FLINT, MI – Homecoming week at Flint Southwestern Classical Academy attracted a surprise visitor.

What was supposed to be a secret turned into anticipation as students lingered around the gymnasium on the lookout for one of the school's most recognizable faces.

"Is that him?" a group of cheerleaders waited by the back door.

Little did they know, Alabama's only Heisman Trophy winner had to stop at his favorite restaurant, Big John's Steak & Onion, for lunch before he hit his high school alma mater.

Causing all sorts of excitement, Ingram crashed Southwestern's pep rally on Friday, Oct. 10, in a white Russell Athletic hoody and Air Jordan sneakers.

Ingram's appearance was set up through his sponsorship with Russell Athletic, through which he donated gear for the baseball, softball, soccer, cross country, basketball and track teams at Southwestern.

Northwestern's football team was also the recipient of new home and away uniforms on behalf of Ingram's endorsement deal.

The only reason Southwestern's football team didn't receive new jerseys is because they previously purchased Rawlings uniforms before Ingram decided to lend a helping hand, but that may change.

"He used his entire product allotment this year that he gets contractually for him to use for whatever and he chose to give back to his school, the he grew up in and made an impact on his life," said Laura McCaslin, sports marketing manager at Russell Athletic.

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Ingram spent much of his Friday afternoon offering advice to the Southwestern students, catching up with fans, taking pictures and reliving the high school days -- the time when his fame began.

When senior basketball player Neshua Wise changed into his Russell Athletic Southwestern basketball jersey, Ingram complemented him on how nice it looked and asked for a photo immediately.

Wise won't ever forget that encounter.

"Just to know that he's got our backs, I'm going into this season ready to kill, just like he does in football," Wise said. "It's a blessing to meet a pro athlete and just for him to come back to the community and help. I'm thankful that he donated some jerseys because we really needed them."

Ingram's high school buddies Deon Smith and JaNel Jamerson showed up to support, Southwestern's varsity football coach Chane Clingman introduced his players to Ingram, and he motivated several of the track runners such as Jonathan Fife and Mildrenae Young.

"I'm going to keep my eye out on you," Ingram told senior running back JohnAnthony Fulgram.

An entire wall is dedicated to Ingram's career in Southwestern Athletic Director Jamie Foster's office that is labeled as "Mark's Corner." Vintage newspaper clippings and photos documenting his career from high school to the pros are posted in the corner to honor the NFL player.

Each piece brought up amazing memories for the strong running back.

He pointed at the articles, still amazed by what he was able to accomplish. Ingram transferred to Southwestern from Grand Blanc midway through his junior year and graduated in 2008.

He ran track and played football and still credits Southwestern for what he was able to do and why he was able to attract an offer from Alabama.

"Coming here is a big stepping stone as far as why I'm able to be where I am today," Ingram said of Southwestern. "(My favorite moment) was definitely going back to Grand Blanc and winning that game and going against my former high school team, so it was definitely fun to win on their turf."

Whether Ingram will attend Southwestern's homecoming game versus Flint Powers Catholic Friday at 7 p.m. was up in the air, but he was happy to be in a position to give back. The Knights are off to their best football start since 2006, with a 3-3 record.

Ingram vowed that his Southwestern appearance wasn't a publicity stunt to look good for the news.

He said he genuinely cares about the city.

"I feel like these kids have been working hard and they deserve to reap the benefits of some of that," Ingram said. "I'm proud to be able to be able to give back and make them a little more fresh out there. Everybody knows that's what it's all about."