DeSoto resident and Bishop Dunne Freshman Joshua Drayden represented the United States in the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl on Jan. 6 in the Alamodome.
There are more than 3 million youth football players around the country, but only 48 players spanning three age groups were invited to take the field in San Antonio's Alamodome.
Bishop Dunne was very proud of Drayden's selection to the team as Defensive Back.
“He played select football in middle school and that’s the way he first got his showcase – and he played on varsity this year as a freshman,” Offensive football Coach Delone Williams said, “He’s going to be a great player.”
The 5’9”, 155 pound freshman wide receiver and defensive back spent the week training with top-notch athletes from all over the country, while building lifelong relationships. Not only was it an elite athletic experience, but an opportunity to meet and be mentored by notable college and NFL players who were able to share "off the field" experiences and lessons.
Team USA's solid defense made it impossible for Team Canada to score — resulting in a 34-0 victory for USA.
Joshua represented his family, school, and DeSoto community in exceptional manner.
“Bowl Week” already has become the most important youth football all-star event in the country and it was recently the focus of the nationally-syndicated sports show, “Sports Stars of Tomorrow.” Many of the top players in the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl receive college interest and attention from national media outlets such as USA Today, Sports Illustrated and The New York Times, as well coverage in their local markets from outlets such as the Seattle Times and the Los Angeles Times.
Youth All-Americans enjoy a busy five days in San Antonio, consisting of practices, a Friday Night Fiesta, and breakout sessions with Hall of Famers as well as current and former NFL stars and celebrities such as legendary high school coach Herman Boone. The Youth All-Americans will join U.S. Army All-Americans at Thursday’s Bowl Kickoff Party and will also be honored during the game on Saturday, January 5, 2013.
Several thousand youth athletes are nominated annually for this elite honor. The Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl selection committee includes regional directors and scouts from Football University, the invitation-only camp for elite-level youth and prep players focusing on teaching technique and skill in a small-group setting under the professional tutelage of former NFL players and coaches. These regional directors and scouts work year-round with hundreds of local youth football coaches and commissioners across the country to identify top athletes for FBU.
Alumni of the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl include: Tyrone Swoopes (2013 U.S. Army All-American); Brandon Dawkins; and Sony Michel.
For more information on the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl www.footballuniversity.organd www.eastbay.com or DeLone Williams at dwilliams@bdhs.org
Coverage provided by Bishop Dunne High School in Oak Cliff.