By David Karas  Correspondent

Liam Smith might still be a high school senior, but his football career is already taking shape.

Smith, 17, an offensive tackle for Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, was recently presented with an honorary game jersey for the fifth annual U.S. Marine Corps’ Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

“It is such an honor to be named an All-American,” said Smith, a Little Silver native and parishioner in Nativity Parish, Fair Haven. “It has been a dream of mine ever since I began playing football 10 years ago, and I am just so thankful.”

Smith, who has committed to play football at Duke University, Durham, N.C., was recognized as being among the nation’s top high school football players by a third-party recruiting firm that partners with the Marine Corps to help assemble the roster for the bowl. According to the event’s website, “in addition to being among the top-rated football players in the nation,” honorees also demonstrate qualities of “character, academic performance and leadership.”

Capt. Joseph McGinnis of US Marine Recruiting Station New Jersey visited RBC for the special presentation, which was attended by Smith’s parents and family members, as well as RBC Principal Robert Abatemarco, Athletic Director Joe Montano, varsity football Coach Jim Portela, and members of the football and cheerleading teams.

“The leadership you have shown in your school and community, and the courage you have displayed in choosing a positive life path, makes you an inspiration to your hometown,” Capt. McGinnis said during the ceremony.

Smith will take the field Jan. 3, and the bowl game will be aired live on Fox Sports 1.

Beyond partnering with his distinguished teammates, Smith will also join an alumni network with some notable names. Former selections include NFL players Maxx Williams of the Baltimore Ravens, Jesse James of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Deontay Greenberry of the Seattle Seahawks. 

“I am really looking forward to representing my friends, family, and the Red Bank Catholic community on national television,” Smith said. “I have such an unbelievable support group, so many people behind me that I just want to take this opportunity to make them proud.”

Smith said that while he does not have military aspirations, he believes that the experience he takes form the game can be applied to his football career.

“There are many similar qualities that the military shares with football teams such as teamwork, discipline and accountability,” he said. “I think the things I learn will translate well and help me to be a better leader and teammate at the next level.”

In a recent interview, Smith spoke about how transformative his time at Red Bank Catholic has been.

“I am challenged athletically and academically every day, which helps me strive to be the best student athlete I can be and reach my potential on and off the field,” he said. “But the best thing about my RBC experience has been the relationships I have built with so many teachers and students over the years. I am surrounded by such an amazing group of people that have helped me discover what kind of person and follower of Christ I want to be.”

He described his teammates on the football team as members of “a 60-person family,” and reflected on the bonds that they have developed.

“We all share a common goal and you have to work for the person next to you, because you don't want to let them down,” he shared. “And when you can come together as a team and win football games it is the best feeling in the world.”

He also expressed his hopes for the future as he continues playing.

“I am hoping the experience I have at Duke can be similar to the one I've had at Red Bank Catholic,” he said.