The honors and accolades continue to pour in for Shaq Thompson in what has been a whirlwind football season of performance, recruiting and expectations.

The Grant High School senior and college recruiting focal point has been named one of six finalists for the 2012 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award, it was announced Wednesday.

Should Thompson win the award, it would mark the second consecutive season an area player earned National Player of the Year honors and just the third time ever.

Folsom quarterback Dano Graves was the MaxPreps National Player of the Year last fall after setting passing and scoring records and leading the Bulldogs to a state Division II championship. Cordova tailback Kevin Willhite in 1981 was named National Player of the Year by several publications, including Parade Magazine.

The winner of the annual U.S. Army award, given to the nation's most outstanding high school senior football player, will be announced at a banquet Jan. 6 in San Antonio, the weekend of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in which Thompson will play.

The other nominees:

• Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Our Lady of Good Counsel High, Olney, Md.

• Wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, Hillcrest High, Springfield, Mo.

• Defensive back Tracy Howard, Miramar (Fla.) High.

• Offensive lineman D.J. Humphries, Mallard Creek High, Charlotte, N.C.

• Defensive back T.J. Yeldon, Daphne (Ala.) High.

"These players possess leadership, dedication and strengths similar to Army Strong soldiers. Being named a finalist for this award only underscores their talents," said John Myers, Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command, in a release. "These players are outstanding athletes. We congratulate them on their nomination and are proud to have them wear the Army colors."

Injuries to teammates forced Thompson to play numerous positions for Grant. He was a tailback early, then switched to quarterback when starter Terry Shine was hurt. Thompson also played safety, punted and returned kicks.

"He's just a great player and a great kid who really represents our school and community," Grant coach Mike Alberghini said.

Rated the No. 1 recruit in California by MaxPreps and No. 5 in the nation, Thompson has yet to pick a college.

He has had recruiting trips to Washington, Notre Dame, Cal and Arizona State, and has said he wants to play safety in college.

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