Under Armour All-America High School Game: QB review

January 7th, 2009 by John Huss

When opportunity knocks, greet it with a big smile. That’s exactly what Matt Barkley (USC bound) did during the 2nd Annual Under Armour All-America High School Game. The snapshot picture of his performance shows a stat-line of 11 for 22, 237 yards and 2 TDs. Pretty good for about a quarter and a half of work against some of the top HS players in the game. His spectacular play also earned him the Most Valuable Player award.

On a side note, my neighbors also know what to do when opportunity knocks. This is what I found at my house when I got home from the game:

Going back to football, let me go over some observations on these potential fantasy college football QBs of the future.

Matt Barkley (check out his FCB interview): 6-3, 222, Meter Dei (CA), USC

MVP wasn’t the only hardware collected by Barkley. Earlier in the week, he won the Pass Attack challenge over the other 5 QBs. The skills that enabled him to win that test quickly showed themselves in the All America game. I’m talking first pass quickly. In a page out of Matt Ryan’s NFL debut, Barkley connected with Marlon Brown (covered in our WR article) on a quick slant that developed into a 71 yard TD for the White Team.

On his second drive, he made a pass that showed why USC is looking forward to having him on campus. On 2nd down, he rolled out to the left hash and planted for a throw to the sideline…on the opposite side. It was on the money but dropped by the WR.

Overall, he showed a complete collection of talent. He sold the play action well. He sat in the pocket even as it collapsed around him. His timing was impressive considering he was playing with these WRs for the first time. He also looked off the defense and sold them a completely different target than where he was going. The only knock was a few erratic throws (to be expected) and one time where he forced a throw that was almost an INT.

Projection: USC is a great program for Barkley and it’s offense is right up his alley. However, with Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp already in the fold, he’ll need to assert himself after what will likely be a redshirt freshman year. The keys to the car could be his by his junior year.

Russell Shepard: 6-1, 183, Cypress Ridge (TX), LSU

If the Black Team had won this game, then the MVP easily would have gone to Shepard. Barkley had his 71 yard TD. Shepard saw those 71 yards and raised it by 21 more as he connected on a 92 yard TD pass to Andre Debose. He also used his deadliest weapon, his speed, to run in a 15 yard TD later in the game.

Overall, the game showed off more of his running skills versus his passing skills. On the first play of the game, the pocket collapsed around Shepard. He started to scramble one direction, only to reverse field for a big gain. At times throughout the exhibition, he was able to show that he can sit in the pocket without feeling the need to tuck and run. He’ll need work on his accuracy and I have to wonder if his height came into play on some of those missed passes. Playing in the SEC, he’ll be lined up behind linemen standing much taller than his listed 6’1″.

Projection: Even though LSU’s roster is full of younger QBs, there are question marks. Jarrett Lee wasn’t overly impressive. Jordan Jefferson finished out the season and led the team to a Chick-Fil-A Bowl win. However, his stats over his 3 starts were serviceable at best. Shepard probably is not a legit shot as a freshman but his athletic ability will probably make him the guy by his sophomore year.

Josh Nunes: 6-4, 207, Upland (CA), Stanford

During our interview with Nunes (unfortunately lost during editing), we couldn’t help but notice the ice wrap on his hand. He let us know that he came into the game injured and had tried to play through it. Not only does he have the smarts that he can attend a school like Stanford, but he also has the heart to play thru pain. Nice combo to have in your QB. Needless to say, it was hard to determine his skills from this game. His erratic passes may have been more a by-product of his injury than poor delivery. However, the injury doesn’t excuse a couple of his decisions where he forced the throw into coverage.

All in all, he has the build, ability and fundamentals to be a great addition for Stanford and Jim Harbaugh’s offense.

Projection: He is a sure redshirt in his freshman season. However, by his sophomore year, it could only be Andrew Luck that stands between him and the starting gig.

Richard Brehaut: 6-2, 206, Los Osos (CA), UCLA

Ranked as the #4 QB in the nation (according to ESPNU), Brehaut had probably the worst showing of all these young QBs. He went 3 for 10 with 2 INTs. He did show his mobility on two occasions, one of which was a designed running play.

Projection: Despite the sub-par performance, his past season is a better reflection of his talents. Considering the unstable situation at QB for the Bruins, there is a slim chance for him to take the reigns as a freshman. Of course, Chris Forcier and Nick Crissman might have something to say about that since they are former top prep QBs already on UCLA’s roster.

Garrett Gilbert: 6-4, 195, Lake Travis (TX), Texas

Coming into this game, ESPNU had Gilbert ranked as the top QB. Part of his stats compared favorably to those of MVP Matt Barkley. Gilbert went 11 for 22 for 161 yards. However, he couldn’t lead the Black Team to the endzone. His best drive took place in the 3rd quarter. He led the team down to the White 11 yard line. Unfortunately, on the next down Gilbert went to scramble, saw a receiver and tried to make the pass. The ball was picked off by Stephon Gilmore, ending a prime scoring opportunity.

During the game, I noticed that Gilbert at times will open up his shoulders too early on passes. This turns him into more of an arm thrower. Even though he has good arm strength, this often left him coming up short on his deeper passes. He’ll need to work on that between now and his days with the Texas Longhorns.

Projection: Expect another year of Colt McCoy to delay any sightings of Gilbert in Longhorn burnt orange. The talent behind McCoy thins out pretty quickly, opening the door for a sophomore (or redshirt fresman) appearance for Gilbert.

Moses Alipate (check out his FCB interview): 6-5, 225, Jefferson (MN), Minnesota

For me, Alipate was the most intriguing of the prospects at the game. His size alone is imposing and combined with his athletic ability, makes for the measurables needed by top college programs. His decision to go to Minnesota makes complete sense, especially after you listen to his interview.

However, of all the QBs in the game, he got the least number of reps. He was only given one drive in the 2nd quarter to show his talents. He completed two of his first four passes, tallying 33 yards. Unfortunately, his next three passes went incomplete, ending the drive.

The two completions were shorter routes, one being a slant pattern that went 22 yards. On his deeper throws, he had a tendency to come up short. Getting on campus and working with the team will help him hone his footwork and timing.

Projection: Adam Weber has put up back to back solid seasons for the Golden Gophers. In fact, his completion % improved and his INTs dropped. That means two more years of him running the team, giving Alipate time to further learn the game. With Alipate staying close to home and being near his godfather (Minnesota defensive coach), expect to see Alipate behind center by his Junior year.

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