Bronco Player Invited to Army All-American Game

According to Barrington head coach Joe Sanchez, senior lineman Dan Voltz was invited to play in the Army All-American game on Jan. 7, 2012, because of more than just his 6’5 290 pound athletic blocking abilities.

“Dan leads by example taking nothing for granted, and doesn’t know how to take a day off,” Sanchez said of his third year starter that anchors the offensive line.  “Those are some of the intangibles you want your younger guys seeing.”

But Voltz is mainly going to the Alamodome in Texas to play in primetime because of what he did between the sidelines.

“Dan looks to finish blocks,” said Sanchez of his lineman that can sometimes be seen delivering pancakes, blocking numerous defensive players or hustling to block on each level of the defense.  “He helps set the standard for our offensive line.”

Voltz isn’t the first Barrington football player to earn a spot on the All-American team. In 2005, Sanchez saw two Broncos make the East Squad: offensive lineman Dan Doering and defensive back Garrett Seeger. 

Both players had a chance to play with Mark Sanchez (starting quarterback for the New York Jets), DeSean Jackson (wide receiver for Philadelphia Eagles), Jamaal Charles (running back Kansas City Chiefs), Ndamukong Suh (defensive lineman Detroit Lions) just to name a few from that class.

“To see these guys up close and what they were doing in high school is amazing,” said Sanchez who saw the 2005 game in person. 

“It’s amazing when you look at the rosters from that game and the number of guys playing in the NFL now,” Sanchez said of the poster he has hanging in his classroom.  “Some of the guys (from that game) are now some of the stars of the league.”

Voltz, committed to the University of Wisconsin, will have his chance to leave his mark on the game that has seen more than 150 current NFL players participate in the game’s 10 year history. 

“It’s amazing what these athletes are blessed with,” Sanchez said of Voltz and the other All-American selections.  “They make everything look so easy.”

With Barrington set to take on Glenbard North (6-3) on Saturday Oct. 29 to kickoff the 8A IHSA playoffs, Sanchez is hoping that Voltz can continue making the difficult blocking schemes seem “easy” for a bit longer.

“I’d love to see him continue blocking for a few more weeks,” said Sanchez.

Voltz was recognized for his invitation to the 2012 U.S. Army All-American game in a special ceremony in front of Barrington High School on Tuesday, Oct. 24.