When
Ben Hughes got the invitation, he thought it was for someone else.
Ben Hughes
Courtesy USA Football
The 6-foot-2, 310-pound offensive lineman from
University (Waco, Texas) was asked to represent his country for Team USA's U-19 football in the fourth annual International Bowl against the World team at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex.
The game will be televised live on CBS Sports Network starting at 8 p.m. (CT).
"I thought, do they have the right person," he said. "Don't they remember I got hurt?"
Hughes hurt his knee in a couple of areas in an Oct. 9 game against Waco High and never played the rest of the season.
"Once I realized the invitation was for real, I told myself I had one last high school game as a senior," he said.
The Oklahoma-commit said he's going to make the most of it, though it won't be easy. The World team, which defeated USA last season, tends to use a little older and stronger kids. USA needs to rely on speed and skill.
But the size of USA might be able to match up with the World this season.
Deric Robertson
Courtesy USA Football
"I don't care how big they are, I'm just very, very happy to be representing my country in this game," he said.
Hughes is also thrilled to have a college scholarship secured. He is one of three Oklahoma State-bound players in the game. The others are defensive back
Deric Robertson (
Killeen, Texas) and offensive lineman Jack Kurzu (Mary Institute Country Day, St. Louis).
"Deric is flat out a great person and has outstanding potential," Hughes said of Roberson. "He's also a little crazy. Jack is one of the best offensive linemen I know. He's a real good person."
See the USA team roster and more on the International Bowl and USA Football.
