The Hurry Up: Observations From the Final U.S. Army All-American Bowl Practice

By Andrew Lind on January 5, 2017 at 7:15 pm
Jeffrey Okudah and Baron Browning
Jeffrey Okudah and Baron Browning
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The Hurry Up is your nightly dose of updates from the Ohio State football recruiting trail, keeping tabs on the latest from commits and targets from around the country.

MARCHING ALONG

It's oftentimes difficult to give an assessment of an athlete based on practices alone, especially for what is more or less an all-star showcase. But what is great about the U.S. Army All-American Bowl is the fact it offers an even playing field for what is likely the first time in each prospect's career.

I was on hand today for the final practice ahead of the nationally televised event and was able to get my first in-person look at Ohio State commits Baron Browning, Wyatt Davis, Tate Martell, Josh Myers, Shaun Wade and Chase Young. And all I can say is there's a reason they were some of the most sought-after prospects in the country.

Even when walking through position drills or running plays against other five-star recruits, almost every future Buckeye stood out.

Though he struggled a bit in pass protection for the East squad — which is somewhat understandable since Miamisburg relied so heavily upon the run — Myers showed his versatility by moving to center for most of the session. He'll still compete as a true freshman for the offensive guard spot vacated by Billy Price, which is certainly an easier transition than trying to step in at left or right tackle right.

Young, meanwhile, has the build and speed of an elite NFL defensive end. He repeatedly used his explosiveness and elusiveness to dominate the left tackle, though he needs to work a bit more on technique after simply overpowering kids in high school. Young won't be asked to play right away thanks to Ohio State's remarkable depth along the line, but will certainly find his way onto the field one way or another.

Wade, the odds-on favorite for American Family Insurance Defensive Player of the Year, is as talented but nonchalant as any athlete I've ever seen. In fact, he kind of reminds me of former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who glided past defenders but never looked as if he was at full speed.

It's not a bad thing — it just means Wade's so good at what he does that he makes things looks almost too easy. For example, a wide receiver beat him off the line in one-on-one drills, but Wade caught up and deflected the pass almost without effort.

His father, Randy, agreed with that assessment.

"I met Notre Dame defensive backs coach [Todd Lyght], 12 year NFL defensive back with the Rams, [and] he explained to me why Shaun was special," the elder Wade told Eleven Warriors. "He said he is very smooth with great hips. Most people who haven't played the position think he's not even exerting energy.

"I remember getting on Shaun in Pop Warner and high school not thinking he was going hard. That's just the way he is," he continued. "Game time seems to be a little different. I just hope he stays that way. Y'all will find out I'm Shaun's hardest fan."

I had to rub my eyes to make sure I could see things clearly at the West team's practice, where Browning did what only one defender all season has done to Martell all season:

In fact, Martell threw two interceptions on Thursday, as the West ramped up its defense in the second half of practice. Martell was forced on several occasions to escape the collapsing pocket and run for the first down.

Davis, lastly, didn't make a lot of noise at practice. But when you're an interior lineman, that's probably a good thing. He's not the most intimidating player on the field, but he's among the most sound I've ever seen. And with Ohio State's recent struggles along the line, should get just as long a look as the aforementioned Myers in my opinion.

CLOSE TO THE VEST

It was reported earlier this week Browning, Martell, Wade and one other uncommitted prospect would be rooming together at Ohio State. While most have assumed the unnamed player to be Jeffrey Okudah, the five-star cornerback told Eleven Warriors that's not the case.

“I don't have my housing plans figured out,” Okudah said.

Could that mean Darnay Holmes is the player to be named later, or is Okudah just playing the recruiting game all the way up until he announces his decision on Saturday?

I'll take the latter. 

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