All American season 5 episode 16 recap: Is Spencer doing better now?

All American is currently at a crossroads since the majority of the characters are still mourning the untimely passing of Coach Billy. Spencer, who was the most affected by the loss, is slowly getting back on track after receiving help. His goal is to make his departed coach proud.

All American is inspired by the life of professional American football player Spencer Paysinger.

This episode was titled My Name Is. It was directed by Karimah Westbrook and was written by John A. Norris and Chynna Ladage.

---

All American season 5 episode 16 recap: Did Coop and Skye break up?

Inspired by his departed coach Billy, Spencer came up with a plan to recruit recent football stars as potential walk-ons at GAU. Coop had momentarily forgotten about Skye's huge social media presentation, so Layla reminded her of it. J.J. was chosen as the recruitment chair for his fraternity and was even pushed to hold a rush event at the beach house.

Coach Kenny was ready to go ahead with Spencer's idea, but Jordan and Spencer had already contacted a recruit each and decided to proceed with having meetings with them. JJ was trying to balance his new responsibilities and fraternity activities but Asher was doubtful about his ability. Jordan and Spencer had meetings with the recruits and learned about their tragic stories. Neither had hardly any interest in playing. Meanwhile, Coop officially joined the law class she had been auditing, but she had to attend a study group.

She couldn't attend Skye's presentation, which was taking place at the same time. One of the recruits, Sal, got invited by Spencer anyway. Olivia, Patience, and Layla showed up to Skye's presentation to support her. They had entered using fake names. Jordan's recruit Kai showed up as well.

At the presentation, Valerie, the guest of honor, recognized Patience and assumed that she was there to perform. Meanwhile, Coop impressed everyone in the study group. Even the new recruits, Sal and Kai, looked strong and confident.

Patience performed for the father-daughter dance, and this made Olivia tear up. Layla noticed Olivia getting emotional, so she comforted her. Patience had enjoyed this set better than any other recent performances. Inspired by Valerie, Layla decided to put a hyphen in her label's name, ForMonica-Keating Records. Coop was smiling, but Skye was furious that Coop had blown her presentation and didn't even apologize. Coop and Skye broke up.

Keith, the frat president, collapsed from the pill he'd taken and ended up hospitalized. This incident made JJ think about life, and he sobered up. He decided to quit the fraternity, school, and football to get his life together. Kai and Sal were offered full scholarships.

The episode ended with Olivia deciding to attend the awards ceremony under her own name.

---

What is All American about?

All American, created by April Blair, is an American sports drama inspired by the life of professional American footballer Spencer Paysinger, who is portrayed by actor Daniel Ezra.

The official synopsis of All American reads:

"Spencer James is a rising high school football player and A student at South Crenshaw High. Compton is the place he calls home. But when Beverly High School's football coach Billy Baker recruits him to join his team in Beverly Hills, Spencer's mother, Grace, and his best friend, Coop, convince Spencer it's an opportunity he must seize."

It further states,

"Spencer navigates two worlds, the south side neighborhood that he knows and the affluent Beverly Hills world that has offered him an opportunity for something bigger. When Spencer is forced to move in with Billy and his family to protect his transfer permit to Beverly, he struggles to find his footing. The series is Inspired by the life of NFL player Spencer Paysinger."

All American was renewed for a sixth season in January 2023.