Memphis University School senior quarterback Barry Brunetti, already a two-time TSSAA Mr. Football winner and AutoZone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star, will add another honor to his growing list of accolades Saturday when he suits up to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

"It feels great. Another blessing from God. It's one of the biggest honors you can get as a high-school athlete," said Brunetti, one of 90 senior standouts nationwide selected to play in the Jan. 9 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. "This is all because of my teammates. Without them and the (offensive) line, this award isn't possible.

“I wouldn't be in this game without my coaches and teammates."

Rated the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback prospect nationally by Rivals.com, Brunetti will join Olive Branch High senior offensive tackles Shon Coleman and Damien Robinson on the East team.

Coleman and Robinson were named U.S. Army All-Americans on Monday.

Brunetti, who led the Owls the their second straight Division 2-AA state title in December, accounted for 2,776 yards and 36 touchdowns this season.

"He is truly a special player," MUS coach Bobby Alston said Thursday. "Other than us not messing him up, I'm not sure there's a whole lot we've done.

"I think his commitment to change his approach to school, that's huge, because it wasn't easy. It's still not easy. No one can take credit for that except him. That was a decision he had to make personally first, to change the way he looked at school."

The 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be televised live by NBC from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Former participants include the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson, the New Orleans Saints' Reggie Bush and the Florida Gators' Tim Tebow.

-- Jason Smith: 529-5804