Football players Jahan Dotson ’18, Daniel Dawkins ’18, and Allan Walters ’18 and basketball player Tyler Jones ’17 have all earned the all- American award, one of the most prestigious awards a high school athlete can achieve. All three of the All-American football players joined the team after Coach Chris Malleo was given the head coach position at Peddie two seasons ago.

Recipients of this award earn an invitation to the annual All-American game, which is hosted by big corporations such as McDonald’s and American Family Insurance. Earning the All-American award is not an easy task, as only 400 of the nation’s top football players are nominated every year; even fewer are selected to play in the game. Athletes must also “be in good standing with their schools and communities” according to the guidelines from the U.S. Army All-American Pro Bowl.

“Last season, I had a really good year and Gerry Hamilton, who runs ESPN, hit me up on Twitter and told me that in my senior year he wants me to play in the All-American Game,” Dotson ’18 said.

Wide Receiver Dotson boasts an average receiving yardage of 100.6 yards per game for the 2016-17 year, even with a season-ending injury in the middle of the season. Additionally, Dotson currently has 26 college offers, including top football schools like Alabama, University of Michigan, and Ohio State.

“It’s a really big accomplishment because a lot of people who come out of the All-American Under Armor Game go to the NFL —  guys like Julio Jones and A.J. Green,” Dotson commented.

Additionally, members of Peddie football team have earned awards such as All-MAPL, All-Area, All-Prep.

Dawkins is ranked first in the nation in the class of 2018 for center position. He has received various offers from colleges such as Duke, University of Michigan, and the University of North Carolina.

Even after being invited to play in two All-American games, Quarterback Walters commented, “Even though it’s the top of the line, you still have to remain humble and realize your blessings because anything can change at any second.”

All three All-Americans plan to play in one of the 2018 All-American games assuming there aren’t any major injuries or any other difficulties that occur for the players.