On Feb 1st, Campbell High School senior Cory Hawkins signed a football scholarship with Atlanta's Mercer University which included over half of the tuition paid .

SC:  “Why did you choose Mercer University?”

Cory: “Probably because of their academics…they’re really good. When I went [to visit], I just fell in love with everything there. And Coach Lam is a good coach. He’s a great guy, he was really nice, and my dad knows him. My dad likes him and I like him.”

SC: “What other schools were after you?”

Cory: “University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offered me a preferred walk on spot. And Brevard College in North Carolina was talking to me, but they didn’t really offer anything. A couple of smaller schools…Union College, University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, and Birmingham Southern in Alabama.”

SC: “When most seniors graduate high school, they can’t wait to leave the state that they’re in. What made you stay in Georgia?”

Cory: “It wasn’t necessarily leaving the state; I just wanted to pick a college that was right for me. And I felt that’s what Mercer was.”

SC: “What does going to college mean to you?”

Cory: “A degree will definitely take me far in life. College itself is an experience and being there will teach me life lessons.”

SC: “What do you want to major in?”
Cory: “Sports Business Administration with a minor in Finance.”

SC: “Would you ever consider playing for the NFL and if so, which team would you play for?”

Cory: “If the opportunity came up, I would definitely love to play in the NFL. I would definitely have to stay here in Atlanta and play for the Falcons.”

SC: “What’s a quote that you live by?”
Cory: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”