Pittsburg (Calif.) Senior High School defensive tackle Jacob Bandes doesn’t have the cliché story of the elite prospect who every evaluator and college coach knew was a “can’t miss” player from before he enrolled in high school.
“I’ve always had to work hard and prove myself,” Bandes said.
That made it even sweeter on Monday when the All-American Bowl Selection Tour presented by American Family Insurance stopped by his school and presented him with his game jersey.
The All-American Bowl, formerly the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, is scheduled for Jan. 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and will be televised live on NBC at 1 p.m. EST.
“It just feels great to be a part of this game,” said Bandes, a Washington commit. “I never thought I’d be here so I’m just enjoying everything.”
MORE: All-American Bowl Selection Tour
Bandes helped the Pirates to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the postseason. He said despite falling short on accomplishing his goal of winning a state title, getting his All-American Bowl jersey was the “perfect” silver lining.
“I watched this game last year and I really wanted to be a part of it and now I am,” Bandes said. “It’s perfect because I sign early next month and then I’m enrolling early in January, plus I’ve got the game. It’s gonna be fun.”
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