All-American Bowl superlatives: Best program fit, biggest riser, Mr. Upside, and many more

SAN ANTONIO — 247Sports’ national scouting team spent the past week in the Alamo City, where more than 100 prospects from across the nation competed during All-American Bowl festivities. From several practice sessions throughout the week, to Saturday’s prestigious game, we had the privilege of watching many of tomorrow’s college football and NFL stars up close and personal in a way few get the opportunity to experience. Here’s our rundown of All-American Bowl superlatives, including “Mr. Upside,” “Biggest Riser,” “Most College-Ready,” “Biggest Arm,” and many more.

The No. 1 safety in the country per 247Sports earned top defensive performer honors Tuesday to kick off the week’s East practices. On that day, KJ Bolden’s efforts were highlighted by a lights-out rep vs. Oklahoma WR signee and certified track burner Zion Ragins in which Bolden flipped his hips and ran stride for stride with the diminutive wideout on a double move that nearly resulted in a highlight interception for Bolden. He’s as technically sound as they come and also showcased his versatility this week by returning kicks and punts with no issues. Taller than 6 feet, approaching 190 pounds, and boasting 33 ½-inch arms, Bolden possesses excellent physical tools with corner-like functional athleticism and a versatile play style at the second and third levels that should fit Georgia quite well. – Hudson Standish, 247Sports national scouting analyst

We already were big fans of Kevin Heywood before All-American Bowl week, but from Monday’s check-in to all the practices and in the game, Heywood impressed throughout. Almost 6-foot-7 and 299 pounds, Heywood boasts near-35-inch arms and enormous hands. He played all week with the nasty disposition befitting of a Wisconsin-bound offensive lineman from the Keystone State. His vast two-way experience at the high school level will undoubtedly help his development, in addition to an athletic profile bolstered by participation in a broad spectrum of youth sports Heywood played prior to high school. – Gabe Brooks, 247Sports national scouting analyst

Hailing from Burley (Idaho) High School, Gatlin Bair never seemed out of place at an event that often puts a deer-in-the-headlights look on rural prep stars. Bair’s elite track and field profile manifested regularly on the practice field in his ability to stretch the field vertically, but also find late separation when required. He plans to serve a two-year LDS mission before playing in college, but Bair possesses physical tools and verified athleticism that will make him ready to jump back on the field when the time comes. – Brooks

Just about every year during All-American Bowl week, we see a first-off-the-bus type who also dominates on the field. Think Mykel Williams (Georgia). Well, LJ McCray looks like that guy from the 2024 roster. In the 6-foot-4, 280-pound neighborhood with great length and enormous hands, McCray puts all of those physical tools together to create a menacing assailant for opposing offensive linemen, forced to weather the brunt of his physical weaponry snap after snap. Simply put, McCray represents one of the most gifted and talented recruits in the 2024 cycle, and what we saw throughout AAB week supported that. – Brooks

At 6-foot-2, 233 pounds, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa’s ability to play early downs as a run-game enforcer is not in doubt. But throughout the week, Viliamu-Asa impressed the 247Sports staff with his ability to move in space and stay on the field regardless of down-and-distance scenario. Finding ready-to-play size – especially north of 230 pounds in this more wide-open modern era of football – in an incoming linebacker who can stay on the field in myriad situations is not easy. – Brooks

We love Cooper Cousins’ combination of size, position versatility, and run-game conviction. He’s a tone-setting presence on the offensive interior with extensive experience snapping the football, which may sound obvious, but is coveted in the O-line room. Not only can Cousins play that center spot, but we verified his size this week as that of a potential swing tackle if circumstances dictate that: 6-foot-6, 323 pounds with 33 ½-inch arms. Center, guard, tackle … you name, Cousins will plow the row for you. – Brooks

We got a chance to size up Josiah Thompson last month at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and were drooling over his frame (6-foot-5 7/8, 264 pounds with 35 1/4 arms), but we’re wondering how he would hold up in pass protection against some of the nation’s top pass rushers. Thompson wasn’t perfect in San Antonio, but there’s a lot to like in addition to his length as he’s quick on his feet and can recover like few others. Thompson is going to need a developmental year or two to add some much-needed mass, but he has the reach and reaction skills to deter all of the twitched-up edge players who call the SEC home. That’s big for South Carolina, which is undergoing a youth movement up front – Andrew Ivins, 247Sports director of scouting

TJ Moore capped a stellar week with a monster AAB performance, catching 10 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns and even completing a 16-yard pass. That stat line put Moore in MVP contention. Big, athletic, and polished, Moore is simultaneously high-ceiling and high-floor. – Brooks

Moore raised eyebrows at check-in when he measured 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, displaying a physically-imposing frame that reminded us of the star receivers Clemson used to have on the roster. A smooth mover with excellent suddenness and bounce, Moore found little to no issues creating consistent separation against some of the nation’s best during practices. Whether it was in 1-on-1s or team periods, the Florida native was more times than not one of the best players on the field. With his size, athleticism, and natural route-running ability, it’s fair to say that Moore should be expected to contribute early for a team in desperate need of some playmakers on offense. – Cooper Petagna, 247Sports national scouting analyst