Sports
'Huge Day’ for Plainfield South’s Garrett As He Makes All-American Team
Catch the Army All-American Bowl at noon Jan. 4, 2014, on NBC.
At 6 foot 2 and 228 pounds, Clifton Garrett commands attention. On Tuesday, all eyes were on the Plainfield South linebacker as he was officially invited to be one of the elite high school athletes to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
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The Army’s selection tour arrived Sept. 24 at PSHS to present Garrett with his honorary U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey.
Meanwhile, proud parents Katrina and Clifton Sr. were also recognized for supporting their standout student athlete. Nick Diorio of American Family Insurance presented the couple with the Dream Protector Award.
PHOTOS: Plainfield South Standout Invited to Army All-American Bowl
“Without them, this day is not going to happen,” PSHS head football coach Ken Bublitz said of the Garretts, adding, “[Clifton] has represented us in a truly first-class manner.”
As his friends and school officials cheered, Garrett was presented with his jersey and an Army bowl team hat.
“Only the strongest wear the colors of the U.S. Army,” SFC Steve McCarroll told the teen. “It takes a special person to be a soldier, just as it takes a special person to be a U.S. Army athlete.”
After receiving his jersey, Garrett spoke briefly, thanking his family and friends for their support.
“It’s a huge honor,” he said of being chosen as one of just 90 athletes invited to play in the All-American Bowl. “It’s a huge day for me, my family.”
As for the big question — where will the teen play college ball next year — Garrett wasn't saying.
"I don't even know yet," Garrett told District 202 Superintendent John Harper, who attended Tuesday's ceremony. "If I did, I'd tell you."
Watch Garrett in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, live from San Antonio, Texas. The game will be broadcast at noon Central time on NBC.
Plainfield South, which is 3-1 so far this season, will play at home on Friday, facing off against Romeoville High School.
Click on the embedded video to see Garrett’s entire speech and watch him receive his honorary bowl jersey.
Related:- Click here for the full 2013 schedule for District 202 high schools.
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