Ryan Wheaton on Academic All-American Team

JuniorRank is very proud to announce that Ryan Wheaton, of Hillsborough, will be participating in the 2013 Junior Academic All-American Game on Jan. 4th at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Ryan, 12, is a Varsity Jr. Raider football player and played in the YST State Game in Bridgewater this year, on the South Team.

"That's how this all came about," Ryan's father, Rob Wheaton, said. "He has a solid 3.4 average at Hillsborough Middle School—this is an academic endorsement more than anything as far as I am concerned."

Wheaton also credited the "entire Hillsborough Jr. Raiders Varsity football coaching staff and team for giving him the chance and helping him throughout the season."  

JuniorRank seeks to "cultivate the next generation of college football athletes," with scouts across the country looking for talented football players who also demonstrate character and integrity and tapped Ryan, a player for the Jr. Raiders, because of his success on and off the field.

Ryan will be showcasing his talents along with the very top junior high school student athletes around the country. This honor is distinctive because no other youth game in the country has an academic and character related requirement for All-American selection.

“The Junior Academic All-American Game is about much more than being able to play football at a high level, these guys are the best in the country at their age and positions but more importantly, they are the best in the classroom and young leaders in their community," JuniorRank CEO ShaonBerry said. "When football is all done some day and that day comes for everybody that plays, those additional character traits and achievements that we require for participation are the things that will remain well after the sport and the things that we believe, truly matter.” 

Each Junior All-American game, one for ages 14 and under and one for ages 13 and under, will be an East vs. West format coached by former NFL coaches and players.  The 2013 rosters are requested by and submitted to colleges and universities around the country and go directly to renowned recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the five most influential people in all of college football.

You can help Ryan attend the game—stop by Sal's Pizza after 3 p.m. on Dec. 12 and mention his name. The restuarant will donate a portion of the sales to help fund Ryan's trip. Other sponsors for Ryan's appearance in the California game are welcomed— e-mail Rob Wheaton to discuss possible scholarships or sponsorships.