Alpha Diallo, a four-star wing at Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.) will play his college basketball next season at Providence, his coach announced Tuesday on Twitter.

Known as a scorer, the 6-7 Diallo chose Providence over a host of schools, but it seemed he was down to the Friars and Oklahoma State.

Diallo was a four-star recruit according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, and a member of the ESPN 100. There are now just five uncommitted players of the ESPN 100: Jarrett Allen, Marques Bolden, Charlie Moore, Taurean Thompson, and Deshawn Corprew.

Forward Josh Jackson celebrates during the 2016 McDonald’s High School All-American Game at the United Center in Chicago. (Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)

Despite not playing his senior season because of a knee injury, Harry Giles remained No. 1 in the final ESPN 100 basketball recruiting rankings released Tuesday.

The Duke-bound Giles transferred to Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) for his senior year but was injured in the first game. He then returned home to North Carolina and to finish high school via online classes at Forest Trail Academy (Kernersville, N.C.).

In a Twitter chat Wednesday, ESPN’s Paul Biancardi explained why Giles remained at the top.

Kansas-bound 6-7 small forward Josh Jackson from Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) moved up to No. 2 in the final rankings, pushing ahead of Jayson Tatum (Chaminade Prep, St. Louis).

Tatum, a 6-9 small forward, also is heading to Duke, giving the Blue Devils two of the top three players in the class and they also have No. 10 with guard Frank Jackson (Lone Peak; Highland, Utah).

Chino Hills (Calif.) do-everything guard Lonzo Ball moved to No. 4. Ball, the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Player of the Year, is heading to UCLA.

Kentucky had the next two spots with Bam Adebayo from High Point Christian in North Carolina at No. 5 and point guard De’Aaron Fox from Cypress Lakes (Katy, Texas) at No. 6 and also signed the No. 9 player in guard Malik Monk from Bentonville, Ark., and No. 14 in Wenyen Gabriel from Wilbraham & Monson in New England.

The Sonoma Academy baseball team from Santa Rosa, Calif, did it again. Yep, another no-hitter.

That is now six consecutive games of no-hit baseball after a 9-1 victory against Tomales on Tuesday.

Pitchers Kyle Duchynski (four innings), Dylan De La Montanya (two) and Oscar McCauley and Daniel Brown combined for the no-no. Tomales’ run came on a walk, stolen base, balk and sacrifice fly.

The streak began April 7 and includes three games shortened by California’s mercy rule at five innings.

There was some controversy last week on a ball hit to third base that Sonoma — as the home scorebook and therefore official scorekeeper — ruled an error, although other observers viewed it as a hit. That would have halted the streak at 27 2/3 innings.

Consecutive no-hitters is not a record kept in the state record book or the National Federation record book, so the run might not be a record, but it’s impressive nonetheless.

Sonoma Academy next plays Friday against St. Vincent de Paul (Petaluma, Calif.).

It was just another ordinary practice for Robinson High football in Tampa when suddenly…

MORE: When 40-yard dash turns into Running Man Challenge at Nike Opening Regional

The coaches may not have been super pleased with the wasted practice time, but, at least for the rest of us, it was totally worth it.

Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.) runs through banner last season. (Photo: Facebook).

High school football teams in Georgia will be able to play a spring game against another school beginning in 2017, the executive committee of the Georgia High School Association approved recently, according to multiple reports.

Schools will still be limited to 10 days of spring practice with a game on the 10th day. School can opt not to have a spring game and instead have two two preseason games in August; schools that play a preseason game can have one preseason game in August.

A number of smaller schools do not hold spring football practice because the players are competing in baseball, lacrosse, track and field or other spring sports.

The current calendar allows schools to have spring practice sessions between Feb. 1 and the end of the school’s calendar year. In 2016, July 25 is the earliest date to begin conditioning practices for the fall and Aug. 1 is the earliest date for practices in pads.

Coaches and administrators in favor of the change pointed to the possibility of attractive matchups that could help boost athletic budgets during the spring and the opportunity to evaluate players more fully to help tailor players’ independent summer workouts.

‘’It adds a lot to the motivation of kids wanting be participate in football, and it’s going to make the off-season from January to May a lot better,’’ Norcross coach Keith Maloof told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s going to give kids something to look forward to. …

‘’The whole key to spring is getting a lot of kids in to evaluate them. A spring game helps coaches assess players better than playing against yourself, where it’s a little watered down. It’s not going to be all about winning the scrimmage. It’s about evaluating the talent you have and seeing how they perform against another team.’’

Trey Smith (Photo: 247Sports)

If the initial ESPN 300 football recruiting rankings for the Class of 2017 are any indication, it’s going to be a good year for offensive tackles – and college programs in need of elite players at that position.

Offensive tackles hold the top two spots – Trey Smith from Jackson, Tenn., and Isaiah “Zay” Wilson from Brooklyn, N.Y. – and seven of the top 25 positions.

RELATED: ESPN 300 for 2017

The two tackles are followed by outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips from Redlands, Calif.; running back Najee Harris from Antioch, Calif.; and defensive end Robert Beal from Norcross, Ga.

Of the 300 players, 10 already have committed to Ohio State, eight to Oklahoma and seven to Alabama.

USA TODAY High School Sports spoke to ESPN national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert about the new rankings, players on the rise and more.

Q: Let’s start at the top. Why was Smith the No. 1 player?

A:  “Early on in the process, it looked like it was shaping up as strong offensive tackle class, one of the best we’ve seen in a few years so I figured an offensive tackle would be in play. Ultimately, Tre smith landed at No. 1. He has great length, great feet, all the tools you’d want in a prototypical left tackle. He’s able to protect the quarterback, but he’s also a phenomenal run blocker.

“Often it helps to make comparisons and when I look at him, I think of him as two previous No. 1 tackles — one being Laremy Tunsil in 2013 and Greg Little this past year. I don’t know if he’s quite as big as Tunsil at this stage in terms of carrying his size, but being such a well-rounded player and being pretty strong technically along with the tenaciousness and extra dimension to his game ultimately put him ahead of the pack at No. 1.”

Q: What defines this offensive tackle group more generally?

A:  “This stuff seems cyclical. The last two years have had outstanding defensive line classes. This offensive tackle group is from all across the country with Smith in Tennessee, Wilson in New York, (No. 9 overall) Alex Leatherwood in Florida, Wyatt Davis in California. This is a group with outstanding size, athleticism, a lot of guys with a physical edge and toughness at the tackle position. …

RELATED: Zay Wilson’s recruiting diary on trimming his list and more

“The defensive line might be a little easier to be successful earlier on to pin your ears back and get after the football and less in terms of technique, but we’ve always treated the offensive tackle and defensive lineman as premium positions. There is a lot of upside this year at the offensive tackle.”

Dylan McCaffrey (Photo: Tim Sullivan)

Q: The top quarterback is Dylan McCaffrey at No. 19 who is committed to Michigan and is the son of Ed McCaffrey and brother of Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey. Then there is a gap back to Lowell Narcisse from Louisiana at No. 38. What do you see in this QB group?

A: “It’s an interesting group. McCaffrey came on the scene a little later and the reason he was able to ascend was because he’s a really polished player. That helped him edge out someone like Kellen Mond (No. 48 from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.), who has a great physical upside.

“I saw Lowell Narcisse a few weeks ago at the Nike Opening Regional in New Orleans. There are very few guys who can get rid of the football like he can. He missed some time with a knee injury so he has some work to do. We think a player like Sean Clifford (No. 98 overall from St. Xavier in Cincinnati) is really underrated. He can work from the shotgun and under center and has a great feel for the position. He moves really well.

“It’s not the strongest quarterback class we’ve seen, but it’s not weakest either. It’s an eclectic group that’s more middle of the pack; a good, solid bunch of players. It also has balance between pocket passers and dual threat. The last few years, they were all in one or the other group. When we say that, dual threat quarterback doesn’t mean the player is incapable of throwing and pocket passer doesn’t mean he’s a statue but more set into that type of system. This year, it’s a good group of both.

Dylan Moses is a highly sought after prospect in the 2017 class. (Photo: 247 Sports)

Q: Dylan Moses was the No. 1 junior and comes in at No. 6. Why did he drop a bit and what impact will his transfer to IMG have?

A: “He’s been on the scene for a while. He was early on seen as a running back. We think he’s a very talented running and there was some debate as to whether he was as good or better than (No. 4 overall and top running back) Najee Harris at the position.

“But he made the transition to linebacker last year. On film, he didn’t look really comfortable at linebacker. He’s looked like a good athlete trying to get a feel at the position. He showed flashes and glimpses of the type of ability he’s shown in past and other times didn’t look as comfortable. With the offseason at IMG and a year under his belt at the position, I’m excited to see how he develops.

Q: Who are some players you’ll be watching closely as potential risers for the next rankings?

A: Among players a little bit out of the top 50, Akial Byers from Fayetteville, Ark., is a defensive tackle who opened some eyes. He has a big frame, is a good athlete and redirects well. We didn’t know much about him and he really impressed us as we learned more about him. Another defensive tackle, Greg Rogers out of Arbor View in Las Vegas, is another player who didn’t get a lot of publicity. It’s almost like he’s in the huddle with the offense with outstanding first step quickness. Wide receiver Jalen Reagor from Waxahachie, Texas, really impressed us as we got together. Nice size, big playmaking ability, an explosive player. Among that receiver group, he’s a name to watch as well.

As the NFL draft nears, USA TODAY High School Sports will look back at the high school careers and draft prospects for former American Family Insurance ALL-USA selections. Today’s installment features Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III.

MORE

Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell

Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith

Southern California quarterback Cody Kessler

Southern California safety/linebacker Su’a Cravens

Clemson wide receiver Charone Peake

Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil

Arkansas tight end Hunter Henry

Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison

Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa

Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves performs a drill at the NFL Scouting Combine (Photo: Gregory Payan, Associated Press)

PLAYER PROFILE:

Position: Cornerback

High school: Wharton (Tampa, Fla.)

ALL-USA history: Named to the American Family Insurance first team in 2012. After his high school career, he was named the MVP of the Under Armour All-America game after a team-high 5 tackles, one interception and a pass breakup. He had 110 tackles, five interceptions, five forced fumbles and five pass breakups as a senior. He also scored five touchdowns and five two-point conversions.

College: Florida

Height, weight: 5-11, 204

Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III won the MVP of Team Highlight at the Under Armour All-America Game (Photo: Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)

By the numbers: Tied for the Florida team lead in 2015 with four interceptions (152 return yards) and had 33 tackles as a first-team All-American and All-SEC selection. He also was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

Draft positives: Sudden movement and elite body control to move with receivers all over the field, staying in their hip pocket and ready to pounce on the ball. Elite ball skills. Locates the passes with minimal loss of speed. Times his leaps and lunges exceptionally well. Outplays his frame. Can excel in any coverage scheme. Instincts and reaction times are top notch.

Draft negatives: Lack of size might limit him to specific roles. Can be pushed around by more physical receivers. Shows some stiffness when turning vertically.

Projection: Round 1

What he says: “Playing in the SEC, I’ve covered Amari Cooper, I’ve covered Odell Beckham, I’ve covered Jarvis Landry, Kelvin Benjamin. I’ve seen them all before. That’s not to say that I’m ready necessarily, but it definitely helps to have covered them before, to have tracked them before. In the NFL you can’t put your hands on them so I’ll definitely have to work on my technique but that’s how I approached my junior season. You can’t touch them 10 yards down the field like you could in college so I worked on keeping my hands off guys.”

STATISTICS AT FLORIDA

Draft analysis by Dan Shonka, Ourlads.com

Cape Fear (Fayetteville, N.C.) is the biggest mover in this week’s USA TODAY High School Sports/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Super 25 rankings.

Cape Fear jumped from No. 24 to No. 11 and remains unbeaten at 21-0 heading into Thursday’s games. Amazingly, the team has outscored its opponents by a whopping 97-1 in the last three weeks.

RELATED: Full Super 25 rankings

LaGrange (Texas) remains in the top spot for the fourth consecutive week, coming off victories against Navasota and Halletsville. The Leopards are 29-1 and open postseason play Thursday against Scarborough (Houston.).

Eagle (Idaho) remains No. 2, followed by Deer Park (Texas), which opens the postseason against Dobie (Houston). Bald Knob (Ark.) remains No. 4, and Crown Point (Ind.) moves up to No. 5. Pitchers Miranda Elish and Alexix Holloway have combined for seven shutouts in the Bulldogs’ eight victories this season.

The Super 25 includes three new teams: No. 15 Plano West (Plano, Texas), No. 23 Grand Terrace (Calif.) and No. 25 Lee-Davis (Mechanicsville, Va.). Lee-Davis had been ranked earlier this season.

With the NFL draft set to begin Thursday, USA TODAY High School Sports will look back at the high school careers and draft prospects for former American Family Insurance ALL-USA selections. Today’s installment features Alabama defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson. 

MORE

Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell

Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith

Southern California quarterback Cody Kessler

Southern California safety/linebacker Su’a Cravens

Clemson wide receiver Charone Peake

Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil

Arkansas tight end Hunter Henry

Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison

Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III

A’Shawn Robinson at Arlington Heights in Fort Worth (Photo: 247Sports)

PLAYER PROFILE:

Position: Defensive tackle

High school: Arlington Heights (Fort Worth)

ALL-USA history: Named to the American Family Insurance second team in 2012. A five-star prospect, he was Scout.com’s No. 1 defensive tackle and the fifth-best player in the nation at any position. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 3 offensive tackle, the 26th overall prospect in the Top247 and the No. 3 player in the state of Texas. According to Rivals.com, he was the No. 2 prospect in Texas, the No. 4 defensive tackle in the nation and was 33rd in the final Rivals100.

College: Alabama

Height, weight: 6-4, 307 pounds

By the numbers: Of his 46 tackles last season, 38 came on runs with 7.5 for a loss (-25 yards), while adding 10 quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

RELATED: Imposing exterior hides Robinson’s big heart

Alabama defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson at the NFL Scouting Combine (Darron Cummings, Associated Press)

Draft positives: Shows dominant traits and skills. Will dominate for stretches and at times, look unstoppable. Has the strength and reach to extend his arms to a blocker and knock him on his heels while diagnosing plays. Good closing speed and will show a power presence among ballcarriers at all times. Versatile pass rusher with a developed array of moves.

Draft negatives: Gets too high out of his stance and relies on talent over technique too often. Motor runs hot and cold. Inconsistent to anchor against power.

Projection: Round 1

What he says: “I have strength and power so I feel like those two combined with the size I have is really great.
I think that sets me apart from everybody else.”

STATISTICS AT ALABAMA

Draft analysis by Dan Shonka, Ourlads.com

Jaylen Fisher, ranked as the No. 1 player in Tennessee and the No. 13 point guard in the Class of 2016 by the 247Sports Composite, has reopened his recruitment, he announced on Twitter. ESPN has Fisher ranked as the No. 34 player overall in the class.

Fisher, from Bolton (Arlington) committed to UNLV in October, but citing the changes in the program “that made me reconsider whether UNLV is the right fit for me.” Coach Dave Rice was fired in January and his replacement, Chris Beard, bolted for Texas Tech after only a month. New Mexico State assistant Marvin Menzies has now taken the reins. UNLV assistant Ryan Miller, who was Fisher’s primary recruiter, left for TCU.

At the time of his initial decision, Fisher chose UNLV over Arkansas, Baylor, Indiana, LSU and Memphis.

Five former American Family Insurance ALL-USA football players were selected Thursday in the first round of the NFL Draft. All were named ALL-USA in the fall of 2012, including one player who was a two-time selection.

Joey Bosa (Ohio State) after being selected by the San Diego Chargers as the No. 3 overall pick (Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports)

JOEY BOSA, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.)

Named to the ALL-USA second team as a high school senior, the defensive end was selected third overall by the San Diego Chargers, the first defensive player taken in the draft. The 6-foot-5, 269-pound Bosa was one of college football’s most productive defenders in his three years at Ohio State. He was a two-time All-American and had 26 career sacks, though he tallied just five in his final season.

Some had criticized Bosa for his laid-back demeanor and might have landed in the right place to fit his style.

“I think I am laid back,” Bosa told reporters. “I think it’s something that helps me. And now I get to go out to San Diego, probably the most laid-back place in the country. So I’m a chill guy, and I think I play better when I’m relaxed and out there having fun.

“There’s no switch I have to turn on. I don’t have to become this person I’m not. When I’m out on the field, I’m a football player. That’s who I am, and I go out there every day and play football.”

Vernon Hargreaves III with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports)

VERNON HARGREAVES III, WHARTON (TAMPA)

Named to the ALL-USA first team as a high school senior, the cornerback was chosen No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will get to return to his hometown after playing for Florida. He tied for the Gators team lead in 2015 with four interceptions (152 return yards) and had 33 tackles as a first-team All-American and All-SEC selection. He was named All-SEC in each of his three years with the Gators.

“I’m excited to be back home,” Hargreaves told reporters after he was selected. “It’s surreal. I don’t know what to feel right now. I’m super excited and kind of ready to get started. Of course, it doesn’t get better than this, being drafted by your home team. I live 40 minutes from the facilities and I’m able to see my mom when I want to now. It’s great.”

Laremy Tunsil (Mississippi) is selected by the Miami Dolphins at No. 13 (Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports) ORG XMIT: USATSI-

LAREMY TUNSIL, COLUMBIA (LAKE CITY, FLA.)

Named to the ALL-USA first team as a high school senior, the offensive tackle was taken No. 13 overall by the Miami Dolphins after one of the more difficult draft nights in recent memory. Tunsil was projected as a top 10 pick, but just before the draft a video of Tunsil smoking out of a bong fashioned out of a gas mask was posted onto his Twitter account.

“It was a mistake. Happened years ago. Someone hacked my Twitter account,” Tunsil told reporters. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know how they are hacking my phone, and hacking my Instagram. … I do not have a drug problem. You can check all my college tests.”

Then, the hacker hit Tunsil’s Instagram account showing a series of alleged text messages between Tunsil and John Miller, assistant athletic director for football operations, in which the player asks for money to help with his bills. In a brief news conference after his selection, Tunsil acknowledged that happened and said it was a mistake. 

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said they were “very comfortable” with the information they have and said, “this is an opportunity we had to take.”

Laquon Treadwell with daughter Madison after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings at No. 23 (Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports)

LAQUON TREADWELL, CRETE-MONEE (CRETE, ILL.)

Named to the ALL-USA first team in 2012, the wide receiver was selected No. 23 overall by the Minnesota Vikings. A three-year starter at Ole Miss, Treadwell is the career leading receiver in Ole Miss history with 202 career receptions and finished third in school history with 2,393 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.

“From the day I went and visited the Vikings, from the first time I walked in and got off the bus, I knew it was a first-class organization,” said Treadwell, noting that he was surprised to fall to No. 23. “The men in that building really hold themselves to a high standard and they just do things the right way. [Coach Mike Zimmer] really got personal with me. He told me if I was there at No. 23, they were going to draft me. I ended up being there.”

Robert Nkemdiche after being selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the No. 29 pick (Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports)

ROBERT NKEMDICHE, GRAYSON (LOGANVILLE, GA.)

A two-time ALL-USA selection in 2011 and 2012, Nkemdiche was selected by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 29 overall. Nkemdiche’s stock tumbled when he fell out of a hotel window last December and was suspended for the Sugar Bowl. Police found marijuana in the room.

Only 21, Nkemdiche has the size (6-feet-3 ½ inches and 296 pounds) to play every position on the defensive line, general manager Steve Keim told AZCentral. If not for the off-field incidents, Nkemdiche likely would have been picked in the top 10.

“We spent more time with him personally than anybody else in this draft,” Keim said. “He is a guy we feel like we’ve gotten to know extremely well. The incident happened, it was an embarrassing situation for him. We feel like that’s in the rear-view mirror.”

Arizona signee Rawle Alkins began his personal All-American game weekend by winning the Most Valuable Player at the 43rd annual Capital Classic in Washington, D.C., on Thursday night.

Alkins, from Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) now heads to Southern California for the BallIsLife All-American Game on Saturday in Long Beach. Alkins did not play in the McDonald’s All American Game or the Jordan Brand Classic.

MORE: Rawle Alkins blog on Arizona decision and more

Alkins scored 23 points and had 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks as the U.S. All-Stars beats the Capital All-Stars 118-116 at Catholic University. Alkins was awarded the first Grant Hill Capital Classic MVP award in the inaugural year that the award was named after the former Duke star.

The Capital All-Stars had a chance to win the game but a full-court heave from Temple recruit Alani Moore (Friendship College; Washington, D.C.) hit the front of the rim at the buzzer. Moore finished with 15 points.

After five former American Family Insurance ALL-USA football players were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, another seven were chosen on Friday in the second and third rounds. Here is the rundown:

Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith works with Bryan Bouncier, a physical therapist with Parkview Athletic Rehabilitation, before a workout at in Fort Wayne. Smith was selected by the Dallas Cowboys on Friday. ( Matt Cashore USA TODAY Sports)

Named to the American Family Insurance first team in 2012, Smith was selected with the No. 34 overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys. He was named Mr. Football in the state of Indiana, playing for a four-time state 2A champions, and won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top high school linebacker.

The Notre Dame linebacker can play inside or out and cover nearly the entire field — when healthy. Of course, he tore two knee ligaments and suffered nerve damage in his leg during January’s Fiesta Bowl. He likely won’t play in 2016, but the Cowboys might have found an all-pro caliber player for 2017 and beyond. Smith had more than 100 tackles and double-digit tackles for loss each of the past two seasons.

“I’m going to be fine,” Smith told the team website. “I’ll be able to play again. Timing is everything. For Dallas to draft me, they’re going to get a great player. I’m looking forward to playing for a great team.”

Arkansas tight end Hunter Henry during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-264590 ORIG FILE ID: 20160227_szo_ss1_157.JPG

HUNTER HENRY, PULASKI ACADEMY (LITTLE ROCK, ARK.)

Named to the ALL-USA first team in 2012, the top tight end in the draft went to the San Diego Chargers with the No. 35 overall pick. With the Chargers, he can learn from Antonio Gates, a near lock for the Hall of Fame but quite possibly entering his final NFL season. Henry’s a solid receiver who averaged 14.3 yards per catch during his three years at Arkansas and also can block.

“A position we needed to add someone, no doubt,” Charger general manager Tom Telesco told news reporters, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “To have someone on the other side of Antonio (Gates) was important.”

NOAH SPENCE, BISHOP McDEVITT (HARRISBURG, PA.)

Named to the ALL-USA first team in 2011, the outside linebacker/defensive end was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 39. Spence might have first-round talent, but character questions from his days at Ohio State and a slow 40 time (4.8) hurt him.

But Spence is a productive player, and his drug tests have all come back clean recently. He can certainly help in Tampa, where most of the team’s pass rush comes inside courtesy of Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy. And pressure is key in the NFC South, where every team starts a stud quarterback.

“I just wanted to prove to everybody that that was a past mistake … and wanted to show everybody that I’m on a straight and narrow path and ready to do all I can with football,” Spence said during a conference call with news reporters.  “Football is my life. I don’t ever want to feel the way it felt to have it taken away from me again, so you don’t have to worry about me doing anything that would hinder that.”

Alabama running back Derrick Henry runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) ORG XMIT: INDC1

DERRICK HENRY, YULEE (FLA.)

A first-team ALL-USA selection in 2012, the Heisman Trophy winner was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the no. 45 pick. Henry finished his high school career with 12,124 career rushing yards, breaking a national mark that had stood for nearly six decades. He ran for a state record 4,261 yards during a senior season that included 55 TDs.

Now, fresh off a 2,219-yard season, he heads to Nashville to pair up with DeMarco Murray in Tennessee’s new-look backfield. Henry is a better receiver than he showed at Alabama and is pure north-south, almost always getting positive yardage. A team that ranked 25th rushing the ball in 2015 should be much better.

“When they got DeMarco, I didn’t think they would choose me, which I am glad they did,” Henry said. “After the combine, we didn’t get to talk much.”

A’SHAWN ROBINSON, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (FORT WORTH)

A second-team ALL-USA choice in 2012, the defensive tackle was selected one spot after his former Alabama teammate with the No. 46 pick by the Detroit Lions. Robinson was the No. 1 ranked defensive tackle coming out of high school in the recruiting rankings.

Detroit is a year removed from losing DTs Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley to free agency, and Haloti Ngata, 32, only has so many snaps left. Robinson could be a defensive cornerstone. He can shut down run lanes and also tie up blocks on passing downs, which should help turn loose DE Ziggy Ansah off the edge.

“Honestly, being a part of the Detroit Lions is a blessing,” said Robinson. “It’s something that most people dream of it and I dream of, too.”

USC linebacker Su’A Cravens runs a drill at the NFL scouting combine (Photo: Darron Cummings, Associated Press)

SU’A CRAVENS, VISTA MURIETTA (CALIF.)

The ALL-USA Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, Cravens was selected by the Washington Redskins at No. 53 out of USC.

Cravens is another safety/linebacker ‘tweener that every team seems to want now. Washington’s bigger needs appear to be secondary, where DeAngelo Hall is moving into the deep safety role. But Cravens could definitely take over at strong safety and move into a linebacker role in sub packages.

“I had no idea (it would be the Redskins), but my dad actually predicted the Redskins would draft me,” Cravens said, according to the team website. “He said, ‘There’s an SC guy there [defensive coordinator Joe Barry] and I have good feeling for him, so you’re gonna be a Redskin soon.’”

Cravens wore No. 21 in memory of former Redskins safety Sean Taylor during his college career.

CODY KESSLER, CENTENNIAL (BAKERSFIELD, CALIF.)

A first-team ALL-USA selection in 2010, Kessler was chosen in the third round by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 93 overall pick. Kessler threw for more than 10,000 yards in his career at USC and never had a single-season completion percentage less than 65.4

Kessler could be solid if unspectacular as a pro, and begins his career as a potential backup to Robert Griffin III and can be groomed by new Browns coach Hue Jackson.

Two weeks after Bishop Moore (Fla.) baseball player Joe Skinner signed with Central Florida, he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia with an arduous treatment routine ahead of him.

In March, Skinner barely had enough strength but managed to stand with his teammates on senior night in between rounds of chemotherapy.

In mid-April, Skinner was expected to begin a month of treatments in Dallas after being accepted into clinical trial, but the trial was delayed.

Saturday morning, the news rocked his school community and Florida baseball that the 17-year-old Skinner had died.

The tributes flowed in on social media from far and wide, including many of the top players in Florida and Central Florida coach Terry Rooney.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Skinner initially was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The plan was for a bone marrow transplant when he went into remission.

But when chemotherapy did not put him into remission, doctors determined it was because of hypodiploid clone, which impacts less than 2 percent of the 4,000 children diagnosed with ALL annually across the nation. That odds of recovery were 40-50 percent.

The community had rallied around Skinner’s journey with the hashtag #SkinnerStrong and fund-raisers — such as T-shirts and bracelets — that Skinner asked be sent to Make-A-Wish to help the dream of another young cancer patient come true.

Sonoma Academy (Santa Rosa, Calif.) had another unique twist to its streak of six consecutive no-hitters.

The streak that dates to April 7 seemingly ended when Liam Gatlin of St. Vincent de Paul (Petaluma) tripled with one out in the first inning Friday.

Sonoma trailed 9-1 after three innings but roared back to tie the game at 12-12 in the fifth inning. As darkness fell, the stadium lights would not come on. A field maintenance official was called, but by the time he arrived about 30 minutes later, the umpires had called the call.

Because the game is suspended and the result is not official, the no-hit streak is expected to carry over to Tuesday’s game against Technology (Rohnert Park, Calif.). Sonoma and St. Vincent play again in three weeks so the game could be resumed before the regularly scheduled game.

Joshua Kaindoh (Photo: 247Sports)

Joshua Kaindoh, a defensive end ranked as the No. 4 player overall in the Class of 2017 by Rivals.com, will be returning to his home state of Maryland to play college football.

Kaindoh, currently at IMG Academy in Florida, announced his commitment to the Terrapins on Twitter on Saturday. Kaindoh played at Mount Carmel in Baltimore before transferring to IMG.

https://twitter.com/_jkaindoh/status/726486499143897088/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Interestingly, Kaindoh announced a top four a few weeks ago of Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and Michigan, without Maryland.

While other services have Kaindoh ranked a bit lower — Scout has him at No. 90 and the 247Sports Composite rankings have him at No. 22 — it is a substantial get for DJ Durkin.

According to a report from the Testudo Times, Kaindoh is the fifth consensus five-star recruit ever to pick Maryland and would be the program’s fourth highest-rated recruit since ratings were registered. Of course, his ranking could change between now and Signing Day next February, and so could his mind. Commitments are non-binding.

Maryland also has a commitment from Kaindoh’s four-star IMG teammate Cam Spence, a defensive tackle with Maryland ties. The program is recruiting Chase Young from DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville). Young is considered is among the elite defensive ends in the class.

If the pace continues, this could be Maryland’s best recruiting class in program history. 

Two months after National Signing Day, the top wide receiver in the Class of 2016 has a decision.

Demetris Robertson announced his intention to attend Cal on Sunday in a ceremony at the College Football Hall of Fame facility in Atlanta surrounded by his family, coaches and supporters.

The Savannah (Ga.) Christian School standout is the last signee of the 2016 recruitment class. He delayed his decision after National Signing Day in hopes of increasing his SAT scores enough to get into Stanford and was said to be down to Georgia, Notre Dame and Cal from among 52 offers.

Robertson thanked his supporters and then citing prayer and deliberation, he removed a covering from a sign that showed a framed placard with a Cal football helmet logo.

“The education was a big part of my decision,” he said. “When I went there, it felt like home. I have a good relationship with all the coaching staffs (at all the schools). That’s where it felt the best for me. …

“I’m going to be homesick a lot, but I’ll get over it. My mom will miss me a lot and that’s something she keeps telling me. I just want to do the best for me and my family. … I know what my future holds, and I know what I want for my life. I always told myself I’d rather have a million-dollar business than a million-dollar contract in the NFL.”

The event came complete with a cake that had the words Congratulations Demetris Robertson along with a football with a question mark.

Robertson signed financial aid agreements with Georgia and California. While the aid is not binding, it helped ensure a spot for him and also has allowed the coaches to speak to him more freely.

“Demetris Robertson is one of the most exciting athletes and playmakers in this year’s recruiting class,” Cal coach Sonny Dykes said in a statement Sunday.  “He brings tremendous speed and versatility that allows him to play a number of positions.”

“Demetris is an outstanding young man who wants to be challenged academically and believes that Cal is a great fit for him. We’re really excited about getting Demetris into the University of California and our football program. He’s a great fit for us with very high academics. He wants to achieve at a high level in the classroom. The great academics at Cal and the improvement of our program along with our West Coast location attracted him.

“He wanted to achieve some very specific things outside of football and he felt like he could do that at Cal better than anywhere else. We’re looking forward to his contributions on and off the field. He’s going to be a great ambassador for our program.”

Robertson recognized that hometown fans will be dismayed by his decision to leave the state and not sign with the in-state Bulldogs. He had a longtime relationship with Georgia coach Kirby Smart and had committed to Smart when he was the defensive coordinator at Alabama.  He was originally committed to Alabama during his sophomore year, but de-committed a year later in a unique timeline of the recruiting process that has now spanned several years.

Robertson took official visits to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Cal and Notre Dame.

“I feel there will be disappointment with some people in the state,” he said. “I really love the support I got. I’m grateful I have you in my life. …

“(The whole process is) pretty stressful. All the coaching staffs and all the fans they want to show you love. I get that everywhere I go, but in Georgia, it’s different. I live here and the love is much more.”

RELATED: Robertson also plans to run track

After three days and seven rounds, 18 players who were selected to the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Football Teams as high schoolers were chosen in the NFL Draft. Here is a rundown of the players chosen on Day 3.

RELATED: Five ALL-USA alumni chosen in Round 1

RELATED: ALL-USA alumni selected in Rounds 2 and 3

Arizona State offensive lineman Christian Westerman. (Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

ROUND 5

• Connor McGovern, an ALL-USA offensive lineman in 2011 from Shanley (Fargo, N.D.), was chosen at No. 141 by the Denver Broncos. He played guard at Missouri.
• John Theus, an ALL-USA offensive tackle in 2011, at the Bolles School (Jacksonville) was selected at No. 145 overall by the San Francisco 49ers. He played collegiately at Georgia.
• Brandon Shell, an ALL-USA offensive lineman in 2010 at Goose Creek (Charleston, S.C.), was selected by the  New York Jets at No. 158. Shell attended South Carolina.
• Christian Westerman, an ALL-USA offensive tackle in 2010 at Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) was chosen at No. 161 in Round 5 by the Cincinnati Bengals. Westerman played at Arizona State. “I’m good, man,” Westerman said from Alabama, where he had watched the draft with his family. “It was very stressful. You know, we get told something and then it doesn’t go to plan. It turned into a stressful situation after that second round, but even through each round I was just wondering when I was going to go to Cincinnati, so it was funny they ended up taking me.”

Florida running back Kelvin Taylor runs a drill at Scouting Combine in February (Darron Cummings, Associated Press)

ROUND 6

• Running back Kelvin Taylor, a two-time ALL-USA selection in 2011 and 2012 at Glades Day School (Belle Glade, Fla.) was selected at No. 211 by the San Francisco 49ers. The pick was a compensatory pick at the end of the round. Taylor played for the University of Florida.

ROUND 7

• Tight end Thomas Duarte, an ALL-USA selection in 2012 before his career at UCLA, was selected at No. 231 overall by the Miami Dolphins.

If UCLA fans weren’t already excited about Lonzo Ball after his MVP performance at Friday’s BallisLife All-American Game, perhaps this will help.

Ball, the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Player of the Year, did this ahead of Friday’s game in Long Beach.

This one may not come in handy come game time, but it’s impressive nonetheless, if only for how nonchalant he is.

The Nike Opening Regional came to New Jersey over the weekend and six more players got their invitations to The Opening Final in Oregon in July.

The group includes two running backs, two wide receivers and two defensive backs.

• Five-star D’Andre Swift from St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) is ranked as the No. 1 all-purpose back in the Class of 2017 by the 247Sports Composite rankings, the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania and the No. 31 player in the nation. Swift has more than 25 offers and recently make two unofficial visits to Georgia.
• Mark Webb, a four-star receiver from Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) is ranked as the No. 7 player in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Harrison Hand, a three-star defensive back from Cherry Hill West, is ranked as the No. 15 player in New Jersey by the composite rankings.
• Marco Wilson, a four-star cornerback from American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) made the journey north to take part. Wilson is ranked among the Top 25 cornerbacks in the nation in his class.
• A.J. Dillon, a three-star running back from Lawrence Academy in Massachusetts, is ranked as the No. 1 player in the state regardless of position. Dillon had the highest rating of the day in the Nike composite that includes the 40-yard dash, shuttle run and other events.
• CJ Holmes, a three-star receiver/athlete from Cheshire Academy, is the No. 2 player in the state.

Here are the Most Valuable Players: