Former Lincoln standout T.J. Hoyt will showcase his talent in the 13th Annual Alabama High School Athletic Association North-South Football game on Friday night at Louis Crews Stadium on the campus of Alabama A&M at 7 p.m.

“It is really exciting to be playing with some of the best players in the state,” Hoyt said.

The North All-Stars will be looking to break a six-year losing streak against the South All-Stars.

“Both teams are going hard,” Hoyt said. “We are going to be ready to play. It’s been six or seven years since the North team has won a game.”

Hoyt’s versatility will be on display in the North-South All-Star game. Hoyt will see playing time at safety, wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back. He hopes that his versatility will impress the college coaches that will be in attendance.

“I am just trying to showcase my talent as quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback and safety,” Hoyt said. “Maybe I can impress some college coaches and they can keep their eyes on me when I graduate from JUCO.”

Since National Football Signing Day Hoyt has changed his mind on where he wants to play collegiate football. The first team All-State defensive back originally signed to Jacksonville State University, but he was able to get out of the commitment. Hoyt is now playing for East Mississippi Community College.

“I got to thinking about what’s better for my education,” Hoyt said. ”I hope this will give me a better future after college.”

Hoyt is the first player from Lincoln to play in the North- South All Star game since Doc Bradford played in 1977.

“I’m elated to be chosen to play in the North-South All-Star game,” Hoyt said. “I don’t remember anybody from Lincoln playing in this game. It is important for me to represent my hometown Lincoln and Talladega County.”

Lincoln Head coach Keith Howard does not believe that this opportunity could have happened to a better person.

“He is a great kid,” Howard said. “He was worked so hard and things are starting to pay off for him.”

Hoyt plans to do whatever it takes to help the North end the losing streak tonight.

“They can expect someone that plays hard every play,” Hoyt said. ”They can expect someone that is going to do whatever it takes to help the North win. They can expect a big hitter on defense.”

Former Lincoln defensive back Tiger Williams was also supposed to participate in the North-South All-Star football game, but he withdrew his name. The Jacksonville State signee decided to forego playing in the game since he hopes to compete for a starting spot with the Gamecocks and wants to avoid injury before the start of the season.

Hoyt and the North All-Stars will try to end the losing streak against the South All-Stars tonight at 7 p.m.