TAMPA - Plant High quarterback Phillip Ely has been extended an invitation to play in the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game.

Panthers coach Robert Weiner said Ely is one of the first in the nation to receive confirmation of his spot on the final roster. Ely is expected to get his formal invitation during a ceremony in the fall.

"Obviously, it's a great honor to get an invitation to a national game and such a prestigious game," Weiner said. "Phillip is certainly deserving of that spot. I don't know anybody that's worked harder. It's great that he's receiving some individual accomplishment because he's a young man who has always had team goals."

With more than 20 Division I scholarship offers, including South Florida, Arizona State, Illinois and Purdue, Ely is one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. Last season, he improved to 19-0 as a starter in the Panthers' state title victory against Bradenton Manatee.

Ely joins a growing list of Plant participants in the Army game. Two years ago, Aaron Murray and Orson Charles took part.

In January, Plant two-way starter James Wilder Jr. was named the MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Combine for underclassmen, one of the many events leading up to the game. Wilder also has been invited to participate in the bowl game.