Saint senior gets All-American Game invite
Published 8:43 pm Thursday, December 9, 2010
Domonique Lennon has been working hard, even in the weeks just after the end of the football season, as he prepares to make the jump from Nansemond-Suffolk to East Carolina.
He got a little extra motivation for the next couple weeks when he was invited to Maxxscout’s Battle at the Beach event and All-American Game from Dec. 27-31 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
“I always wanted to play in an All-American game but I thought it might be out of my reach,” Lennon said.
Lennon played all over the field for the Saints during the last two seasons, including in NSA’s 2009 state championship. He’s primarily been a quarterback, safety and punt returner. Heading to the collegiate level, Lennon’s focusing on the defensive side.
Mike O’Leary of Maxxscout called and got in touch with Lennon by Facebook to give him the invite to Daytona Beach.
The week includes a combine for the prospects, although many of the seniors have already committed to college programs, such as Lennon, who verbally committed to a scholarship offer from ECU as a junior.
“It’s all seniors, top-ranked guys in the nation, and they’re bringing us all together and just have us play some football,” Lennon said. “Some guys have committed, others haven’t, and some of them might commit while they’re there.
The Battle at the Beach includes AAU football and cheerleading championships and a girls’ flag football national championship.
The rising college players have a few days of practice and the combine before their game on Dec. 31.
“I’ve been lifting weights anyway. Now I’m going a little more intense on my footwork,” Lennon said. “I’m looking forward to playing versus bigger, faster guys all over the field.”
“Everyone’s going to be big, fast and physical. It’s going to be a lot like it’ll be in college, not as disciplined probably, but it’s the same guys,” Lennon said.
“This is a great opportunity to find out how I can stand out when all the guys are as or more talented than I am,” he said.
Aside from working and playing on the field, there won’t be much time for anything else. The Maxxscout Web site says “New Year’s Eve events” and “a special NASCAR opportunity” for the participants are slated. The players will stay at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.
“Everything with where we stay to the food is paid for, so if nothing else, we’re going to eat well,” Lennon said.
“I’m going to go hard on every play. I can’t take plays off because this is a chance to shine,” Lennon said.