MADISON- To say Trey Lockhart had a stellar post-season experience is an understatement. The Bob Jones senior football player not only signed an athletic scholarship to play football at Jackson State, the 6-foot, 180-pound athlete also participated in three national all-star games.

As a defensive back/safety, Lockhart was invited to play in the Elite Raw All-Star in Atlanta on Dec. 28. On Jan. 4, he participated in the annual Senior All-American Classic in Orlando, Fla. and nine days later took to the playing field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the long-standing Blue-Grey High School Classic.

Not only was playing in these All-Star competitions a grand way to be seen by numerous college recruiters, but was a time for superior personal growth.

“These experiences taught me how to use football as a vehicle to help me pursue my dreams in life,” said Lockhart, who carries a 3.9 grade point average as a senior Patriot. “The games and the experiences surrounding those All-Star competitions really taught me where I stand as an athlete, focus on my skills as a football player and to be successful. These games were for me a step in the right direction.”

Lockhart was named the Defensive Back of The Year for the 2019 Patriots and parlayed his talents to the three post-season competitions to his advantage. He was invited to attend each event where all of his experiences were paid for once arriving on site.

At the Elite Raw Game held at McDonough High School, Lockhart helped his squad to a 14-7 victory with lots of playing time.

In Orlando, Lockhart was accompanied by his father, Walter Lockhart, who flew alongside to the Florida city. Six additional family members were in attendance at the contest while renting a local house nearby as part of a family gathering. “My family helped my confidence,” added Lockhart.

The family along for the experience seemed to have helped as Lockhart had two tackles and an interception returned for 25 yards. His team won the game 49-42 in an overtime extravaganza.

In the Blue-Grey battle, Lockhart posted two tackles in the Grey’s 28-21 victory over the Blue. The talented Patriot started the game and was on the field with some top Division I players where he played three quarters of the game. “Our defense had a forced fumble, blocked punt and three interceptions. We certainly held our own,” said Lockhart. “When the Blue made a comeback late in the game I was put back into the contest where a good many of the first team defense players came back into the game to secure our victory.”

Now his high school playing days are behind him, Lockhart is looking forward to the college game and experiences. He wants to study business/finance and feels confidence to both the sport and the classroom. He cherishes his years of playing football and how he grew his talents and desire to excel at the highest level possible. He spoke of how his experiences can help those on their way to fill his shoes.

“I found out it was more than football and you must keep your mind on your schoolwork,” said Lockhart. “Don’t let anyone doubt your dreams.”

Lockhart’s dreams were always supported by his mother, Stacy Lockhart, who bolstered her son’s confidence by making sure he attended every possible workout and was there for every game. Lockhart only has the memories of his mother as while traveling in Connecticut in 2016 she was involved in a fatal auto accident. Now four years later, his mother remains his top force to becoming successful.

“I use her memory as motivation and she taught me to push through and deal with all obstacles in my life,” said Lockhart. “There is a bigger picture in front of you. I thought of my mother numerous times during the three All-Star games.”