Special to the Sun
Bishop Gorman High’s Alize Jones (left) and Nicco Fertitta (right) are pictured with David Hill, the i350 National Recruiting Director, when being selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Friday, Jan. 2, 2015 | 2 a.m.
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Bishop Gorman High’s Nicco Fertitta is a hard-hitting safety who is committed to Notre Dame. Alize Jones, his teammate at Gorman, is the nation’s top-ranked tight end for the class of 2015.
Together, they combined to lead the Gaels to an undefeated season, sixth straight state championship and mythical national title in 2014.
But, what happens when they are matched up against each other?
That was the scenario this week in San Antonio during practices ahead of Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome.
“We have been doing one-on-ones all week and going after each other,” Fertitta said.
Jones is simply happy to be on the field.
After being held out of the state championship game in early December with an ankle injury, and missing some reps during practices this week, Jones expects to play Saturday in the showcase. The game, which pits 90 of the nation’s top players against each other, is televised by NBC and one of three major all-star games for elite prospects.
“It was very hard,” Jones said of the injury. “Being the last game of my senior year, I wanted to be out their with the guys making history. But, at the end of the day, (I felt) I did a great job being one of the captains and leaders.”
The build-up resembles a college football bowl week in everything from the excessive amount of gear players receive to an endless amount of reporters with interview requests.
Practices are covered by national media, most of whom have the same question for Jones — Where are you going to college? He’s verbally committed to UCLA, but recently took a trip to Notre Dame with his close friend, Fertitta. They'll be teammates Saturday on the West team.
“There are a lot of cameras and reporters everywhere,” Jones said.
This isn’t the lone end-of-season showcase this week.
In Florida, Gorman wide receiver Cordell Broadus is part of the Under Armour All-America High School Football Game. In Southern California, Liberty defensive lineman Noah Jefferson, who is committed to USC, is part of the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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