PHOENIX -- Eyes on the national recruiting scene turned to the Valley as a few top recruits made their college decisions at the inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
Set at Chase Field, the event showcased top high school football talents from across the country and provided a platform to make official commitments on national television. Punahou High School (Honolulu, Hawaii) defensive end DeForest Buckner kicked things off in the first quarter with a commitment to Oregon.
Buckner, a four-star recruit ranked by Scout.com as the nation's 33rd best defensive end, also had Cal and UCLA on his short list, but recently canceled visits to both schools following a visit to Oregon.
Another four-star recruit made his intentions known in the third quarter, as McDowell Senior High School (Erie, Penn.) running back Greg Garmon picked Iowa over Arkansas and Miami (Fla.)
"I went to the NFL draft last year and they said Iowa produces the best NFL players," Garmon said. "I want that to be me."
All-American and national record-holding receiver Gehrig Dieter out of South Bend, Ind. picked Southern Methodist over Kansas in the second quarter, though he didn't play in the game due to an injury.
Tempe Corona del Sol defensive end Avery Moss brought a local flavor to the commitments, as he picked Nebraska over Purdue and Arizona State during the fourth quarter.
"It's hard to say one thing I liked (about Nebraska)," Moss said. "The defensive line coach is amazing, (and) they lead the NCAA in academic All-Americans."
