Stephen Decatur standout seeks help to play in All-American game
Throughout his high school football career, manning the middle of the Stephen Decatur defense, Ernest Shockley III has done nothing short of dominate.
In his senior season Shockley totaled 141 tackles averaging around 16 per game. That strong showing now has him set to take on some of the nation’s top talent.
“The other week I was just talking with my friends, I was like “I’d do anything to be an All-American,”, then you know a week after there I am.”
Shockley was selected above thousands of high school seniors to compete in the 20-16 Blue/Grey All-American Game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
He’s overcome academic struggles and injuries over the past few years but now Shockley it’s time for a new challenge.
Funding.
He needs $3,000 money to get him to the game.
His family set up a Go-Fund-Me account and as of Tuesday night, the page has reached a $1,615, a little over half of the Shockley family’s goal.
Ernest tells 47 ABC that if he goes it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I’ll just be giving it my all and having fun and enjoying the experience, meeting new players, making new friends that hopefully I’ll see on Saturdays too.”
Ernest says if he plays in the game, he’ll be a step closer to reaching his goal of playing at the next level.
Something that runs in the family.
Ernest’s cousin, Ben Tate, made a name for himself on the Eastern Shore before playing for the Houston Texans among other teams.
“seeing him on TV makes me thing I have the chance to do the same.” Shockley said of Tate.
His father, Ernest Shockley Jr., played professionally in the Canadian Football league following his time suiting up for the Delaware State University Hornets.
Shockley Jr. says he saw the drive and skills in his son long ago.
“Ever since he was young, he always wanted to play football,” Shockley Jr. tells 47 ABC, “he always had a little bit of a tough side to him,”
Ernest says he’s already received calls and letters from a handful of college coaches.
He says if he plays in the All-American game more would most likely follow.
The Shockley family says any money donated above the $3,000 mark will go towards helping area football players who find themselves in similar situations in the future.
You can donate to Ernest’s Go-Fund-Me page here.
