ESPN 300 defensive end Jalen Dalton was presented with his Under Armour All-America Game jersey on Tuesday morning in a ceremony sponsored by American Family Insurance. The ceremony took place in front of family, friends, teammates, classmates and school faculty on the campus of West Forsyth High in Clemmons, North Carolina.
As excited as Dalton is about being an Under Armour All-America Game selection, he sees it as a validation of sorts and the chance to test himself against the best.
“People think or say you are one of the best prospects, and the Under Armour Game gives you a chance to prove it,” Dalton said. “It’s a big honor, and you know you are truly blessed to be an Under Armour All-American. Three years ago when I got to high school I wouldn’t have thought this would happen. I would say I’m just blessed to make it this far and have the opportunity to go further,”
The honor is not one lost on Dalton, or his family. The long-armed defensive end from the Tar Heel State said his parents had different reactions.
“My mom was surprised, and my dad tried to play it cool. His friends told me he was really happy and exited though,”
On the recruiting front, No. 86 Dalton is nearing a decision. He made an official visit to North Carolina on Oct. 3, and will be making a second trip to Virginia Tech this weekend for his official visit. Dalton will pick between the Tar Heels and Hokies by mid-November.
Is there any one player you are looking forward to competing against at the Under Armour All-America Game and practices?
Dalton: Lately, I’ve been worrying about my high school season. So until I get through with my senior season here, I’m not going to look too much at the Under Armour Game.
If you were to start a team with any other player in your class, who would it be and why?
Dalton: I would go with Shy Tuttle.. We would have to have a strong defensive line to start a team. Having a good tackle would make my job easier at end getting to the quarterback [laughing].
Who is the best player to ever play in the Under Armour game that you know of?
Dalton: Tough one. I guess Leonard Fournette. He’s just a powerful runner with speed. He’s a very good back.
What is your earliest football memory?
Dalton: Probably playing mighty mites. It’s the level above flag football. I was about 8 or 9. I played running back. I was the tallest player on the field.
Which football player did you idolize or want to be like when you were a kid?
Dalton: It wasn’t a defensive linemen or anything. It was a skill guy. Probably Vince Young when he played for the Texas Longhorns.
If you could take on any pro player in their sport, who would it be?
Dalton: Probably Michael Jordan. I would just like to go against him and show him that I could compete with him.
What number do you wear and why?
Dalton: I currently wear No. 2. There isn’t a specific reason. My freshman year I was 98, then 43 as a sophomore, 5 as a junior and now 2. I’ve been going down every year [laughing]. It doesn’t matter what I wear in college, but I figure it will be a high number my freshman year.