Spesard Carroll senior Carson Spesard is one of 24 high school student-athletes who will be honored Sunday by the Indianapolis Colts as Indiana High School Academic All- Stars. They will meet in the morning with Colts President Bill Polian and be guests at the Colts-Detroit Lions game (kickoff at 1 p.m.).

The Colts, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) have worked together for the past 10 years to present this annual award to the top student-athletes at each position.

This year, the IFCA polled high school head coaches around the state, and the coaches tabbed approximately 90 players who ranked in the top five percent of their respective classes. The IFCA selection committee narrowed the list to 24 winners. Eighteen of the 24 honorees are either class valedictorian (14) or salutatorian (four). All of the 10 high school regions throughout the state have an award-winner, and each of the state's five classes is represented on the all-star team.

Spesard had not played football since junior high when he decided this year he wanted to play. He said he was tired of watching the game and his friends from the stands.

"And I thought it would be a good experience," he added.

"Carson excelled on the field for us this year," said his coach and nominator, Steve Keown. "Carson had 400 yards receiving and 54-55 tackles. We're really proud of him. He puts academics first and then works hard to achieve on the athletic field, too. He's an outstanding student-athlete."

Spesard is currently ranked number one in his class at Carroll.

"Carson is a very gifted and talented three sport athlete," commented Carroll Athletic Director Shaun Rose. "His ability to perform at such a high level athletically and remain at the top of his class with a 4.163 GPA is remarkable. His academic and athletic success speaks volume of his work ethic and character."

Spesard and the 23 other student-athletes will be presented during Sunday's game. They will each receive a 2008 Indiana High School Academic All- Stars award.

"On behalf of Jim Irsay and the Irsay family, and with deep appreciation for the IHSAA and IFCA, the Colts are pleased to honor 24 outstanding football players who represent their families and schools in an outstanding manner," said Polian. "The dedication it takes to be an excellent achiever in the classroom and on the playing field is something that goes unnoticed too often," said Polian. "This award honors those young men who carry themselves with dignity, integrity and a sense of purpose. They, like many other students, possess the values cherished in young adults. We are pleased to identify these individuals, and it will be an honor to recognize them on our playing field this Sunday."

Spesard was selected on the offense at the wide receiver position. He is the second Carroll player to earn the honor; the first was Eric Barnard.

Spesard said he was given four tickets for Sunday's game and will be accompanied by his parents, Lonnie and Jennifer Spesard, and brother, Aaron.

His future plans are undecided. He has been accepted at both Purdue and Butler universities.

"I just have to make a decision," he said.

If he chooses Purdue, he will study engineering, and if he chooses Butler, he will study business.