Cornerback Shyheim Carter was presented with an Under Armour All America jersey on Monday afternoon in a ceremony sponsored by American Family Insurance, attended by friends, family and teammates at Kentwood High in Kentwood, Louisiana.
The No. 41-ranked prospect in the class of 2016 was ecstatic about the selection.
“It means everything to me,” said Carter. “I have always wanted to play in the Under Armour All-America Game. I can’t wait to play in the game. It’s a dream come true.”
Congrats to #ESPN300 CB @sc5era_ on receiving his Under Armour @AllAmericaGame jersey today. @UAFootball pic.twitter.com/wyF5DlfZ02
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) November 9, 2015Carter is an Under Armour All-America Game first for Kentwood High. The small-town gridiron hero is using the opportunities in front of him to make sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes of many from his hometown.
“It means a lot to me, the school and community to be an Under Armour All-America," Carter said. "I’m just trying to do the opposite of what most people do around here.”
Carter, a former Alabama commitment, has had dreams of being playing college football and being an All-American for many years. Those dreams have fueled him on the field.
“I don’t have a point when I realized this would all happen for me. I always dreamed of things like this and being a college football player since the fourth grade. My main dream was being a college player. These opportunities mean everything to me.”
Carter took in the Alabama vs. LSU game Saturday in Tuscaloosa in what was an “amazing” atmosphere. While many have Ole Miss and Alabama pegged as what the ultimate decision will come down to, the talented athlete isn’t ready to say that.
“I will not go on any official visits until after my season is over," Carter said. "I’m considering about seven to 10 schools. I really like Alabama, Oregon, USC, Michigan and Ole Miss, but also some others. It’s going to come down to comfort at the schools and with the coaches.”
The 2016 Under Armour All-America Game will be played Jan. 2 at the Citrus Bowl. The game will be televised on ESPN2, while practices will be televised on ESPNU.