Dylan Spencer was not expecting an invitation to play football in Orlando in December.

Spencer is among the top 8th grade athletes from across the country who will play in the UA Next game during the Under Armour All-America Game week in Orlando, Florida.

The latest addition to the Under Armour All-America Game, the UA Next All-America Game, will showcase the nation’s premier middle school football players. The top 8th-grade student-athletes are determined in conjunction with the Under Armour All-America Middle School Camp Series and are comprised of players who have proven their worth on the gridiron and in the classroom. These accomplished athletes represent the next generation of Under Armour All-Americans, according to the official website.

Spencer is the third student recommended by Elite Prospect Scouting.

“Don’t think you are too young to be recognized,” Matthew Joseph Jr., of Elite Prospect Scouting, said. “Spencer is that good.”

Joseph understands the dreams of playing football. He was the first one to play Division 1 in Vinton, Louisiana.

“Someone reached out to me,” Joseph said. “Now I am doing the same thing.”

While Dylan Spencer said he “had no clue it was coming,” he is excited about the invitation.

“It’s exciting,” Spencer said. “I have never been out of the state before.”

Living this close to the Louisiana border, he felt a drive to Louisiana did not count as out of state traveling, as many others living on the border would agree.

His mother, Chernita Brown, sees it as a good opportunity for Spencer.

“It’s an opportunity to see new things and meet new people,” Brown said.

Spencer plays center on the West Orange-Stark Middle School football team where he is also co-captain.

Spencer also plays on the basketball team and enjoys playing Fortnite, a video game.

“Science is pretty easy,” Spencer said when he was asked about his favorite class.

He is also on the A and B Honor Roll.

He has served the community by helping Orange Church of God with the Harvey Recovery Program.

“We gave away food, clothing and cleaning supplies,” Brown said. “He helped out big time with that.”

“I also like to help mom at her job,” Spencer said. “I pick up the trash around there.”

As transportation to Orlando falls to the family, Brown said they will host fundraisers in the near future to assist with the expense.