[DEVILOLOGIST]

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Raceland 7th-grader receives honor
Messer chosen for Youth All-American Bowl
Staff report

Connor Messer, a standout seventh-grade running back for Raceland Middle School, is in some elite company.

Messer has been selected to play in the 2010 second annual Football University Youth All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 10. The game will be broadcast live on the web.

The Football University Youth All-American Bowl honors the top seventh- and eighth- graders in the nation, bringing them together to play in an all-star format on a national stage.

The Football University Youth All-American Bowl is modeled after the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and will be held in the same city during the same week.

The Youth All-American Bowl Week will showcase the top 44 seventh-graders and the top 44 eighth-graders in the nation. Additionally, the week will consist of practices, a skills competition, and break-out sessions with Hall of Famers, current and former NFL stars and celebrities, such as legendary high school football coach Herman Boone and others.

Messer played on Raceland’s seventh-grade team and finished with 1,730 yards rushing on 86 carries. He also had 505 yards receiving on 29 catches and completed 15 of 20 passes for 104 yards.

The Rams were runner-up in the Northeastern Kentucky Conference’s seventh-grade division and Messer was an all-league selection.

The Youth All-Americans will have VIP access to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and will also be honored during the game on Jan. 9.

Messer was one of more than 300 youth all-stars nominated for the honor. Athletes had to fill out a nomination form and submit a highlight tape. The selection team, which consisted of scouts and youth coaches from around the country, narrowed the field and interviewed finalists.

Once selected, players can be profiled in SI for Kids as All-Americans, as well as featured in other media outlets both local and national. Other national sponsors of the Junior All-American Bowl are Russell Athletics, Schutt Sports, Athletic Republic, World Sporting Goods and SI for Kids.