Chad Schroeder will get on a plane Saturday and head to Kingsville, Texas to play in the Cactus Bowl, the all-star game for NCAA Division-II players.

“I guess it really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Schroeder said. “I’ve been getting a lot of complliments from a lot of people. It really won’t sink in until I get on a plane Saturday.”

Schroeder is one of only 12 players from the Gulf South Conference selected to participate in the game.

“I really didn’t expect it,” he said. “There’s so many good players in the GSC. To be selected is just a huge honor. I’ve always just worked hard and tried to help my team as best I can.”

The former Demopolis High standout helped his team this season to the tune of 1,208 all-purpose yards, and nine touchdowns.

A versatile threat who scored touchdowns receiving, rushing and returning, Schroeder humility reveals itself when he diverts all praise to those around him.

“They did a real good job of making me the best player I can be,” Schroeder said of his parents and DSU coaches. “(Former DHS coaches) Coach Goodwin and Coach Lawrence ran a good program over there and I want to thank them for that too.”

The game will be the senior’s first since he sustained a knee injury during the last contest of the regular season that caused him to miss the playoffs.

“I’ve had some minor injuries, ankle sprains and stuff like that, but nothing like this,” Schroeder said. While the knee is not yet 100 percent, he said he is comfortable playing on it in the Jan. 9 affair.

After the game, Schroeder’s future is up in the air as he faces the possibility of achieving a once distant dream.

“I’ve got a couple combines,” Schroeder said of his surprising NFL prospects. “I’ve got one in May in Atlanta.”

Schroeder, who is clocked at 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash, also has a private workout scheduled with teammates at DSU.

“I want to do it now before it’s too late,” Schroeder said of striving for his NFL goals. “I didn’t expect to talk to any NFL scouts. I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play and giving me these opportunities because without that, it wouldn’t be possible.”