By JOE SCALZO
Vindicator sports staff
YOUNGSTOWN — John Simon is headed for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but to hear him talk, you’d almost think he’s headed for the Army.
During Monday’s press conference at Cardinal Mooney High, the senior lineman used the phrase “it’s a great honor” at least a half-dozen times, repeatedly called reporters “sir” and thanked his high school, his parents, his teammates, his coaching staff, the Army and his grandparents in a 15-second span. And his entire speech only lasted 27 seconds.
“I’m very blessed,” said Simon, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive tackle who will play for Ohio State next fall. “I’m really here because of the great teammates and the coaching staff around me.”
Simon is the first Mooney player selected for the game, which began in 2001 and annually features the top high school seniors in the country. More than 80 All-American Bowl alumni have gone on to play in the NFL, including standouts such as Vince Young (Titans), Reggie Bush (Saints) and Ted Ginn (Dolphins).
Read more in Tuesday's Vindicator.