Five-star defensive tackle Benito Jones was presented with an Under Armour All-America jersey on Thursday morning in a ceremony presented by American Family Insurance, and pep rally attended by friends, family and members of the Wayne County High faculty.

For Jones, an Ole Miss commitment, the opportunity to play on the biggest stage for a high school football player is meaningful.

“It’s an honor to be in the biggest high school football game in the country,” said Jones. “People always told me when I was in junior high that if I kept doing what I was doing on the field, I would be playing on TV one day. I kept battling and kept working to make sure I got to where I am today.”

Jones is an Under Armour All-America Game first for Wayne County High. The chance to represent his hometown is not lost on the ultra-quick defensive lineman.

“It means a lot. I’m very blessed to be the first one from my school to play in the Under Armour game. To be the first from my hometown to make the game and get to represent the community means a lot,”

Jones, the No. 11-ranked prospect overall in the class of 2016, committed to Ole Miss in August of 2014 and hasn’t looked back.

“I like playing for my state, and I like the atmosphere at Ole Miss. I like the way they do things. The coaches are straight up with you, and I like that,”

Five questions with Benito Jones:

What player are you looking forward to competing with or against in the Under Armour All-America Game?

I really just want to compete with everyone. I would probably like to go up against Greg Little if we match up.

What is your earliest football memory?

I didn’t really used to like to play football. I liked to hunt. I was in pee-wee in the playoffs and I got a sack, but I broke the little boy's leg. I wanted to quit, but my coaches told me that injuries are part of football and I can’t let that make me quit.

Which football player did you watch as a kid?

I liked Ray Lewis. I just like the way he played the game of football.

If you could take on any pro in their sport, who would it be and why?

Ndamukong Suh. We play the same position. I know he is way ahead of me and bigger than me because I’m younger, but I would like to see how I could compete with him. I wouldn’t back down.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m just a good guy. I’m goofy and I stay to myself a lot.