Most Valuable Player (MVP), linebacker of the year of the Offense and Defense All-American 88 team and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the U-18 United States National Team Mohamed Sanogo represents where he comes from in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After years of training, he received an invitation to play with the National team. Having every top player up against him and playing alongside him was an experience for Mohamed beyond any camp or high school game.

Mohamed was one of the 12 linebackers in the country that was able to play. They practiced for a week and played against their competition, the American team, late December of 2016. The practices consisted of drills, high level coaching and the time to connect with their temporary teammates to create unity.

“There were a lot of different guys from all over the country,” Mohamed said. “It was like a pre-requisite to college the way we had to live with other players and learn how to play with an entire new team.”

There were 88 seniors that played in the bowl, and everyone he met was from completely different backgrounds. A student from Florida that plays the same position as Mohamed became one of the guys he was able to connect with, not only on the field but also in between practices and the game.

“Tyler Dunning was another linebacker who is committed to Mississippi State and meeting him and hearing his story was enthralling,” Mohamed said. “Meeting these guys from different places and learning how they act, who they are and where they come from was cool.”

Although Mohamed met a lot of new players from across the nation, he had friends from his hometown in Dallas. Four different players that he already knew were also invited to play in the game.

“I was able to bond as a team with all the people I had known and all the strangers I met,” Mohamed said. “Our bond is what allowed us to win the game.”

Each position had players that were going to be considered for the MVP award by the end of the week. They watch how these players practice and decide who is able to lead their team and position the best. They focus on the way players perform on and off the field and how well they can adapt to this odd circumstance to see who can rise up and be the leader on the team.

“They watch you the whole week, and out of the other four guys they were considering for the linebackers, they picked me,” Mohamed said. “It was a huge honor to receive.”

The Sanogo family all went out to Atlanta, Georgia and supported their very own MVP. Although they have seen him shine while playing for the Wolves and outshining others during college camps, this was a different opportunity to see him play. Mohamed did not disappoint his family.

“Seeing my brother be successful in the sport he loves is awesome to watch,” brother Abdel Sanogo said.

Mohamed’s team won against the American team during the Offense-Defense Bowl. Less than a month later, he was able to play with a group of guys that represents USA in Orlando, Florida against Canada for the North American Championship for his second time. He was suited up in red, white and blue for the U-18 US National Team on Jan. 28 and this team finished with a blowout victory for their country. This National team took back the title from the Canadians with a score of 26-0. Mohamed won another MVP award during this game, and continued to dominate on the defense for the US.

“It was a similar experience to the All-American game with learning how to play with these guys, however, playing with USA on my jersey was more of an honor than anything else,” Mohamed said.

Mohamed is well-known for his abilities and people around him point out his drive to be excellent. He signed to University of Mississippi on Feb. 1, 2017. After a long high school football career and a rollercoaster ride of the commitment process, his family and friends are proud to see him succeed in games like the All-American 88 Senior Bowl and with the U.S. National Team in the North American Championship.

“His commitment to giving 110 percent effort, his ability to stay focused on the goal, his drive for excellence and his Texas-sized heart are all aspects of his character,” mother Jennifer Sanogo said. “Can’t wait to see him take it to the next level in college.”