AKRON – Christmas will arrive a few days early for Nick Gamble this year.

On December 22 to be exact.

That’s the day that the Tippecanoe Valley senior will take part in the Blue-Grey All-American Game in Dallas.

Gamble, an offensive and defensive lineman for the Vikings, is looking forward to showcasing his skills in AT & T Stadium, the billion dollar home of the Dallas Cowboys.

“It’s a pretty cool thing,” said Gamble in a phone interview Sunday night. “I’m so excited about it.”

Gamble found out about six weeks ago that he had been selected to take part in the game. He first attended a combine in Cincinnati in late May and then went to another All-State combine in Canton, Ohio in June.

“I wanted to go to see how I compare to other players and to help me get better for my senior season,” explained Gamble about taking part in the process. “I also want to play in college and I wanted to see where I was at.”

“My dad (Mark) handed me the invitation on a Wednesday night after one of our team suppers about halfway through our season. He was all smiles. I was awe struck and surprised about it, but really happy.”

Gamble, a 6-2, 260-pounder, was a three-year starter for the Vikings. He missed his freshman year after suffering a serious knee injury during preseason two-a-day workouts.

“Nick is a great young man who really loves the game of football,” said Valley coach Jeff Shriver. “This is a great and fun opportunity for him and I know that he’s excited about it.

“Nick was a good leader for us on both the offensive and defensive lines. He was also a good leader in the weight room. He definitely has the ability to go on and play at the next level.”

Gamble, the son of Mark and Missy Gamble, credits several persons for helping him throughout his athletic career.

“My grandma (Becky Rose) was a big influence on me,” said Gamble. “She really encouraged me and was always pushing me. She passed away a couple of years ago from cancer.

“My parents and coaches Norris (Valley offensive line coach Aaron Norris) and Shriver also have really helped me.”

Gamble helped the Vikings post a 5-5 mark this fall. Valley was 8-3 in 2012 and 6-4 in 2011 and claimed a share of the Three Rivers Conference championship with Rochester both of those seasons with a 6-1 mark in league play.

Gamble, an All-TRC selection at defensive tackle this year, definitely wants to play college football. He took a visit to Tiffin University in Ohio this past weekend and is also interested in Anderson University and Carthage College.

“I’m not sure yet, but I do want to play next year,” Gamble said. “I hope some colleges see me at the game in December.”

Gamble also is very grateful for the people who are helping him raise the mine needed to make his All-Star experience possible.

“I feel really blessed to have so many family, friends and local businesses helping me,” said Gamble. “I know that I couldn’t get there without all their support.”

“I just love the game of football. It’s my passion.”