It’s quite a feat to go though the grind of high school football. It takes a certain level of mental and physical toughness that not all possess.

It’s a whole other thing to join the army national guard as an 18 year old. To give of yourself for the betterment and defense of our country requires those same toughness traits plus a sense of duty, honor and selflessness.

To do both at the same time? That takes a special level of character, indeed.

And the is exactly what PVT DyQuez Edgeston of Ripley is doing.

He recently completed army combat training at Fort Leonard Wood and then spent last Friday night suited up for the Tigers.

From his recruiter, Sargent fields:

Congrats to PVT Edgeston for graduating Basic Combat Training U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood. PVT Edgeston a native from Ripley, Mississippi is a senior Ripley High School and plays Ripley Tiger Football. PVT Edgeston is a great asset to the Mississippi National Guard and also a standout player!

Salute to this young man!