SMU commit Edward Kelly (right) was among the high-profile prospects to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl. Photo courtesy of Michael Alaimo with Big Brook Visuals.
With playmakers in the Class of 2026 all over the field, on both sides of the ball, most every sign pointed to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl on Jan. 5 being a highly competitive showdown at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.
Sure enough, it was close. Right to very end. With each team fighting until the final whistle sounded. East, however, pulled out a narrow victory over West, 22-14, thanks in large part to the effort of SMU commit Edward Kelly.
Whether it was on the ground with his feet, or in the air with his hands, the consensus seemed to be that the difference between winning and losing was Kelly, who had 123 all-purpose yards (78 rushing and 45 receiving).
This much is fairly certain, NFL veteran trainer and All-American Bowl coach Rodney Beasley of the East, along with the rest of his assistants would likely agree, they benefitted from having Kelly in uniform, among others.
NFL veteran and All-American Bowl coach Seneca Wallace for the West, on the other hand, also had some difference-makers, most notably Conference USA target Champ Mayo and Sun Belt Conference target Brogan Sims.
The quarterback tandem took advantage of the backfield play from the likes of American Athletic Conference targets Mason Drake and Brady Penister, also Conference USA targets Jourden Billings and Julius Chevalier.
Conference USA target Mikey Gow on the East found American Athletic Conference target Blake Morris on a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to provide the final margin of victory. That connection could not be stopped.
Ohio Valley Conference target Darrick Franklin was another top target of Gow. He made big play after big play and strengthened a growing reputation. From top to bottom, Beasley and his staff had a number of options to choose from.
Conference USA target Lewis Reese was a force to be reckon on the West defense. Missouri Valley Football Conference target Jaxson Upper for the East measured up well. Rightfully, each was recognized as Defensive MVP.
Weber State commit Bryce Williams and Conference USA target Bain Jenschke led the way on the offensive line for the West. Sun Belt Conference targets Corbin Berrier, Jake Henneke and Benjamin Lane certainly deserve a mention.
Big 12 Conference target Mickell Smith was the last line of defense for the East and ACC Jaylen Carter was disruptive at the second level. Between them, they made life difficult for the opponent. Both received consideration for Defensive MVP.
Conference USA targets Jeremiah Villareal, Jaekob Jackson and Jordan Murray played well in the secondary for the West. Same thing goes for Sun Belt Conference targets Antwon Jones, Gage Grimmer and Jalen Willridge.
MAC targets Lamari Hall, Ceasar Berrymann and Jaysen Oriol were relentless for the East and anchored the defense unit. Sun Belt Conferences targets Semaj Odems, Lathan Feemster and Jordan Wright provided plenty of support.
Son of NFL veteran Darren McFadden, Ohio Valley Conference Darreus McFadden left a lasting impression for the East with 72 rushing yards. In the stadium, no less, where his father played with the Cowboys for a number of years.
Conference USA targets Aiden Poole, Ga’Kobey Gill, Amare Gadsen and Reese Metzger were key contributors for the East, along with Sun Belt Conference target Bradyn McGowen, Evan Crawford, Dareus Hubbard and Alex Holt.
The offensive line of the East was steady as they come, with Conference USA targets Dylan Caster, Eli Beard and Baker Correll. Ohio Valley Conference targets Jackson Fischer, Drew Overton and C.J. Francis did their jobs, also.
Sun Belt Conference targets Conference USA target Dontreal Fisher, Brandon Kennedy and Jakeon Jackson got the job done for the West offense, along with Big Sky Conference targets Gary Youngblood and RaMauhn Brown.
American Athletic Conference targets Jake Glass and Cole Cartwright on the West opened plenty of eyes. Sun Belt Conference targets Mason Van Sickle, Jayden Johnson and Aiden Tinker fall in the same kind of category.
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