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U.S. Army All-American Bowl appearance suits St. Viator's Kmet

St. Viator senior tight end and Notre Dame recruit Cole Kmet formally received his jersey for the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl during a ceremony in Cahill Gymnasium on Wednesday.

Kmet is one of 90 top high school players from across the country - and one of only two from Illinois - selected to play in the prestigious high school showdown, which takes place Jan. 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

In addition, Kmet is the first St. Viator player to be selected for the game, and it puts him in rare company. Since the game's inception in 2001, more than 300 of its selections have been drafted into the NFL, including 77 first-rounders and one top overall pick, Andrew Luck.

"It takes a special person to be a soldier, just as it takes a special athlete to be selected as a U.S. Army All-American," said Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Geber, who presented Kmet with his jersey and helmet for the game. "Only the most capable can wear the colors of the U.S. Army."

In accepting his bowl gear, Kmet thanked the Army brass on hand, "for supporting high school football," as well as his teammates, coaches and family.

"It is an honor to represent my school and my teammates in the U.S. Army All American Bowl," Kmet said.

Two former high school standouts who played in this bowl game have been Heisman Trophy winners - Tim Tebow in 2007 and Derrick Henry in 2015.

"This is a tremendous honor for a young man who is both a skilled football player and also a committed, team-oriented individual," said St. Viator football coach Dave Archibald, in a news release. "It reflects Cole's years of hard work and his drive to take his natural physical abilities and maximize his potential."

Kmet comes from a football family. His father Frank Kmet was a defensive standout at Hersey before being recruited to play at Purdue and eventually the Bears.

"Cole will represent St. Viator High School well," Archibald added, "as well as the East Suburban Catholic Conference and the state of Illinois at this premiere high school All-American game in January."

  St. Viator standout tight end Cole Kmet, who has earned a roster spot in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, holds a jersey while standing with Army Capt. Joshua Frye, left, and Staff Sgt. Christopher Spain. Kmet has already committed to play at Notre Dame. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  St. Viator standout tight end Cole Kmet, who has earned a roster spot in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, stands with his coach, Dave Archibald, following an announcement ceremony Wednesday. Kmet has already committed to play at Notre Dame. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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