It was a tough decision choosing the 2nd runner-up for the High School Football Rudy Awards. In the end, the selection committee led by four-time NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl quarterback, Drew Bledsoe, decided it would be a tie. For both Kyle Wilcox of Flordia and Tray Waite of Ohio a tie for 2nd runner-up sounded great. Along with the be honored, these young athletes will share a $5,000 college scholarship.

At a young age, Wilcox, was placed in foster care after his father was incarcerated, and his mother was unable to take care of him. He was placed in the home of his Little League coach after being separated from his brother and sister.

Few people could overcome such hard times and excel the way Wilcox has. "It makes me happy that everything could work out for me," said Wilcox. He attends Armwood High School, which is known for turning out Division 1 football players. Wilcox has earned a 6.1 GPA and come year end he could be named valedictorian of his class.

At an early age, Waite's, lost his mother in a car accident, his father to incarceration, and his grandmother lost her battle to cancer. While his climb was up hill, his aunt has helped guide him through this journey. As an honor student, he attends Warren G. Harding High School and maintains a 3.8 GPA. Waite truly believes that football taught him to work hard and never give up on his dreams.

Read both Wilcox's and Waite's full inspirational stories at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com

.