Lakes' Dozier, Banner Invited to Play In Prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Cedric Dozier can throw and haul in passes, and he's one of the leaders marching the Lakes Lancers football team to an 8-0 record with an achievable goal of winning a 3A state championship.

But standing in the school’s Performing Arts Center on Friday morning, the senior was clearly a bit out of sorts.

In front of their families, peers and teachers, Dozier and fellow senior Zach Banner were formally invited to play in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

The Jan. 7 game, which will be televised on NBC at 10 a.m. PST, showcases the top football prospects across the U.S. Only 90 of the nation’s millions of high-school football players are invited to play in the game, which pits East against West.

“I’m very overwhelmed right now,” Dozier admitted as he stepped to the microphone to the sound of loud cheers. “It’s been a long path.”

He continued, “In small towns, dreams don’t always come true, but today, they do.”

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Dozier has been the Lancers’ starting quarterback this season as well as wide receiver and defensive back. He made a verbal commitment to California earlier this month. He also held offers from Oregon, Washington, Arizona State and others.

In addition to thanking his family, Dozier said that his friends have been instrumental to his success.

“Without (them) having my back, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “You always need people to lean on.”

Banner credited God, his family and friends and the Lakes community for his accomplishments.

“You guys really supported me in school,” he said. “Everyone here – I love you guys.”

The 6-foot-9, 305-pound Banner, who plays offensive tackle, holds scholarship offers from 20 schools including USC, Notre Dame, Florida State and LSU. He is ranked No. 38 on Rivals.com’s Top 100 Prospects list.

He also thanked Lakes’ football and basketball teams for “accepting me as family.”

“I really appreciate it, and I couldn’t do this without you guys,” he said. “I’m here because of you all.”

The Selection Tour visits high schools across the country to present invitees with game jerseys and honor their accomplishments.

“This is a unique celebration of American youth and American soldiers,” said Master of Ceremonies Rudy Aguilar. “The dedication, determination and teamwork they display will help them excel in school and life.”

Staff Sgt. Craig Smalls, who presented the duo with their jerseys, said that the Army forges a unique strength in its soldiers — emotional, mental and physical — that they use every day.

“It takes a special person to be a soldier, just as it takes a special athlete to be selected to the All-American Bowl,” he said.

Also Friday, Lakes head coach Dave Miller was invited to attend the U.S. Army Coaches Academy, an elite three-day experience featuring NFL and NCAA coaches, and attend game-week activities.

“It is truly a great time to be a Lancer,” he said. “I feel like on a daily basis, I get to interact with 1,200 All-Americans.”

More than 175 former Army All-Americans are playing in the NFL today, including at least four-dozen first-round picks. Among them are Zach Miller of the Seattle Seahawks, Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions and Reggie Bush of the Miami Dolphins.