Thompson quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa couldn't stop smiling, as teammates, teachers and even Alabaster Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers wanted a photo with the star quarterback.

The Alabama quarterback commit received his jersey for the 2019 All-American Bowl -- formerly known as the U.S. Army All-American Bowl -- during a ceremony at Thompson today.

"It's a blessing for God," the Thompson senior said. "It's an award for all of us, our whole team and the school, the team and all that."

For Taulia, the shadow cast by his brother, Alabama starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, remains omnipresent, even today.

While introducing Taulia and recounting his high school career, an All-American Bowl representative pointed out Tua played in the same all-star game a few years ago.

That's life for Taulia, as Tua has emerged as the Heisman Trophy front-runner and has led Alabama ranked No. 1 while averaging a nation's-best 53.1 points per game. Winning and winning big at Alabama has made Tua an even bigger celebrity than he was after leading Alabama in last year's national championship game comeback.

Taulia seems comfortable in the spotlight at Thompson and in his brother's shadow.

"It's great," Taulia said. "I feel blessed and lucky, because not too many younger brothers can say they have an older brother who goes to Alabama and he's doing all these great things. Also, it motivates me to be better. I can learn a lot of new things from him. ... It's just been a blessing."

Taulia has completed 192-of-296 passes for 2,693 yards and 26 touchdowns against four interceptions in seven games this season for Thompson (6-1). He's also run for two touchdowns.

Tua is 88-for-123 passing for 1,790 yards, with 21 touchdowns and no interceptions, in seven games for the Crimson Tide (7-0). He also has two TD runs.

So, who's having the better season?

"Well, they're undefeated, so you have to give it to him," Taulia said.

Taulia thanked everyone he could think of -- his parents, teammates, Thompson coach Mark Freeman and his sisters -- during short remarks during today's ceremony, adding "we've got business to finish."

He later confirmed he was referring to winning the Class 7A state title.

"I wouldn't want to do it with another bunch of kids," Taulia said. "These are my brothers. We grind together. We know God has a plan for us, and whatever his plan is, we're going to do it to best of our abilities."

Thompson (6-1) plays at Mountain Brook (7-0) on Friday.

The All-American Game, presented by American General, is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 5, in San Antonio. The game will be televised by NBC.