Northern Michigan University’s Jake Witt jogs off the field during a Wildcats’ game played in the Superior Dome in Marquette. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

MARQUETTE — If not figuratively, then at least literally, just about every player at the Upper Peninsula Football All-Star Game on Saturday can look up to the celebrity who will conduct the ceremonial coin toss early Saturday afternoon in the Superior Dome in Marquette.

That’s because it will be the U.P.’s own Jake Witt, a former Northern Michigan University star who was selected in the NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts less than two months ago.

Many players dream of playing in the pro ranks, but even for those who don’t, they will probably crane their necks to look up at the 6-foot-7, 302-pound Ewen-Trout Creek High School graduate.

Witt will be out there just before the 1 p.m. opening kickoff of the 16th annual game for a game that includes 77 players and 14 coaches from all over the U.P.

Witt, a native of Bruce Crossing, actually played in the 2018 edition of this game and will also be on hand for tonight’s Youth Football Camp to be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the dome.

“Being from a small town in the U.P. is not a barrier, it’s a blessing,” Witt said in a news release about his visit during All-Star week. “No matter how big your dreams are, you can achieve it from here.

“Five years ago I played in this game and chose to play basketball at Michigan Tech instead of football. I transferred to NMU as a student and went out for the football team as a walk-on. Now I’m coming back to the game as an NFL Draft pick.

“Anything is possible for these players.”

Game organizer Todd Goldbeck is thrilled to have such a high-profile U.P. player on hand.

“Jake is setting a great example for our players and youth campers by coming back and giving back,” Goldbeck said in news release. “That’s what this game is all about.”

Tonight’s youth camp doesn’t require advanced registration, though a $5 donation is suggested.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are $7 per person and available at the NMU Tickets website.

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MEDIA DAY TUESDAY

Players and coaches concluded their second day of all All-Star week with Media Day on Tuesday night in the dome following a pair of practices in the morning and afternoon.

One change for players in the all-star game will be the introduction of motion to the offense, which was first implemented just a few years ago, opening up opportunities for offensive players and opportunities for headaches for the defenses.

Wednesday was scheduled as the Skills Challenges, including fastest man, strongest man, quarterback and receiver challenge and punting and kicking.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.