ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Sept. 27, 2012) -- The first two 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl players accepted their jerseys Sept. 25, from U.S. Army Recruiting Command's commanding general and deputy commanding general.

USAREC CG Maj. Gen. David Mann gave the good news to Lake Highlands High School (Dallas) offensive lineman Kent Perkins while Brig. Gen. Henry Huntley visited Aloha High School in Portland, Ore., to tell running back Thomas Tyner to report to the 12th annual game in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 5.

"The U.S. Army All-American Bowl provides the Army with the opportunity to recognize top athletes across the country while engaging with American youth, enhancing the importance of leadership, education, and teamwork," said Huntley, the USAREC DCG. "U.S. Army All-American Bowl athletes possess a similar set of strengths to Army Strong Soldiers and we're proud and excited to kick-off this year's Selection Tour and welcome these outstanding students to the 2013 game."

In addition to the 90 top-ranked players selected, the Bowl also recognizes 125 of the Nation's top high school marching band and color guard members who perform during halftime during the game. The Selection Tour will continue traveling across the country through the fall recognizing each player and band member at ceremonies in their hometowns.

The 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl is live on NBC at 1 p.m., EST. Since 2001, the game has showcased the talents of hundreds of the top-ranked high school football players in the country including standouts such as Andrew Luck, Ndamukong Suh, Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez.

For more information on the Bowl visit: www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com or www.goarmy.com/aab.