{mosimage} On January 5^th, just like the beginning of every other January for the last seven years, 84 of the best high school football players in America stepped onto the field of the Alamodome down in San Antonio, Texas. Each of these players was ready. Ready to show just how far they have come since the beginning of their high school days and ready to prove to every college coach out there just how good they truly are and that the Division I level is where they belong.

For most of these young players there is no real need to prove themselves at a game like this having already committed to play for such big names programs like Florida, LSU, Michigan, or Miami, for example. For most, it is simply a venue in which to showcase their talents in front of a "bigger than they're used to" crowd of over 35,000 fans and military members. For a few of the players, however, it is a stepping stone to possibly getting that last scholarship offer from the school which they've always wanted to attend. Either way, there were some players in the game which really stood out and provided a first-hand look at what they are really capable of at the next level. Here are my top 10 players from the entire week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl from a first-hand experience.

1. Ryan Williams, RB (Manassas, VA, Stonewall Jackson HS) - Although Terrelle Pryor showed that he is, without question, the #1 player in the nation, Williams was definitely my surprise for the week and was outstanding overall. He outran everyone on the West defense on a great screen pass from Pryor for a touchdown and made the most out of his carries in the game itself. He also put on the best move of the day in the RB vs. LB skills challenge scoring a touchdown on a stutter step to the right side.

College: Committed to Virginia Tech

2. Terrelle Pryor, QB (Jeannette, PA, Jeannette HS) - Pryor was sensational during the game and showed people why he was the one that they were there to see. He was effective both passing the ball and running, which is fitting considering he is possibly the best dual-threat prospect to come out of high school since the incredible Vince Young. Whichever school ends up getting this kids services should consider themselves very fortunate.

College: Pryor is considering Michigan, Ohio State, Florida, Oregon, and LSU.

3. D.J. Monroe, DB (Angleton, TX, Angleton HS) - Monroe was solid all week long in practices in San Antonio and those practices payed off in the game as he was just all over the field making plays in any and every way possible. He may be just 5'9", but he will be a valuable and versatile asset for the Longhorns.

College: Committed to Texas

4. Arthur Brown, LB (Wichita, KS, Wichita East HS) - Brown will need to bulk up a little bit in order to play linebacker at "The U", but he certainly showed what a force he can be. He was the most complete defender on either side during the game and was making tackles all over the field.

College: Committed to Miami, FL

5. Boubacar Cissoko, DB (Detroit, MI, Cass Tech HS) - Cissoko has been committed to the Wolverines for almost a year now and Michigan certainly hopes that is a sign for the future. If they can get 4 years out of him, they will be a lucky group. He fell off a little in the 2^nd half of the game, but during the first half he was making tackles and breaking up passes on almost every other down. Cissoko plays much, much bigger than his 5'8" frame would indicate.

College: Committed to Michigan

6. Michael Floyd, WR (St. Paul, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall HS) - Floyd has good size and can really move. There were a couple of questions coming into the game about his speed, but he certainly answered those with two long touchdown grabs in the game. He was easily the most dominant weapon for the West in the game. He was also running very nice, crisp routes during practices all week.

College: Committed to Notre Dame

7. Dan Buckner, WR (Allen, TX, Allen HS) - Although he didn't do too much during the game, Buckner was great throughout the week in practice and in the skills challenge. He has good size and his hands are soft. He can make any catch on the field. He's also going to be a good guy to have in the locker room as he was cracking jokes all week long and had very high energy.

College: Committed to Texas

8. Mike Adams, OT (Dublin, OH, Coffman HS) - Adams was easily the most superb offensive lineman all week in San Antonio. He really showed what he is capable of during the game with awesome protection all game long for Pryor, Marqueis Gray, and the East running backs. He certainly won't get all the hype being a lineman, bu he may have been the most valuable player in the game.

College: Committed to Ohio State

9. Jonathan Baldwin, WR (Aliquippa, PA, Aliquippa HS) - Baldwin really showed his athleticism in the game. He didn't get many touches, but his touchdown catch early in the second half was a thing of beauty. His adjustment on the ball was fun to watch. Baldwin also is a great basketball player, which explains why he is so athletic. Look for him to play the role of a receiver in college and not tight end.

College: Committed to Pittsburgh

10. R.J. Washington, DE (Keller, TX, Fossil Ridge HS) - Washington came up with the only sack of the game on Terrelle Pryor which in itself has to count for something. He's bigger than he looks at 245 lbs. and he gets around the edge faster than anybody else at the game. Seeing this guy in person definitely got me believing in his abilities.

College: Committed to Oklahoma

Honorary #11: MarQueis Gray, QB (Indianapolis, IN, Ben Davis HS) - Gray will easily be the best prospect pick up for the Gophers in the last few years. His quickness was really something to behold down in San Antonio. He will definitely be a weapon for the Gophers, no matter where he ends up playing. Nice, refreshing personality too.

College: Committed to Minnesota

So, once again the U.S. Army All-American Bowl put on a great show in 2008. For us that were lucky enough to be able to see the action first-hand it truly validated the 84 players that were down there as legitimate Division I prospects. For the ones that continue to work hard and improve their games every day, a possible chance at the biggest, most popular professional sports in the United States awaits.

Ryan Williams Video

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