WATCH: Mack Wilson UA jersey presentation

Linebacker Lyndell "Mack" Wilson was presented with an Under Armour All America jersey on Wednesday afternoon, in a ceremony and pep rally attended by friends, family and faculty at Carver High in Montgomery, Alabama.

The 6-foot-2, 236-pound five-star linebacker is fully aware that being selected to the Under Armour All-America Game is special considering hundreds of prospects nationally are considered annually.

“It means a lot just receive that recognition from all around the country,” said Wilson. “It’s a blessing to receive. It’s a great game to play before going to college because it will help prepare me. To practice and play against the best players in the country will help prepare me for college.”

#ESPN300 5-star LB @Iam__MW3 receives Under Armour @AllAmericaGame jersey. @UAFootball @ASPIREBeverages pic.twitter.com/rhWM54L5aF

— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) October 14, 2015

For the No. 14-ranked prospect in the class of 2016, the decision to play in the Under Armour All-America Game was about the opportunity for his school and himself to be recognized under the brightest lights.

“There have been a couple of guys like (Alabama linebacker) Shaun Dion Hamilton and (Auburn quarterback) Jeremy Johnson from Carver that played in the Army Game, but I wanted to do something different. It’s great to have our school recognized in this way. It’s big for my hometown also to be in the Under Armour Game.”

The nation's No. 1-ranked outside linebacker in the country had the same dreams as most growing up. These days, Wilson is crossing off the goals one by one.

“It’s everybody’s dream to be the best player in the state, one of the best in the country, be an All-American and play professionally. Those were my dreams. I didn’t know anything about 5-star rankings or player rankings coming into high school. I played behind a four-star player my freshman year, and that pushed me to try and be better than him one day.”

#ESPN300 5-star LB @Iam__MW3 and Carver teammates...Under Armour @AllAmericaGame ceremony. @MPSAthletics pic.twitter.com/AbcJ7y9R7G

— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) October 14, 2015

For college football fans, the big question is where Wilson will call home at the next level. While that decision will not be announced until national signing day in February of 2016, the athletic linebacker's recruitment is beginning to take shape.

“I’m still taking everything in," he said. "I released my top eight recently, but every school is still in it. I’m keeping a level head with everything. I plan to schedule my official visits soon. I’m putting them together.”

The top eight for Wilson are Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Oregon and USC.

While most consider home-state Alabama the heavy favorite, there is a chance the Crimson Tide will not receive an official visit.

“I will definitely officially visit Ohio State, Florida and LSU. I may get up to Oregon and maybe USC too,” Wilson said.

As for Florida, the Gators impressed during a recent unofficial visit to Gainesville. With that said, they aren’t the favorite.

“They aren’t my favorite. They are my top school, but I don’t have a favorite.”

When it comes to decision time, three factors will be those that decide Wilson’s recruitment.

“It will be an academic fit and a feel. A place where the players bond together and get along. A place where the coaches are more than just coaches, but an extension of family. Playing time also. I want to go in, compete and earn a starting spot my freshman year.”

The Under Armour All-America Game will be played January 2 at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, and televised live on ESPN2.