Lombard picked for Army All-American Bowl

Offensive linemen such as Fremd senior Christian Lombard are accustomed to being out of the limelight given to quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and linebackers.

So, the 6-foot-6, 295-pound Lombard admitted he was a little out of his comfort zone as the focal point Thursday afternoon in the Fremd gymnasium.

But it wasn't so bad considering the reason the Notre Dame-bound Lombard was the center of attention. His selection to play in the 10th annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl was officially announced in a jersey-presentation ceremony in Palatine.

"It's a big honor and I've been watching that game since I was young," said Lombard, who attended the U.S. Army national combine for some of the nation's top underclass football players. "I never thought I would be at this point but I've worked hard for it and here it is."

Lombard, who is rated as the 30th-best player in the country by recruiting expert Tom Lemming, is one of 90 of the country's top high school players chosen for the game. It will be played at noon Jan. 9, 2010 at the Alamodome in San Antonio and will be televised live on NBC.

"You get to prove yourself on the field with everyone going up against the top talent (in the country)," Lombard said.

"You get to see how you stand up against those guys."

Fremd coach Mike Donatucci said Lombard stacks up with the best transcend any eye test.

"With ability comes responsibility and the important thing is Christian has accepted responsibility," Donatucci said during the ceremony. "He's dared to be great.

"Not once has he asked for any specific privileges and said, "I'm 6-foot-6, 295 pounds or I'm Christian Lombard. He's one of us and we'll be watching you for a long time."