teen spotlight
notable
Signed with Vanderbilt University to play college football.
his story
CJ Duncan has always dreamed of playing football in the SEC,
and his dream is becoming a reality. On Feb. 6, the Saint James
School quarterback officially signed with Vanderbilt University,
trading in his Trojans jersey for a Commodores’.
“I remember when we’d go to watch college football games,
I could picture myself out there,” he said, “but now it’s actually
going to happen. It’s a pretty cool feeling.” His full four-year
scholarship includes tuition, room and board and other relevant
expenses during his college career.
A formal signing ceremony at St. James brought together his
family members, friends and fellow classmates to celebrate and
also to commemorate a significant milestone for St. James, as CJ
is the school’s first football player to sign with a Division I school.
hitting the books
The soon-to-be graduate chose to play for the Commodores not
only to advance his athletic career, but also his education. “It’s
an SEC school and that can help in moving along in the sports
world,” CJ said, “and the quality of a Vanderbilt education had a
lot to do with it as well.”
moving on up
And as for the leap from high school to college, CJ is thankful
to have a great coaching staff there to help him adjust. “All the
Vandy coaches were great. I had a good vibe with all of them,” he
said. “They are going to push me and take care of me.”
in his heart
“I’ve always dreamed of playing football in the SEC.” CJ hopes to
become an attorney after college.
cj duncan
parents’ perspective
www.potentialmagazine.com
Bryan ca
“Support your kids’
dreams. Help them
remain grounded,
focus and keep
God first.”
rter
parent
to parent
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For CJ’s parents, Helena and Clarence Duncan, it’s not
necessarily their son’s advancement to playing football on
the collegiate level they’re most proud of, but his determination to get there.
“CJ set his sight early in his life on playing football in
the SEC,” Helena said. ”He has worked extremely hard
over the years, putting the time and commitment in to get
to this moment.” The couple say it’s his commitment, not his accomplishments, that makes them the most proud.
The Duncans have tried to set an example for their boys in
committing to what they do and putting in the work required to
get where you want to be. CJ said growing up with such hardworking parents has been something that’s developed the same
positive trait in him and his brother.
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