TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — A returning member of the Trojan football team got a major surprise during Troy’s recent Football Fan Day.

TROY safety Justin Powe, who is heading into his redshirt junior year, was not on scholarship and saw limited playing time last season. Despite that, his coaches and teammates say he is an invaluable member of the team.

During Fan Day, Powe received a major surprise: a full scholarship that was presented by his parents.

Powe, a native of Mobile, signed the dotted line surrounded by family and a brotherhood developed through football.

Stats:

• Class: Sophomore
• High School: Davidson HS
• Ht./Wt.: 6-0 / 196

“[He is a] hard worker, proactive, he gets to it, a great teammate, he just puts his head down, great leader,” teammate Kenny Reedy expressed.

“As a new father, he is what I hope one day my son will be as a person,” said defensive coordinator and safeties coach Dontae Wright.

“It felt good having my support system, having people I love around me and knowing that moment that my hard work had paid off,” Powe said. “Pushing me to be the best me every day, telling me what I can do better. [Telling me] what I can improve on every day, helping me with calls [or] anything I need. There is like a brother system.”

Powe is expected to embrace a leadership role amongst the defense, a skill he’s shown he possesses.

“He works his tail off and that is what TROY is,” Wright said. “They just go to work and they do not care if you got to go play on pavement or they have to play on gravel or grass, they are going to go out there and play football.”

Although his journey has not been linear, Powe can now refer to himself as a scholarship athlete.