Russell Hedges
rhedges@bossierpress.com
Airline defensive lineman OJ Smith and Parkway quarterback Brandon Harris received honorary Under Armour All-America High School Football Game jerseys during presentations at their respective schools this week.
Smith, who has committed to Alabama, received his Wednesday. Harris, who has committed to LSU, received his Thursday.
The Under Armour All-America game, which features 90 of the top high school senior players in the country, will be played Jan. 2 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. It will be televised by ESPN.
Airline senior defensive lineman OJ Smith wears his honorary Under Armour All-America game jersey during a presentation ceremony at the school Wednesday.
The players will practice at ESPN’s Wide World of Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., leading up to the game.
Smith and Harris are among 13 players from Louisiana selected to play in the game, the most from any state.
“At the Under Armour All-America Game, I’m looking forward to playing with and against the best in the country,” Smith said. “I’m also really looking forward to playing against Leonard Fournette and Cameron Robinson.”
Fournette, who plays for New Orleans St. Augustine, is considered by many recruiting experts as the top running back in the country. He hasn’t announced where he will play college ball.
Robinson, who plays for West Monroe, is considered the top offensive lineman in the country. He is also an Alabama commitment.
During Wednesday’s presentation in the Airline library, Vikings coach Bo Meeks said he was proud of the way Smith has handled all the attention that has come his way.
Smith’s defensive line mates sat with him at the table up front, and the rest of his teammates were in the audience.
“Ya’ll know that at practice he’s just like everyone else,” Meeks said, addressing Smith’s teammates. “He doesn’t try to bring attention to himself. But when the lights go on he’s something special.”
Harris has also been something special this season.
He has completed 80 of 138 passes for 1,427 yards and 14 touchdowns for the 5-0 Panthers, who are ranked No. 2 in the LSWA Class 5A poll. He is also one of the top rushers in Bossier Parish with 380 yards on 34 carries and six touchdowns.
Parkway quarterback Brandon Harris shakes coach David Feaster’s hand after receiving his honorary Under Armour All-America Game jersey Thursday.
After a standout junior season, Harris began to receive attention from college recruiting analysts.
Thanks to outstanding performances in various camps during the offseason, his recruiting stock rose and he is considered one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.
Parkway coach David Feaster has praised the way Harris has handled the attention and scrutiny.
The Panthers host Southwood in their homecoming game tonight at Preston Crownover Stadium.
