Army All-American Selection Extra Special for Chargers' Webb

The U.S. Army has always held a great significance in the life of Timber Creek Regional High School senior Greg Webb. Growing up with a mother and father who both served in the military, Webb made the rounds during his younger years. He lived in eight different locations, moving from base to base when the job called his parents to duty.

It was on those bases that Webb first picked up a football as a child, beginning the early steps toward a journey that resulted in him becoming one of the most decorated football players in South Jersey.

So Webb felt right at home Monday afternoon when he put on a jersey and donned a hat given to him by military representatives while accepting his invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl this winter.  

“I was very excited because this was the main game I wanted to get into,” Webb said. “At first, I was committed to (The) Under Armour (All-American Bowl), and I thought I might not get to play in this one. It has such rich history, plus my mom and my father are both part if the military, so I felt like this would be a home game for me.”

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is regarded as the nation’s premier high school football game, featuring 90 of the nation’s best players in an East vs. West match-up. This year’s game will be the 13th annual meeting and will be held Jan. 5, 2013, in San Antonio’s Alamodome and broadcast live on NBC.

Being selected for a game that features the top players in the nation is an incredible honor in itself, but Webb said finding out he would have the opportunity to play in the prestigious bowl game meant even more to him because of his background.

“It makes it that much sweeter because I felt like I have been in the military my whole life,” Webb said. “In a way I have, because I have been moving to different bases, been everywhere. It’s just what I am; I’m part of the Army, so I feel like this is a real honor for me.”

Webb—who has verbally committed to continue his playing career next year at the University of North Carolina—is the first player in Timber Creek history to be selected to the bowl game.

“I’d like to thank Greg for being an integral part of our success here at Timber Creek,” Chargers head coach Rob Hinson said. “I’m sure when he leaves here, the things he learned here and the things he learned from his past, before he got to us, are going to carry him pretty far in life.”

Webb first started playing football at Fort Gordon, in Augusta, GA, as a kid, but didn’t quite have the passion for the sport he does now. In 2005, his family relocated to New York and Webb decided to take up another one of his passions: boxing.

It didn’t take long before the desire to play football returned.

“I started following my love for (boxing), but then I missed football,” Webb said. “I said, ‘I’m ready to play football now.’”

A year later, Webb’s family moved to New Jersey and Webb began playing football for Pennsauken’s club team as a sixth grader.

“That’s where my love of football and playing my best really began,” Webb said.

Webb transferred to Timber Creek from Paul VI prior to his junior year and made an immediate impact on the football team. His presence on the defensive line gave the Chargers one of the stoutest run defenses and pass rushes in South Jersey. Webb finished with 94 tackles—26 for loss—nine sacks and three forced fumbles, helping the team to a Group 3 title.

Unfortunately, Webb has been unable to help his teammates out on the field this season, as an offseason surgery on his right knee has left him sidelined.

“It’s the worst,” said Webb of not playing. “I feel like I can’t do anything for the team except sit here and try to be a leader.”

Webb called his rehab progress “great,” saying he is feeling mobile, while also getting his weight down to playing shape.

Although no official timetable has been set for Webb’s return, Hinson highlighted Nov. 2 Seneca game as a likely return date. It is possible Webb could be ready to go the by Timber Creek’s game against Paul VI on Oct. 19, but with the Chargers set for a bye the next week, Nov. 2 makes the most sense, according to the coach.

While the patient approach has left Webb frustrated at times, he understands it is the right way to go. Once he returns to the field, he plans on making up for lost time.

“I’m so hungry,” he said. “I can’t wait to be back.”