Category: News || By Staff Report

A McKeesport Area High School senior has been named to the U.S. Army's All-American football team.

Delvon Simmons, a defensive tackle, is the only player from Pennsylvania to be chosen for the honor, a spokesman said. Simmons will play for the "East" team in the nationally televised U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The game can be seen nationwide over NBC stations, including Pittsburgh's WPXI-TV (11), at 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

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Army representatives visited the high school Monday to announce the honor, said Kristin Davis, district spokeswoman.

"Delvon is a talented athlete whose exemplary leadership and teamwork qualities have made him a standout at McKeesport Area High School," said Col. Derik Crotts, spokesman for the Army's outreach and marketing programs.

Simmons was selected by a committee that includes representatives of All-American Games, a sports marketing and management company; Rivals.com, a network of websites that focus on college football and recruiting; and Tom Lemming of the National Collegiate Scouting Association.

Also honored was first-year McKeesport Tigers head coach Jim Ward. As a result of Simmons' selection, Ward is invited to travel to San Antonio and attend the three-day U.S. Army Coaches' Academy.

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Simmons joins an elite group of high school football players who have recognized as Army All-Americans, including former Jeannette High School star Terrelle Pryor, currently the starting quarterback for the Ohio State University Buckeyes, and Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League.

According to a spokesman for the bowl game, more than 150 former Army All-Americans are currently playing in the NFL, a spokesman said, including eight who were selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Scout.com reports that Simmons has been recruited by 14 major universities, including Florida, Iowa, Oregon, Penn State and Rutgers. Simmons has yet to choose a college, Davis said.

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