Raised in Monticello and now a football player for Georgia Southern, Matt Dobson, has earned his place among the Capital One Academic All-American Team once again this year. He is the son of Terry and Ronda Dobson of Monticello, and the grandson of Ron and Martha Smoak, of Madison, and is a member of Landmark Baptist Church, in Madison. Each year since 1952, the College Sports Information Directors of America select 816 players from eleven different sports and all 50 states to become part of this honorary team, based upon academic and athletic excellence. Last year, he took his place among the second team. This year, he performed just as beautifully on the football field and also raised his grade point average to a 3.78. That earned him a place on the first team, the most prestigious placement one can receive. There are only 25 players in Division College men’s football that were given this honor across the entire United States. On the field, Dobson proved himself to be an asset. He is the starting safety for the Georgia Southern Eagles. In 10 games, he averaged five tackles per game. Against Western Michigan and Georgia State, Dobson made nine tackles per game. In the last game of the season against Georgia State, he made a beautiful 34-yard interception. Add those statistics to a 3.78 grade point average, and the result is an Academic All-American. Dobson feels very blessed to receive the honor. "It is a huge honor to be named an Academic All-American," Dobson told gseagles.com. "I'm thankful for all the support and opportunities this university has provided me throughout my years here on the field as well as in the classroom.” Dobson is a senior at the university, and will graduate in May. His future is bright after graduation, no doubt, but uncertain. Dobson is a history major who could either go from college in May to teach and coach at the high school level or go on to graduate school and eventually teach and coach at the college level. “There are pros and cons to both,” he said. Whichever he chooses, the senior probably won’t be playing any more football, but he has tons of advice for kids who are. “Manage your time. During football season, you won’t get to go do the same things the other kids are, said Dobson. “You won’t get to go out with your friends. But, you’ve got to focus on football and school. Get good grades and perform well on the field, and you’ll go on to the college level and farther. Put God first and trust in His plans. Give 100 percent to everything you do.” Madison looks forward to seeing what Dobson can do with his 100 percent. If this award is any indication, we can expect success from Dobson for years to come.
Matt Dobson earns Academic All-American spot
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