First Baptist receiver Olsen Patt Henry named 2023 All-American, earns invite to bowl game

A Collier County football tradition is set to continue.

First Baptist Academy receiver Olsen Patt Henry, a Clemson University commit, was selected for the 2023 All-American Bowl, making him the ninth Collier County player to receive the honor.

"This is a rare opportunity that I get to showcase my talents," Henry said.

This is the third straight year a Collier County player received the honor, and the fifth time in six years.

The 6-foot-3 future Tiger was honored Wednesday with a virtual jersey presentation, part of the All-American Bowl's Road to the Dome digital series.

"It was awesome," Henry said. "It was a great time, a great moment for me and my family to get to see that."

With his selection, Henry was one of 100 high school football players from across the country that will play in the East vs. West matchup at the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock in January.

Naples defensive back Devin Moore was picked for the 2022 game and Palmetto Ridge receiver Kamonte Grimes was a 2021 selection. In 2019, Naples running back Chez Mellusi played in the game. Two locals played in the 2018 game – Gulf Coast tight end George Takacs and Golden Gate long snapper Oscar Shadley.

More: Naples defensive back Devin Moore earns invite to prestigious All-American Bowl

The Big 15: See who from Dunbar, Naples, First Baptist, Lehigh ranked No. 5 to 1 for 2022

Henry described the opportunity as a way to continue to prove what Southwest Florida can produce.

It's been a challenging time for the region in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, and Henry said his family just got power back a few days ago.

The Lions' schedule will be disrupted, but, as a senior, Henry is just trying to soak in every chance he has to play with his teammates in practices.

"As long as I'm with them, it doesn't really matter to me," he said.

Henry, who has caught 30 touchdowns in his First Baptist career, had 22 receptions for 415 yards through the first four games of this season.

Henry came in at No. 2 on The Big 15, the ranking of Southwest Florida football recruits, and was named the 2022 Male Athlete of the Year at The News-Press and Naples Daily News High School Sports Awards for his success in football and basketball.

Henry will join the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., Christian McCaffrey and Trevor Lawrence when he suits up in January. The All-American Bowl, formerly the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, has produced 533 draft picks and 16 Heisman finalists.

"It means a lot to be honest," Henry said. "It really shows that my hard work is paying off and me putting God first is also paying off."

Follow News-Press Sports Reporter Dustin Levy on Twitter: @DustinBLevy. For additional coverage of sports across Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: First Baptist's Olsen Henry earns 2023 All-American Bowl invite