Barksdale receives?U.S. Army All-American jersey

By Myra Bean
South?Panola senior running back Darius “Tig” Barksdale joined an elite group Friday morning.

He officially received his invitation to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on January 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Before his parents, grandmother, teammates, coaches, teachers and media, Barksdale was presented his jersey.

“All I want to do is thank my offensive line, coaches, teammates, parents and God because without them I would not be here today,” Barksdale said. “That’s all I want to say.”

Tiger head coach Lance Pogue said this was a great opportunity for Barksdale and he deserved it.

Barksdale follows in the footsteps of former teammates Derek Pegues and Chris Strong, who also played in the game.

On hand to witness the event were Barksdale’s parents Teresa and Raymond Barksdale and his grandmother, Cora Barksdale.

Barksdale has also been chosen to participate in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star game on December 17 in Mobile, Ala.

He will be joined by teammates Terrance Pope and Quinn Sanford.

Pope and Sanford both said they were surprised to be chosen to play in this game of top athletes in the state of Mississippi.

The game was changed from its original ?June date just as the new school year began.

For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game, go to http://www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com.//

The game will be televised live on NBC.