The annual Under Armour All-American game pits some of the nation’s top recruits against one another for a sneak peek of the future of not only college football, but the NFL as well.
The game featured five Auburn commits, including an in-game commitment from speedster Anthony Schwartz.
Schwartz broke the record for fastest 100-meter sprint, with a time of 10.15. That time is the sixth fastest all-time high school effort. His commitment is Auburn’s 10th ESPN 300 recruit.
Auburn’s top recruit Joey Gatewood finished the game 8-of-16 passing for 79 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for 33 yards, including another touchdown on the ground.
The quarterback from Bartram Trail high school was named Team Spotlight MVP after almost leading a fourth quarter comeback.
The No. 38 player in the ESPN 300, Gatewood is already drawing comparisons to Auburn legend Cam Newton. Similar in body type (Gatewood 6’5 235 pounds vs Newton 6’6 245 pounds),Gatewood showed Newton-esque athleticism when out in the open field and on his touchdown run, where he hurdled over a defender into the endzone to bring the game within one score.
Gatewood not only displayed his ability to run, but also showed his arm stength on a touchdown pass to Alabma commit Xavier Williams early in the fourth.
Gatewood brings a dynamic that Auburn has been missing with Jarrett Stidham under center. Stidham passed for 3,158 yards and 18 touchdowns, but only rushed for 153 yards and four touchdowns.
Gatewood finished his senior season of high school with 1,468 yards passing and 12 touchdowns, and 1,100 yards rushing with 16 touchdowns.
The read option will become a prevalent part of the offense once again if Gatewood takes the reigns.
Other notable Auburn commits on display were defensive tackle Coynis Miller, who recorded six tackles and a sack, and wideout Matthew Hill, who snared a trio of passes for 21 yards, forced and recovered a fumble and added a 56-yard punt return that was almost a touchdown. Defensive back Quindarious Monday also recorded a tackle.
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