Panthers cornerback named to national U-19 football team

Colleyville Heritage cornerback Reid Harrison-Ducros has been named to the U.S. Under-19 National Football Team, it was announced recently.

Harrison-Ducros, an honorable mention all-state selection and Boise State signee, was named to the 45-member roster from across the country.

The 5-11, 175-pound senior was also one of seven Dallas/Fort Worth area players named to the national squad.

The U.S. Under-19 National Team will compete against Canada in the 2016 International Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Jan. 31 at 3 p.m.

This will be the seventh annual event between the United States and Canada.

The honor was not much of a surprise to Harrison-Ducros’ head coach at Heritage, Joe Willis.

“He’s an outstanding player,” Willis said. “He’s been four years on the varsity and all-district. He’s one of, if not the best, corners in the state of Texas.”

Willis added that the International Bowl will give Harrison-Ducros a great experience and a chance to match up with the best players and coaches from across the country in addition to being a great opportunity for Harrison-Ducros and his family.

“He has a high football IQ because he’s been around the game,” Willis said. “He has the ability to dissect a play before it ever starts, and he has natural athletic ability. His speed combined with that savvy helps him make plays and make things happen. He’s shut down some really good receivers. He’s one of the best I’ve been around.”

Harrison-Ducros also saw time on offense, where he provided big catches for the Panthers when needed.

All U.S. National teams are assembled and managed by USA Football, recognized as the sport’s national governing body by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The games are a collaboration of the sport’s national governing bodies in each country – USA Football and Football Canada – featuring top student-athletes in high school football’s biggest annual international competition.

The event will feature a week of practices and activities for each team, culminating in internationally sanctioned competitions.

Other area players selected to participate on the U.S. team include:

▪  Defensive lineman Demerick Gary of Justin F. Kimball High School

▪  Quarterback Tristen Wallace of Desoto High School

▪  Safety Michael Clark of Cedar Hill High School

▪  Offensive tackle Jean Delance of North Mesquite High School

▪  Defensive lineman Isaiah Chambers of MacArthur High School

▪  Cornerback Jared Mayden of Sachse High School

All U.S. rosters and coaching staffs are available at www.internationalbowl.com.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 3:48 PM with the headline "Panthers cornerback named to national U-19 football team."