ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Channing Ward waited to make his college decision until he was on stage with some of the nation’s top players.
The wait didn’t provide a shocker of an ending, though, as the Aberdeen High School standout announced he will play football at the University of Mississippi in the fall.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Ward chose Ole Miss over Mississippi State, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, and LSU. He made his verbal commitment in the second quarter of the Under Armour All-America Football Game on Thursday at Tropicana Field. His commitment is non-binding.
Ward, a four-star recruit and the top-rated player in the state of Mississippi, had 16 sacks and 117 tackles this season for the Bulldogs. He also saw time at running back and tight end this season, but he likely will play on defense — probably at defensive line or linebacker — at the next level.
Ward had two sacks and three and a half tackles for loss Thursday night.
Ward wasn’t the only player at the Under Armour All-America Game who made his college decision. Several future members of Alabama were standouts in Team Blur’s 49-16 victory against Team Highlight.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper scored two touchdowns — a 75-yard reception from quarterback Jameis Winston in the first quarter and a 93-yard punt return in the third. Defensive back Cyrus Jones, who committed to Alabama during the game, added a score on a 40-yard interception return.
The night continued to get better as the nation’s top-rated safety Landon Collins chose Alabama over LSU. The New Orleans-area prospect raised the ire of his mother, who was sitting next to him and clearly preferred the Tigers.
Winston, who was 8 of 9 for 178 yards and two touchdowns, was named the game’s MVP.
Cornerback Brian Poole had a 93-yard interception return in the second quarter for Team Blur and running back Randy Johnson had a 71-yard kick return that led to a Team Highlight touchdown in the third quarter.
Marvin Bracy, a Florida State commitment, made a beautiful one-handed touchdown catch of a pass from Zach Kline in the first half to give Blur a 13-3 lead. Tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Devonte Neal scored the touchdowns for Team Highlight.
Johnson led all rushers with 50 yards on nine carries and Trey Griffey, son of Ken Griffey Jr., had two catches for 31 yards for Team Blur.
Noah Spence, an Ohio State commitment, had three sacks and four tackles for loss for Team Highlight.
Others who committed at the game were running back Wes Brown (Maryland) and defensive back Lucas Thompson (East Carolina).
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