Photo by Steve Dachman

Corey Waller has been one of the most impressive young athletes on a very young, talented Poly defense this year.  He’s a defensive end with a motor, pretty good technique, and a nasty streak—looks like we’re not the only ones who noticed.  We received an email from the US Army a few days ago, letting us know that Waller is one of an elite group of underclassmen who will participate in the Army National Combine before the All-American Bowl being televised January 9th.

The combine will take place from January 7-9, as part of the buildup to the big game—we’ll let you know how Waller does.

Here’s the full release:

Corey Waller of Long Beach Polytechnic High School (Long Beach, Calif.) has been selected to participate in the 2010 U.S. Army National Combine, joining an elite group of the nation’s best underclass student-athletes. The Combine will take place on January 7-9, 2010, during “Bowl Week”—the week-long festivities leading up to the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The annual classic East vs. West match-up will be televised live on NBC at 1:00 PM EST and will feature the nation’s top 90 high school football players.

Modeled after the NFL combine, all combine tests and competitive drills will take place in the Alamodome. Athletes will receive apparel and gear at the event. In addition, athletes will receive lunch, bus transportation, and a ticket to attend the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

U.S. Army National Combine alumni include: Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins), Donte Whitner (Buffalo Bills), Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs), Tim Tebow (Florida), Colt McCoy (Texas), Matt Stafford (Detroit Lions), Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore Ravens), Myron Rolle (Florida State), Derrick Williams (Detroit Lions) and Armando Allen (Notre Dame)

For 10 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, and Terrelle Pryor all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans.  Last year the U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew more than 32,000 fans to the game at the Alamodome along with being the most watched sporting event on television over the weekend, besides the NFL Playoffs. Last spring, eight alumni of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.