UA Next 8th Grade All-American Game: Utah/Mississippi Selections

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Utah and Mississippi are two very different states in a lot of things, but they do have one big thing in common, they both love football. Both states typically aren't known for their football talent, but don't let that stereotype fool you, these four future stars were picked to the UA Next All-American game for a reason, and they have as bright a future as any moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598612"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6787e7c26e031"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In 2025 DB Aj Anigbo was selected to the UA Next 2025 All-American Game, representing Team Unstoppable.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Anigbo is a slot corner who uses his speed as a weapon, able to effortlessly keep up with speedy receivers and stick with them.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While his speed and quickness means Anigbo fits best in zone coverage, able to effortlessly float from zone to zone, he also shows some solid ability to stay physical in man-to-man coverage, and some toughness in the run game as well.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1418800"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6787e7c26e09d"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In 2025 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1418800' first='Finau' last='Katoa'] was selected to the UA Next 2025 All-American Game, representing Team Unstoppable.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Katoa is the complete package off the edge, showcasing a tough and physical bull rush technique in the run game, while also using his superior speed and bend to blow by tackles in the pass game. And the University of Utah has already taken notice, giving Katoa his first official offer. <br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While It's clear Katoa is best at rushing the passer, his speed makes me think he could fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, still mainly rushing the passer, but also occasionally dropping back in coverage and using his quickness and field vision to make plays in the second level either in the run or pass game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598600"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6787e7c26e0e6"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In 2025 IOL [player_tooltip player_id='1598600' first='Akein' last='Swanagan'] was selected to the UA Next 2025 All-American Game, representing Team Unstoppable.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>When looking at young offensive lineman there are a few things to look out for, technique certainly is important, but intent and sheer will is something to watch as well. The offensive line is called “The Trenches” for a reason, as it is an all out war on the line that takes a toll on everyone in the pile. It takes a lot of willpower to be able to do that again and again after every down.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Swanagan shows off some impressive technique in the limited clips that are available, but more than anything you can see how bad he wants it. Swanagan is a physical blocker in the run game, and he uses his speed well to get to the second level and block downfield.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598605"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6787e7c26e12c"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In 2025 OT [player_tooltip player_id='1598605' first='Derrick' last='Hooker'] was selected to the UA Next 2025 All-American Game, representing Team Unstoppable.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Standing at 6'2 240 Hooker clearly projects as a tackle at the higher levels, and while he doesn't have official arm length measurements, the eye test says his arms are long enough to stick at tackle as well.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hooker is a big physical blocker, using his towering stature to his advantage to move people off the line and completely overwhelm them. His size however doesn't slow Hooker down, as while he isn't the fleetest of footed, he can certainly hold his own against finesse style rushers and keep them out of the backfield.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->