WATCH: Rashan Gary UA jersey presentation

Rashan Gary is the sixth straight No. 1-ranked player in the ESPN recruiting rankings to play in the Under Armour All-America game, and one of those past No. 1-ranked prospects, Robert Nkemdiche, played a role in Gary’s desire to play in the prestigious game.

“It’s the game I grew up watching and always wanted to play in,” Gary said. “As soon as I got the opportunity to commit to the game, I did, and that was sophomore year. I’ve been a part of it and I’ve waited so long to play in a game like this, and I can’t wait to compete.”

Gary doesn’t shy away from competition and there will be plenty of it when the top prospects hit the field in January.

He accepted his jersey at his school, Paramus Catholic (New Jersey) in front of his teammates and with his mother, Jennifer Coney, by his side. That’s a familiar spot for his mom, as the two are very close and are making the recruiting journey together.

“I call her my mom-dad,” Gary said. “When I need something she has it and If she doesn’t have it, she’ll find a way to get it. When I’m sad, she knows how to make me happy and she keeps me focused.”

The top-ranked prospect has yet to make his decision, but his mother has been an integral part in breaking down the list and keeping him focused on the outcome of his decision.

Q&A with Rashan Gary:

What players are you looking forward to competing with or against at the UA All America game?

I haven’t really looked at the roster, but I’m just ready to go out there and compete with anybody.

If you could start a team with any other player in your class who would it be?

One choice? Man. Greg Little. Everybody needs that left tackle to protect the blind side. I feel like that technique and what he has done over the past year, he has the ability to do anything he wants to. I talk to him once every two weeks to see how his season is doing and how he’s doing as a person. We have become friends.

What was your earliest football memory?

I want to say seventh grade, I didn’t know what I was doing so my coach had to teach me my stance. I played guard and defensive tackle and this isn’t a good thing, but our first scrimmage I broke someone’s rib. The running back came through and I was stuck at the line. I hit him with my shoulder and I didn’t know what I was doing so it just cracked. I felt so bad for the kid.

Which football player did you watch as a kid?

Reggie White. There’s a long list, but I liked Reggie White.

If you could take on any pro in their sport, who would it be?

LeBron James. I just want to go against the best. If we get a one-on-one game going I think I could win (laughter).

Why do you wear your number (3)?

I wear No. 3 because that’s my mom and sister’s favorite number.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

My mom hates when I sing. Nobody knows that I sing, it’s low-key. My mom hates when I sing Fetty Wap and says I’m not good at it. There’s one country song I like to sing, but I can’t remember the name.