Washington Senior Matt Farniok is being honored by the U.S. Army as one of the top 90 high school football players in the country. His family, team, and several distinguished soldiers were on hand for a ceremony at the school.

At 6’5″, 307 pounds, Warrior offensive lineman Matt Farniok barely fits this All-American jersey. He does, however, fit the mold for what the U.S. Army is looking for when it comes to its upcoming bowl game. Perfomance on the field and character off it are key.

“It was just something that I really wanted to be a part of and I’m able to be a part of it now,” Farniok said.

Farniok is the just the second Washington player to get an invite to play in the January event but he’s the first from his family of football stars.

“You know his brothers were nominated for the bowl. He always wants to one-up them. He wanted to make the bowl. I’m very proud of him,” Christine Farniok-Jones said.

It should be the first of many accolades for the talented lineman. He’s received an overwhelming amount of offers from colleges across the country. Right now, Florida State, Michigan State, Iowa, and Nebraska are his top four. The Hawkeyes and Huskers are unique in that they’ve also offered a scholarship to Matt’s sophomore brother Will.

“I stay as quiet as I can be just because I want it to be his decision. I’m sure he knows as a mom that I would love to watch both of them playing on the same field,” Christine Farniok-Jones said.

That choice will have to wait until after high school playoffs are over here in South Dakota. Washington, with Matt in the trenches, hosts Watertown Thursday night.

“Getting to the state championship, then after that, do good in the Army Bowl. Then college, then hopefully I’ll have a chance of going to the NFL. But that’s a long way away and I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Farniok said.

Farniok plans to schedule visits following the postseason. He hopes to get to know the staff at each college recruiting him and make his decision after that.