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          On The Trail

          UA jersey tour: Jean Delance

          • Gerry Hamilton, ESPN Staff WriterOct 8, 2015, 05:30 PM
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            • National recruiting analyst
            • More than a decade covering recruiting, nationally and in Texas
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          WATCH: Jean Delance UA jersey presentation

          MESQUITE, Texas – Offensive tackle Jean Delance was presented with an Under Armour All America jersey on Thursday morning, in a ceremony at North Mesquite High.

          Delance, the No. 91-ranked prospect in the Class of 2016, is fully aware that his selection to the Under Armour All-America Game is more than an individual honor. He believes Thursday’s ceremony is most impactful for his school and community.

          “Knowing that I get to represent my school, community and family means a lot,” said Delance. “To be the first Under Armour All-America our of North Mesquite is a big deal, so I’m starting a tradition and hope to keep it going.”

          Not lost on the nation’s No. 8-ranked tackle is the time, effort and development on the field and in the weight room that has resulted in the climb to becoming a national recruit.

          “Shoot, a lot of people couldn’t believe it coming from where I was my freshman year playing with a bunch of these guys. They would have never thought I would get this far. They knew I would be a good player, but this is different. It’s been a great thing for our team and school,”

          With 18 Texas high school players scheduled to play in the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game, there is a sense of state pride for Delance.

          “It shows that Texas high school football really is the best in the country. Competing with Louisiana and Florida guys, hopefully it shows we are kind of the best in the country. Being able to represent my state in the Under Armour Game is an honor.”

          Seven questions with Jean Delance:

          What player are you looking forward to competing with or against in the Under Armour All-America Game?

          Definitely Kendell Jones, I want to get a couple of reps against him. He’s a tremendous big guy, so I know I will get strong competition from him and he will help prepare me for the next level.

          If you could start a team with any player in your class, who would it be and why?

          Dwayne Haskins. He’s definitely a great leader. He shows it on social media, he presents himself so well when you talk to him, even on social media. He’s a great guy and a great quarterback.

          What is your earliest football memory?

          Seventh grade to be exact. I tried a little pee-wee ball for a couple of games, but it just didn’t work out so I stopped football. I got back into it in seventh grade and I was a big guy, like 6-foot-2. I tried it them, and worked out for me.

          Which football player did you watch as a kid?

          I never had a favorite football player. I just kind of watched the sport, but never had a player I looked up to.

          If you could take on any pro in their sport, who would it be and why?

          LeBron James. He’s a seriously great competitor. He talks it, walks it and he’s one of the best. You could learn from him, and test yourself.

          What number do your wear, and why?

          I wear 74. Not too much significance, but I know there have been a lot of great linemen wear 74. I wear it to represent myself, and not anyone else that has worn it. I wear it with pride.

          What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

          That I have a tremendous soft spot for people overall. I can be a mean guy on the field, but I have a great heart for everyone.