverage against Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks). He stuck with the big receiver down the field and knocked the ball away at the last minute. It was a glimpse at his physical ability, and the East coaches have been impressed with his mental capacity as well.
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Semper Fidelis OL Thomas Oser sets visits
January, 2, 2013
Jan 2
8:56
AM ET
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The West team at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl has just a handful of uncommitted players on the roster, all of whom are highly sought after recruits.
One of them might not be the biggest name of the bunch, but he has impressed his coaches, teammates and even a United States Marine. OL Thomas Oser (North Hollywood, Calif./Harvard-Westlake) also has an impressive offer list that features schools from the Pac-12 and the SEC. Out of the offers he does have, the same three schools he has been eying for months make up the list from which he will choose later this month.
Oregon, Stanford and Vanderbilt -- where Oser's friend and high school teammate, QB Chad Kanoff (North Hollywood, Calif./Harvard-Westlake) is committed -- make up the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder's finalists and all three have something that gives them an edge over the others.
One of them might not be the biggest name of the bunch, but he has impressed his coaches, teammates and even a United States Marine. OL Thomas Oser (North Hollywood, Calif./Harvard-Westlake) also has an impressive offer list that features schools from the Pac-12 and the SEC. Out of the offers he does have, the same three schools he has been eying for months make up the list from which he will choose later this month.
Oregon, Stanford and Vanderbilt -- where Oser's friend and high school teammate, QB Chad Kanoff (North Hollywood, Calif./Harvard-Westlake) is committed -- make up the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder's finalists and all three have something that gives them an edge over the others.
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SANTA ANA, Calif. -- With a strong performance during the first two days of practices for the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, one of the top uncommitted prospects in the West is showing why he is a member of the ESPN 300.
DE Austin Hooper (Concord, Calif./De La Salle) has been one of the stars for the standout defensive line that the West squad is featuring this week. After helping De La Salle capture yet another California state title two weeks ago, the versatile Hooper has shown good quickness, hands and a motor that doesn't stop during the first two days of practice.
"It's been good. They have me playing defensive end this week and it's good to play with so many talented guys," said Hooper, who also plays tight end. "I don't really care where I play; I just want to help my team win."
DE Austin Hooper (Concord, Calif./De La Salle) has been one of the stars for the standout defensive line that the West squad is featuring this week. After helping De La Salle capture yet another California state title two weeks ago, the versatile Hooper has shown good quickness, hands and a motor that doesn't stop during the first two days of practice.
"It's been good. They have me playing defensive end this week and it's good to play with so many talented guys," said Hooper, who also plays tight end. "I don't really care where I play; I just want to help my team win."
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Byrd's the word on Semper Fi Day 2
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
10:54
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney and
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
SANTA ANA, Calif. -- After a sloppy effort on Day 1, the second day of practice for the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl left the West team feeling much better about itself. The West team had a number of candidates for player of the day as Washington DL commits Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster), and Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande), Oregon commits Darren Carrington Jr. (San Diego/Horizon) and Tyrell Robinson (San Diego/Lincoln), LSU commit Christian LaCouture (Lincoln, Neb./Southwest) and Texas A&M LB commit Reggie Chevis (Houston/Sharpstown) were among the top performers on the day.
No one was more impressive, though, than ESPN 300 S Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East), who wowed onlookers with his overall play. The Oklahoma commit is physical and let the West offense know it with a number of big hits. Byrd can get downhill to help stop the run and also makes big plays in pass defense.
He was at his best when he introduced himself to Utah WR commit X'avier Shepard (Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood) and CB Tere Calloway (Seattle/Seattle Prep) by producing the biggest hits of the day.
No one was more impressive, though, than ESPN 300 S Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East), who wowed onlookers with his overall play. The Oklahoma commit is physical and let the West offense know it with a number of big hits. Byrd can get downhill to help stop the run and also makes big plays in pass defense.
He was at his best when he introduced himself to Utah WR commit X'avier Shepard (Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood) and CB Tere Calloway (Seattle/Seattle Prep) by producing the biggest hits of the day.
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FULLERTON, Calif. -- Zach Cunningham (Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley) didn’t receive the early recruiting attention that some of his peers did. Thanks to a terrific senior season, however, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound outside linebacker will experience all of the pros and cons of a heated recruiting battle as signing day, Feb. 6, approaches.
Cunningham said he didn’t start getting offers until Week 9 of his senior year, but he now holds double-digit offers and has narrowed things down to a final four of Auburn, Oregon, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
“I don’t really have much time to choose between the schools,” Cunningham said. “I’m really trying to wind down the number of colleges I’m picking between.”
Cunningham said he didn’t start getting offers until Week 9 of his senior year, but he now holds double-digit offers and has narrowed things down to a final four of Auburn, Oregon, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
“I don’t really have much time to choose between the schools,” Cunningham said. “I’m really trying to wind down the number of colleges I’m picking between.”
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Huskies pledge Qualls eyes two visits
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
12:05
AM ET
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
SANTA ANA, Calif. -- One of the most intriguing players in the country is undersized as a defensive tackle and oversized as a running back, yet has the ability to do both at a high level. This week, Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande) is playing the position that comes most naturally to him, defensive tackle.
After a standout performance at the first day of practice for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, it's easy to see why UCLA and Nebraska continue to pursue the No. 212 player in the ESPN 300 despite his longtime commitment to Washington. The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Qualls is an interesting player because he can play all over the field.
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Obasih, East D start strong at Semper Fi
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
10:37
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney and
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
FULLERTON, Calif. -- Monday marked the first day of practice for Friday’s Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. While all of the players adjusted to the location and the morning practice time, more than a few hit the ground running at full speed.
For the East squad, the defensive line was slightly undermanned, but that didn’t stop it from getting off to a fast start. More often than not, the player providing the highlight was Chikwe Obasih (Brookfield, Wis./Brookfield Central).
Listed as a defensive end, the 6-foot-3, 231-pound Wisconsin commit spent time at defensive tackle on Monday and impressed with his quickness and nonstop motor. He stood out during one-on-one drills and carried his performance over to 11-on-11 work later in the day.
For the East squad, the defensive line was slightly undermanned, but that didn’t stop it from getting off to a fast start. More often than not, the player providing the highlight was Chikwe Obasih (Brookfield, Wis./Brookfield Central).
Listed as a defensive end, the 6-foot-3, 231-pound Wisconsin commit spent time at defensive tackle on Monday and impressed with his quickness and nonstop motor. He stood out during one-on-one drills and carried his performance over to 11-on-11 work later in the day.
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