Will Black figured his future was in ice hockey. Football was for fun.
Instead, the Canadian who turned into a blue chip offensive tackle recruit at Wallingford (Conn.) Choate Rosemary Hall is an All-American on the gridiron.
The Notre Dame signee and No. 10 offensive tackle in the 2025 class was recently presented with his jersey for the Navy All-American Bowl, which is Jan. 11 in San Antonio.
"Growing up in Canada, I never really expected or had the idea of becoming an all-American," the 6-foot-7, 295-pound Black said. "It's a huge dream come true. Growing up playing hockey, I thought I was just going to play football for fun in high school and it really turned out differently than I expected.
"It's a crazy story and I am just blessed to be where I am. I am taking nothing for granted."
Black will head to the All-American Bowl with an open mind and eager to pick up new things from the coaches and players there.
"I am looking to learn as much as I can and play as hard as I can, and compete, and I want to see how good I am," Black said. "I think it's a good test for me before I get to college. I am really trying to get as much out of it as I can."
The step up in competition is also something Black is eager to experience. The No. 70 player and No. 1 prospect in Connecticut does not face many Division I defensive linemen during the season.
"In high school football you are not playing against the best players every game," he said. "This is a chance to see how good out are against players as good as you or better. Every snap is a battle and a good test."
Prior to the Navy All-American Bowl, Black plans to be glued in to watch Notre Dame in the college football playoff.
He committed to the Irish nearly a year ago, and he remained steadfast with his decision.
"I am super excited to watch them in the playoff," he said. "Everyone talks about how they are not in a division, they are not playing the competition other teams are but I think they are a really good team and they can show what they have and I am really excited to go there and just work for the coaches.
"I really have a good relationship with the coaches so I can't wait to be there and get developed and do whatever I can for the team."