GLENDALE, Ariz. - U.S. Marine Corps Captains Matthew Browning and Jeffrey Arroyo, of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Phoenix, presented a Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl jersey to Qualen Cunningham, defensive end for Hamilton High School of Chandler Ariz., during halftime of the sold out Houston Texans versus the Arizona Cardinals football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Nov. 10, 2013.
Cunningham, a 16-year-old senior, was selected as a Semper Fi All-American for his dedication in the classroom, the community and on the gridiron.
“To be selected and to be able to play in this game, it’s a great feeling,” said Cunningham, who has an uncle who was a Marine. “It’s always been great to catch in on a story he’s had about his days in the Marine Corps.”
Regarding his young age, the 6-foot-3 and 220 pound Cunningham, said he has always been the youngest on the team since taking a placement test in the first grade. He imagines he will be at the Semper Fi Bowl as well.
Cunningham, committed to Texas A&M University, tied the single season school sack record with 17 for the 9-2 Hamilton Huskies last week and he’ll look to break the record this week versus Pinnacle High School of Phoenix in the second round state-playoff matchup, Nov. 15, 2013.
The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will be played at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., Jan. 5, 2014, and will air live on Fox Sports 1 at 9 p.m. EST/6p.m. PST.