Donald Honored By Selection

HUNTINGDON, TN -- The Huntingdon High school library was packed with fellow players, coaches, media, and Army All-American reps Wednesday at 11:00 am.

Everybody wanted to see Huntingdon's local hero, Chris Donald, as he was selected to to play in the U.S. Army All-American bowl on January 6th, 2007 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX live on NBC.

The U.S. Army All-American game selects the Top 80 players in the country. Past players that have played in the game are from the likes of Reggie Bush, Vince Young, LenDale White, Marcus Spears, Shaun Cody, Tommie Harris, Michael Clayton, and many more.

Last season Chris burst on to the national scene when he he rushed for over 2, 000 yards and 24 TD's at running back and collected 120 tackles, 33 for losses, 14 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception at linebacker.

Chris is projected to play linebacker on the next level. He was named 1st Team All-State, All-West Tennessee, All-Conference, and was one of three Finalist for Mr. Football in the State of Tennessee for his play on the field.

How did Chris react when he found out he made the team?

"I found out I was selected when they called me last week. I was very excited. My mom was even more excited than I was. It was just an overwhelming feeling. This is great. I just can not wait to play (in the bowl game). I am really speechless," added the always humble Chris Donald.

Donald had one word to describe his first emotion when learning he was selected.

"Shocked, I am not going to lie. My eyes got big, and I gave my daddy a big hug. I was on cloud 9, pretty much."

Huntingdon High has won state championships two of the past three seasons, so this was an honor for the whole community and current players.

"I am going to try and represent my team, my town, and keep on working hard. I learned today that I was the only one from Tennessee who made the team, so that was a great honor. It is quite humbling, all of this."

Which lucky schools are still in the running for this All-American?

"This Saturday I am going to South Ben (IN) to watch Notre Dame, officially. It is going to be a hard decision between them and Tennessee. I like everything that Notre Dame has to offer academically and athletically. I also like their coaches a lot. Tennessee just feels like home to me because I have been up there a bunch. The coaches are great, the players are great. Like I said, it is going to be a hard decision. I just have to figure it out. Those two schools are pretty much it for me."

Chris is ranted a 5 Star prospect by scout.com and is listed as the #32 prospect regardless of position and the number two linebacker in the country.

To read much more on the U.S. Army All-American game, click here.