10 takeaways from national match-up between IMG Academy — American Heritage
PLANTATION, Fla. — What a way to kick off the 2021 football season. Two of the top high school football teams in America squared off Friday night and it featured over 40 players with Power 5 offers.
IMG Academy traveled down to American Heritage, and after a tight first half where IMG Academy held a 14-9 lead, they pulled away in the second half for a 35-15 victory.
Yes, there were penalties and some cramping that slowed the game down some in the second half, but the talent was on full display and On3 was there to take it in.
Here are 10 takeaways.
2024 RB Stacy Gage makes a statement
He is only a sophomore, but Stacy Gage played well beyond that age in this contest. He finished with 150-yards rushing and two touchdowns with would have been a third called back. Gage is a 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back that looks like he could be preparing to play game one in the SEC right now. He added offers from schools like Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and Miami over the summer. LSU has offered since his performance Friday night. He flashed a nice burst, balance and a nasty spin move that led to one of his touchdowns.
5-star DL James Smith plays up to lofty ranking
James Smith just moved down to IMG Academy a few weeks ago and he got off to a hot start. The five-star was in the backfield often and he has rare quickness and agility for player at his size. He is still only a junior as well, so it was that much more impressive. Smith is from Montgomery, Ala., so Alabama is expected to be a major factor in his recruitment. Auburn, Georgia and Texas A&M are a few others to watch early.
Penn State commit Kaytron Allen shines
IMG Academy finished with around 300 yards on the ground and Kaytron Allen had three runs over 50 yards. He is a bigger back, but showed a little quickness through the hole Friday night. Allen had a big start to his senior season and the Penn State fans are excited about this one. He looks ready to compete in Happy Valley and to make plays in the Big Ten.
Clemson has two elite talents committed in Jihaad Campbell and Keon Sabb
There is not too much Clemson commits Jihaad Campbell and Keon Sabb cannot do well. Both are very versatile players and they showcased that in this game.
Sabb is a big safety that can run, cover and hit. Some think he would end up in the box at Clemson as a linebacker, but whatever Brent Venables and the Tigers decide to label him at, Sabb is an athlete. He moved around a good bit on the back-end of the defense Friday night.
Campbell is a true EDGE with the ability to stand up or with his hand down on the next level. At times he was lined up over the slot and flashed his ability to move and play in space. Then he was dynamic off the edge with multiple plays in the backfield. He also blocked an extra point. Campbell has elite upside.
Carnell Tate is a playmaker
Carnell Tate made headlines last week when he announced October 8 as his commitment date. He is only a junior, so he will make an early commitment, and some feel Ohio State is the favorite with Notre Dame up there as well.
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As a player, Tate scored a touchdown on a 30-yard touchdown reception and he had multiple big plays on special teams. He opened the game with a return to mid field, then returned a punt for a touchdown before it was called back due to a block in the back. Tate is a very fluid wide receiver with good speed and body control.
Earl Little, Jr. showed versatility in the secondary
Earl Little, Jr. is being recruited to play all over the secondary on the next level. Some like him at corner, others at the nickel position, and he showed that versatility Friday night. Regardless of where he lines up he is going to bring power and physicality. He had a couple of nice hits in this contest and he covers physical and can excel in run support from the secondary. Alabama and LSU are his top two schools.
No. 1 player Marvin Jones showed ability off the edge
Marvin Jones, Jr. is the no. 1 player in the country on On3 and early on, he showed why. He split the guard and tackle early in the first quarter to get to the quarterback uncontested. Jones also made a couple of plays from the backside in this contest. With his frame and natural ability, he is only going to get better. He is great off the edge and schools like Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas A&M are in the running. He is a Florida State legacy.
Joenel Aguero is a 2023 DB to know
The 6-foot, 195-pound defensive back from Massachusetts lined up all over the defensive backfield for IMG Academy. He is a true athlete with the ability to cover. He showed great speed and range. Schools like Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas are among the early favorites for Aguero.
Tyler Booker and Francis Mauigoa best tackle tandem in the country?
Tyler Booker committed to Alabama in July and he should fit right in, in Tuscaloosa. He is the senior leader up front for IMG Academy and he played with aggression and physicality in game one. He had a few pancakes, he drove guys close to 10 yards off the ball at times and the Crimson Tide commit impressed.
Francis Mauigoa is a junior and played right tackle. He looked like one of the top offensive linemen in the 2023 class. What stood out as much as anything was how under control he played. He lined up often against Jones, but never looked unsure and won quite a few battles. He bends well, he is strong at the point of attack and schools are lining up to recruit him. Playing high school football in California earlier in his career, schools like Oregon, USC and Utah are thought to be high on his list.
New Oklahoma commit Brandon Innis will be a weapon for the Sooners
Brandon Inniss committed to Oklahoma Sunday and he has a chance to do big things in Norman. Lincoln Riley’s offense is fun for any receiver to play in, but Inniss has the talent as well. In Friday’s game, he showed the ability to get open against tough defensive backs and the plays he made did not come easy. He scored a touchdown in the second half and showed some wiggle in the return game. Inniss is a very physical runner that runs great routes.