A local athlete from Aquinas Institute of Rochester had an opportunity Saturday to show off his talents on the football field. YNN's Kate McGowan caught up with those who spent the afternoon cheering on defensive tackle, Jarron Jones, at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in Texas.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- At 6'6 and 300 lbs., Jarron Jones brought force to the field at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
Jones is the only player in the history of the bowl to come from Rochester.
One of his fans said, "He had a couple tackles, some big tackles. He's a big guy so if he came at me, I'd be running too!"
More than 100 gathered together Greece to watch the big game Saturday.
The Army All-American Bowl has been a tradition for more than a decade and invites top prospects from the nation in high school football to face off.
Players must excel in and off the field.
"It's a guy who's good at football, he's got a high GPA, he's got a very promising future in football. Like Jarron Jones, he's supposed to be going to Notre Dame, which is pretty prestigious, so good for him," said Sergeant Gregory Funk of the U.S. Army.
The U.S. Army is a title sponsor of the All-American Bowl. Each player is matched with a soldier hero from the Army, and mentored throughout the week-long camp at the Bowl.
Jones' hero, Staff Sergeant David Wilkins is also a Rochester native.
Sergeant Wilkins spoke with YNN from the game in San Antonio and said he is extremely proud of what Jones demonstrated on the football field.
"He's just an extremely humble, young individual. He has such a great talent and he's one of the ones who can really go all the way and he's just extremely humble," Sgt. Wilkins said.
He said the Army supports all the football players, as they display discipline, determination, and courage. Characteristics the Army stands for.
"We are a team, and that's kind of, we have a natural affinity for team sports, and that's why the football game kind of showcases talent and scholastic athletes," said Captain Joseph Cosci of the U.S. Army Recruiting Company in Rochester.
Many future soldiers gathered to root Jones on. These future soldiers have enlisted and are waiting for basic training.
One young woman, who enlisted in August said, "I'm so proud of him (Jones) that he's actually following his dreams and it's something like we're doing."
Although Jones' team lost in the Bowl, Sergeant Wilkins said he remained positive.
"They held their heads high and they were just excited to be there."
Jones' mentor said Jones has committed himself to a future at Notre Dame. Sgt. Wilkins said Jones now looks forward to what the future has in store.
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