ANDREW BONE: How Tide recruits fared in national all-star games

Football fans are probably tired of watching college bowl games, but the high school all-star games also fill our schedule of must-watch events for the next level stars on the gridiron as well.

The three games during the weekend included the Offense-Defense game in Myrtle Beach, S.C., U.S. Army game in San Antonio, Texas and Under Armour game in Orlando, Fla., The majority of prospects played in the U.S. Army game including six players from Alabama and three Tide commitments.

The schedule is much more regimented as one can imagine in San Antonio, the Under Armour game receives more national television exposure with the ESPN broadcast and advertsing all week, and time in Myrtle Beach is covered by FoxSports with a great atmosphere for high school football.

D.J. Fluker, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Foley High School, was the talk of the week in San Antonio. Those of us who attended and observed all week saw Fluker's monster size on the field. The 6-foot-7, 350-pound lineman is a massive prospect and has a lot of potential.

Fluker still has some work to do as was expected after playing the position for only his senior season. Maybe his size 22 shoes hinder his balance. Alabama offensive line coach Joe Pendry will help the Tide commitment with his technique.

He is very quick and fast for his size. He is just a huge player with incredible strength. Fluker will need to work during the off season to improve in the key areas of footwork and technique. He is a great run blocker, but struggled in San Antonio in pass protection.

AJ McCarron, Scout.com four-star quarterback from St. Paul's in Mobile, had an excellent week of practice. He struggled during the game, but it's difficult to get into a rhythm with the way players are rotated for all to see playing time.

McCarron also saw a different coaching style with the West team coaching staff. He informed Scout.com of the high school coaches teaching different ways to throw the ball than Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain.

McCarron has scheduled official visits to Ole Miss on Thursday, Alabama on Jan. 16 and Miami Jan. 30.

The U.S. Army game featured the top three cornerbacks in the country with Dre Kirkpatrick, Scout.com five-star from Gadsden City High School, Gabe Lynn, Scout.com five-star from Jenks High School in Okla., and Darius Winston, Scout.com five-star from Central High School in West Helena, Ark.

Kirkpatrick fractured his hand the second day and practiced and played the rest of the week. Kirkpatrick confirmed official visits to Alabama on Thursday, Florida Jan. 16, and Texas Jan. 23.

Kendall Kelly, Scout.com five-star wide receiver from Gadsden City High School, struggled in San Antonio and saw one pass during the game. Kelly will take visits to Alabama on Thursday, Clemson on Jan. 16, and LSU on Jan. 23.

Nico Johnson, Scout.com five-star middle linebacker from Andalusia High School, was one of the most impressive overall players in San Antonio. The Alabama commitment had a great week of practice, but he didn't start because of USC commitment Vontaze Burfict as the No. 1 player at the position. Johnson had several big tackles for loss. He is a solid commitment to Alabama and does not plan to take any other visits.

Pat Patterson, Scout.com three-star wide receiver from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., should see a move in the national rankings after one of the most impressive prospects in attendance.

Patterson had a great week of practice and made an excellent one-handed catch for a touchdown in the game to earn the No. 3 spot in Sportscenter's Top 10 Plays of the Day.

Patterson canceled an official visit to Auburn January 9, and will travel to Tuscaloosa instead. He plans to visit Southern Miss on Jan. 16, Ole Miss on Jan. 23 and Tennessee on Jan. 30. Patterson originally committed to Mississippi State.

Rueben Randle, Scout.com five-star receiver from Bastrop High School in La., showed signs as the best prospect in the country. He lined up as quarterback this season for his high school team.

Randle would make difficult catches look easy, but on some deep routes would drop a few wide open passes. Randle is a very special prospect who is very aggressive.

He was bothered with a hamstring injury throughout the week, but still had seven catches in the game. Randle threw one player out of bounds who tried to tackle him.

LSU fans say he's headed to Baton Rouge to play college football, Alabama fans are hopeful he plays in Tuscaloosa, but look for Oklahoma State as the darkhorse.

Randle will visit Oklahoma State on Jan. 9, and Alabama on Jan. 16. He has already visited Oklahoma and is not sure LSU will receive a visit due to the numerous unofficial visits on their campus.

A few additional quick notes from San Antonio:

Tana Patrick, Scout.com four-star from North Jackson High School in Stevenson has scheduled an official visit to Alabama on Jan. 9.

Morgan Moses, four-star offensive tackle from Woodbridge High School in Richmond, Va., will not likely visit Alabama. He struggled all week. His stock is on the decline.

Ronnie Wingo, four-star wide receiver from St. Louis University School in St. Louis, Mo., and Barkevious Mingo, four-star strongside linebacker from West Monroe High School in La., are still considering official visits to Alabama.

Chris Bonds, Scout.com four-star defensive end from Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, S.C., participated in the game as well. The Tide commitment looked good during practice throughout the week, and looked 100 percent after a knee injury during the season.

Trent Richardson, Scout.com five-star running back from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Fla., was dominant in practices all week in Orlando for Under Armour game.

Bryce Brown, Scout.com's No. 1 running back from East High School in Wichita, Kansas, ranks as the top ball carrier in the country and won co-MVP in the game with Tajh Boyd, five-star quarterback from Phoebus High School in Virginia.

Brown is committed to Miami, and Boyd is looking at several schools after new Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin told the once-Volunteer commitment he did not fit their new offensive system.

A couple quick notes hits on some other Tide targets at the Under Armour game:

Petey Smith, Scout.com three-star middle linebacker from Armwood High School in Seffner, Fla., named Alabama as his leader over Auburn. He plans to visit Tuscaloosa on Jan. 16. The brother of Auburn starter, Eric Smith, had a great game Sunday night.

Darren Myles, Scout.com four-star safety from Carver High School in Atlanta, Ga., had a great week in Orlando. He will visit Alabama on Jan. 9.

Branden Smith, Scout.com four-star cornerback from Washington High School in Atlanta, Ga., committed to Georgia over Alabama, LSU and Florida.

Michael Bowman, Scout.com three-star wide receiver from Ridgeland High School in Rossville, Ga., was singled out throughout the week at the Offense-Defense game in S.C.

Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Scout.com four-star tight end from Lassiter High School in Marietta, Ga., is committed to Auburn, but will visit Alabama in January.

Chad Bumphis, Scout.com four-star wide receiver from Tupelo High School in Miss., has Alabama and Mississippi State as top two schools, but is considered a Bulldog lean.

Visit TideSports.com for Andrew Bone's recruiting coverage. Reach Andrew Bone at abone@scout.com.