JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There are about 1 million high school football players all across the country, and only 90 of them get selected each year to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
This year, two players from The Bolles School in Jacksonville have been invited to participate in the prestigious all-star game in San Antonio.
John Theus, a left offensive tackle for the Bolles Bulldogs, and Brooks Abbott, the Bulldogs' kicker and punter, said they're looking forward to the opportunity to play in the nationally televised game on Jan. 7.
"It's always been a lifelong goal, at least throughout high school, to be part of this game and represented as one of the top players in the country," Abbott said. "Now that it's finally here, it's just a dream come true."
"You know, it's a great honor," Theus said. "I thank the Lord every day for the abilities he's given me to play this game. It's a great honor and very humbling to be invited to be one of the top 90 players in the nation."
The two athletes were honored Friday by the Army and their school for their achievements on and off the football field.
"They're getting quality players, but they're getting quality people in the game also, and I think that makes it special," longtime Bolles head coach Corky Rogers said.
The Army All-American Bowl has seen some of today's top professional football players and Heisman trophy winners. Among them was Tim Tebow, who represented Nease High School in the game in 2006.
Friday's honorees, the only ones from northeast Florida, say it's an honor for them and their families.
"They're pretty excited," Abbott said. "I've heard from some family members that I didn't know I had that want to come to the game with me."
"One of the things my parents always say is make sure I keep my head on straight, stay humble," Theus said.
Theus has already committed to play football next year for Georgia. Abbott said he's still deciding and is weighing all his options.
Neither can look too far into the future because they are playing in a playoff game Friday night in central Florida, and both said they still want very badly to win another state championship for Bolles.