With his senior year now coming to a close, Crenshaw Christian Academy senior Colten Kelley has taken the next step toward his future by signing a football commitment with Huntingdon College.

Kelley will receive the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) scholarship in the amount of $10,500 yearly.

“I plan on going to Huntingdon for two years, playing football and getting my basics. After that, I think I’ll transfer, maybe to Auburn, and get my engineering degree,” Kelley said.

“I have a good idea of what college will be like. I know it’s going to be tough, that’s for sure, but I think I’ll be all right.”

While Kelley has not always been a CCA Cougar, he quickly learned the ropes after coming to the school in his seventh grade year. It was soon after his move that he began playing varsity football. Through the ups and downs, Kelley says he has made the most of his time at CCA and has enjoyed the relationships he has made, as well as the memories.

“He’s a great kid and is overall a good leader on the field. We had times where he stepped up and was a leader,” said Scotty Pennington, interim athletic director for CCA.

“Once he gets to Huntingdon, the college level will be a lot different from high school. They’ll get him in the weight room, get him on a speed conditioning program and work on his fundamentals, and that will help him out overall.”

Kelley knows the university atmosphere will differ greatly from that of high school, but he is more than ready to begin working with his future team.

“I’m excited to be around a group of athletes who are picked to be there. I’m looking forward to being around people who just really want to play football,” Kelley said.

“I think on my off time, I’ll just focus on school work and catching up on what my friends are doing.”