The inaugural Blue-Grey National All-Star Classic went off, but not without a hitch, or two. A game that started late, included a National Anthem that started and stopped, was however a success. The South squad defeated the North squad 31-7 behind the arm of Jesuit QB Tommy Eveld.
Eveld began the game 3-for-3 for 62 yards on the opening drive which was capped off with a 2-yard touchdown pass. He finished the game 6-for-9 for 112 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game, and his high school career, with a 26-yard touchdown pass which solidified a win in the game that was dominated by the South.
“I’m not really concerned about stats,” Eveld explained. “I just came out here to have fun and I had fun.” The Jesuit QB had an instant connection with Byron Pringle because the two had been working together since the East-West All-Star Game.
Eveld holds a grayshirt offer from Western Kentucky and a preferred walk-on to USF.
Robinson WR Byron Pringle’s performance was impressive. The fact that he didn’t practice all week, or have his jersey and shoulder pads until a few hours before the game, makes his performance even more impressive. Pringle finished the game with six catches for 104 yards. He added 75 more return yards and 10 yards rushing, giving him a grand total of 189 all-purpose yards; far more than anyone else whose foot stepped on the grass at Raymond James Stadium.
“I think I played great,” Pringle said of his performance. “I wish I got in the endzone, but it’s alright. I just wanted to work hard.”
Pringle currently holds one offer from Bethune Cookman University. He has also generated interest from Youngstown State University and anticipates being offered by them as well. Pringle says he will sit back in his recruiting right now and see what happens in regards to earning another offer.
The South defense dominated.
Newsome DB Royce Easley turned in an interception, which he returned 40 yards, three tackles and defended three passes.
“I just wanted to come out here and work with the best kids and work with the best coaches around,” Easley explained. “I learned a lot actually and I just wanted to compete.”
Easley holds offers from Georgia Southern, Youngstown State and Jacksonville University. “I’m gonna sit back a little bit and wait to see what happens,” Easley said of his recruiting. “If anything happens though I’ll most likely commit to Georgia Southern.” Easley will visit JU on January 28.
Land O’ Lakes LB Shadow Williams led the team in tackles with seven. He also tallied two sacks, defended two passes and nearly intercepted a pass. Williams says he is taking an official visit to Ohio University on January 20 and will follow that visit up with visits to Georgia Southern and North Carolina Central the following two weeks. North Carolina Central is currently the only school that has offered the linebacker. Williams says that he is feeling really confident that offers will come from the other GSU and Ohio University.
East Bay DE Kieran Pettus also turned in a strong performance in his final high school game. He had four tackles, three QB hurries and one sack. Pettus has yet to receive an offer, but has generated interest from Delta State, USF, Becker College and University of Albany. He says that if he does not receive a full scholarship offer he plans to attend USF and walk-on. He would have a full academic ride to USF due to his Bright Futures Scholarship.
Canterbury RB Brent O’Neal finished with 17 yards rushing and one touchdown. The South squad was loaded with running backs, five were listed on the roster, so his carries were limited. O’Neal made his presence felt in other ways as well. He made four special-teams tackles. O’Neal holds a number of offers (Navy, Citadel, Wofford, FAMU, Jacksonville University, FIU, Presbyterian) but has narrowed it down to Citadel, Navy or Presbyterian.
“The recruiters are like family,” O’Neal said of his final three schools. “With all of them there is also a possibility to play right away.”
Newsome OL Keith Weeks was one of the very few players that took every offensive snap. Playing center, Weeks dominated the North defensive line. At 6-4 290 lbs Weeks has nice size and moves his feet well. He said that he hit his growth spurt as a junior, but he has grown into his frame nicely. Weeks holds an offer from FAMU.
Freedom LB Michael Brittingham did not play due to an injury he suffered during the regular season. Brittingham was being heavily recruited by Wofford, but says the talks have slowed since his injury. He is two months into his rehab and says things are going very well. Brittingham says that he has applied to USF and is hoping to obtain a preferred walk-on.
Tampa Bay Tech OL Kilu Fontaine was listed on the South roster, but was not on the sideline.
Make sure to check back to BigCountyPreps.com throughout the week. We will have full evaluations on all Bay Area players who participated in the Blue-Grey All-Star Game.
Follow Kyle on Twitter @KyleBennettUT
