2015 Under Armour All-American Game Commits

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Alabama Snags Two

SEC champion Alabama was the big winner at the Under Armour All-American Game in St. Petersburg, Florida on Friday by picking up two big-time prospects.

Fort Bend (TX) Marshall cornerback Kendall Sheffield (6’0, 180) selected the Crimson Tide over Florida State, LSU, and Texas A&M after earning First Team USA Today All-American honors in 2014. As a junior, Sheffield posted one of the Top 10 times nationally in the 110-meter hurdles with a 13.85 while also claiming the gold medal in the 300-meter hurdles.

Alabama also picked up an in-state pledge from 6’3, 350-pound defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne out of Shades Valley HS in Birmingham. Payne also considered Auburn and Mississippi State and earned Honorable Mention All-State honors as a senior.

Louisiana WR Staying Home

New Orleans Warren Easton wide receiver Tyron Johnson (6’1, 190) decided to stay close to home by verbally committing to spend his college years in Baton Rouge at LSU.

Johnson caught 94 passes for 1,589 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, earning First Team All-American honors according to USA Today as well as finding himself on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Team.

Here is the local story from James Smith of NOLA.com: http://www.nola.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2015/01/tyron_johnsons_announcement_is.html

Jones Gives USC a Lone Star Pairing

McKinney (TX) North running back Ronald Jones II (6’0, 185) became the second Texas-based running back to pledge to USC after choosing the Trojans over Notre Dame.

A long-time Oklahoma State commit, Jones has rushed for 4,415 yards and 67 touchdowns over his final two years of high school and earned First Team 10-5A All-District honors as a senior. In a deep running back class in Texas, Jones was one of the best.

Jones will likely team up with Cedar Hill elite running back Aca’cedric Ware (6’0, 200) depending on what happens between now and National Signing Day. Ware rushed for 2,440 yards and 34 touchdowns while leading his team to the Texas 6A Division II state championship.

Texas Hooks More Linebacker Help

It has been a fruitful few weeks for head coach Charlie Strong in Austin in the world of recruiting. On Friday, it got even better as Dallas Skyline linebacker Anthony Wheeler (6’2, 225) committed to Texas.

Wheeler, who selected the Longhorns over Oklahoma, was the unquestioned defensive leader for Skyline earning District 9-6A Defensive MVP honors. Wheeler’s pledge continues a recent holiday surge of defensive help for Texas.

Lakeland (FL) Victory Christian linebacker Cecil Cherry (6’0, 230) and Miami Booker T. Washington cornerback Devante Davis (6’3, 200) were two huge pick-ups out of the Sunshine State as part of the recent activity. On December 19, the Mesquite (TX) Poteet pairing of Malik Jefferson (6’2, 225) and DeAndre McNeal (6’2, 230) also committed to Texas. Jefferson is considered one of the top linebacker prospects nationally according to most recruiting websites, while McNeal appears to be headed to the offensive side of the football.

On Saturday, news also emerged that UA All-American Game participant Gladewater (TX) defensive tackle Daylon Mack has added Texas to his late visit list.

All verbal commitments are non-binding. National Signing Day is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2015.