The best high school football athletes were on display at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. The game was played at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. Many of the recruits in the game have yet to declare their college choice and this game helped them gain exposure to college coaches and scouts.
Televised live on the NFL Network the Semper Fi All-American Bowl was a battle of defenses. With little time to prepare and develop offensive chemistry, both teams struggled to move the ball consistently.
The East jumped out to the early lead on a field goal from Michigan State commit Michael Geiger. Trailing 3-0, Devon Allen opened up the scoring on offense for the West. Hailing from Brophey Prep in Phoenix, Arizona, Allen remains undeclared. University of Washington commit Darrell Daniels hauled in a short touchdown pass to make the lead 14-3 for the West team.
On one of the most exciting plays of the night, Florida State commit Levonte Whitfield cut the West lead 14-10 with a kickoff return for a touchdown.
Neither team was able to score in the second half until the East mounted a game-winning drive with Missouri quarterback commit Eddie Printz at the helm. With only seconds remaining, Printz connected with North Carolina commit Ryan Switzer for the clinching touchdown, securing a 17-14 victory for the East.
Long Beach Jordan wide receiver John Ross announced he will be attending the University of Washington. Other notable announcements included Mater Dei recruit Thomas Duarte who is heading to UCLA to join Brett Hundley Jr. and the Bruins.
Several undeclared recruits from the 2012 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl include Alex Collins (RB/ South Plantation), Keishawn Bierria (LB/ Narbonne), Paulo Lepua (DE/ Narbonne), LJ Moore (DB/ Central East), Devon Allen (WR/ Brophey Prep), Austin Hooper (DE/ De La Salle), Jermaine Grace (LB/ Miramar) and Aaron Cochran (OL/ Buhach Colony).
Cal commit Garrett Hughes and Michigan commit Maurice Hurst Jr. were forces on the defensive line and each recorded sacks for their respective teams. Hughes also added a forced fumble for the West defense.
Texas A&M linebacker commit Reggie Chevis was a hard-hitter for the West defense and had a few nice tackles. On the other side, Jermaine Grace rocked the same number as his counterpart Chevis, and was equally impressive on defense using his speed to cover the field sideline to sideline from his linebacker position.
Los Angeles represented the West squad at the defensive back position with Dorsey HS standouts Daquawn Brown (Washington State commit) and Arizona State commit Jayme Otomewo. Brown also handled punt return duties for the West.
Oregon wide receiver commit Darren Carrington has excellent size and was able to use his frame to shield defenders on a few nice catches.
CLA was honored to cover the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and the supremely gifted college level athletes participating. With such an influx of talent coming in, the future of college football is certainly in good hands.
