The American Alliance of Football begins its inaugural season today. In case you haven’t seen it, here’s a brief rundown of the league from CBS Sports (LINK).
Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of what to watch for Michigan fans: Saturday, February 9 @ 4:00 p.m. EST: San Diego Fleet (no Michigan players) @ San Diego Commanders (DL Matt Godin) Saturday, February 9 @ 8:00 p.m. EST: Atlanta Legends (RB Denard Robinson) vs. Orlando Apollos (RB De’Veon Smith) Sunday, February 10 @ 4:00 p.m. EST: Memphis Express (CB Channing Stribling) @ Birmingham Iron (Ty Isaac) Sunday, February 10 @ 8:00 p.m. EST: Arizona Hotshots (no Michigan players) vs. Salt Lake Stallions (no Michigan players)
I’m throwing my fandom behind the Atlanta Legends, not only because of Denard Robinson but because I actively dislike players on the other teams with Michigan players.
Notes: Claims a 4.7 forty…315 lb. bench press…455 lb. squat…27″ vertical…Teammate of 2020 QB Anthony Romphf…247 Sports 3-star, #23 DT, #10 in-state, #320 overall as of 2/7/19
Stats: N/A
Strengths: Above average first step explosiveness…Solid frame to add weight…Good quickness and speed…Changes direction well…Very solid roll tackler…Loose in hips with good bend…Flashes good motor when chasing plays down from behind
Weaknesses: Inconsistent hand strike coming off ball…Can get overpowered at times…Tentative at times when tackling in traffic…Limited height puts a cap on overall mass
Overall: I see a player similar overall to former Michigan defensive end/defensive tackle Jibreel Black. Black was a tweener who played some at both positions, but was never a real standout at either spot. It will be interesting to see how Austin’s body develops, because he could be anywhere from a strongside end to a 3-tech tackle or even a one-gap nose tackle.
Ashton Allen – S – Potomac (MD) Bullis:Allen is a 6’2″, 185 lb. prospect with offers from Boston College and Maryland. He attends the alma mater of former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who was committed to Maryland at one time.
Kedrick Bingley-Jones – DE – Charlotte (NC) Providence Day School:Bingley-Jones is a 6’4″, 266-pounder with offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and Oklahoma, among others. He’s a 4-star, the #11 strongside end, and #202 overall. He claims a 5.21 forty, a 4.88 shuttle, and a 31.5″ vertical.
Itayvion Brown – LB – St. Louis (MO) Lutheran North:Brown is a 6’3″, 210 lb. prospect with offers from Iowa, LSU, Missouri, and Texas A&M, among others. He’s a 3-star, the #36 athlete, and #455 overall. While he plays quite a bit of wide receiver in high school, I think he’s too stiff to remain at that position and will probably end up at linebacker or defensive end in college.
