Pike Liberal Arts School senior C.J. Allen signed an academic/athletic scholarship with Mercer University in Macon, Georgia at the school Thursday.

Allen is an honor student at PLAS and captained the 2015 Patriots football team. He played center and linebacker for the Patriots but is being considered for the tight end and fullback positions for the Mercer Bears.

Allen, who entered PLAS in first grade, said he is honored and humbled by the opportunity to attend Mercer University and play for the Bears.

“I want to thank my family, my coaches, my teammates and teachers,” Allen said.

“They all made this day possible for me.”

Allen said he chose Mercer University because it offers the academic program that will best prepare him for his career in bio-medical engineering.

“Robotics is where my interest in bio-medial engineering started,” Allen said.

“My real interest is in the engineering of prosthetics. That’s my goal. It will take a lot of studying and several years but I’ll commit to that.”

Allen said he is looking forward to playing football at Mercer, his birthplace.

“I was born there but Troy is home,” he said.

“My scholarship is mainly academic but it includes athletics. I’m excited to be going to Mercer. This is a great opportunity for me.”

Arlton Hudson, PLAS assistant headmaster and football coach, congratulated Allen on the scholarship award.

“J.C. has reached his dream,” Hudson said.

“He has excelled in academics and athletics, playing football and basketball. This scholarship honors both achievements.”

Hudson encouraged Allen’s football teammates to “take heed” of the rewards of hard work and dedication to a goal. He challenged them to follow their dreams with the same fervor that Allen has followed his.