As a college football linebacker at The Citadel, Je’Mazin Roberts uses his instincts and knowledge of the game to diagnose plays and put himself in the right position to stop them.

But even he was caught a little off guard by what came his way May 15 when Milledgeville Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan proclaimed “Je’Mazin Roberts Day” and announced he would be given a key to the city.

The news came at Roberts’ high school alma mater, John Milledge Academy, when he was lured there to help head football coach and athletic director J.T. Wall present some awards as part of the school’s academic honors day.

“It’s a true blessing to be chosen for such a prestigious award and honor,” Roberts told The Union-Recorder a few days after the surprise presentation. “I have to thank my support system around me because it’s not just me. Everything I’ve done has been with the support of my family, friends, and people in the community that have contributed.”

“Everything” he’s done has been quite a bit. He was a two-time All-State football player during the Trojans’ 2019 and 2020 state championship seasons, earning himself the opportunity to play college football at The Citadel in South Carolina. Roberts obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from there last spring and is working toward his master’s. After finishing fourth on the team in total tackles during the 2024 campaign, the linebacker has one season remaining as a Bulldog.

Roberts stays busy off the field and outside of the classroom, too. Within the last couple of years he started the Je’Mazin Teshan Roberts Foundation to give back to youth in his hometown of Milledgeville. He just completed his second round of scholarship presentations to local high school seniors bound for college. Roberts is a published author as well, having released his first children’s book, “You Are Amazing,” two years ago.

All that and more led to the May 15 surprise.

The John Milledge Academy alum (Class of ‘21) and former Trojan football great was suspicious when he was invited to help present awards at JMA’s high school honors day. Members of his family were in attendance. Maybe they’re just here to support me, he thought. But he noticed that Mayor Parham-Copelan was in the building as well, which really set off alarm bells. Then there was the newspaper reporter snapping photos of what had been tabbed as an average honors day ceremony.

Something was definitely up.

Roberts was right, but he still didn’t know exactly what was going on until the mayor took the podium.

“I am here to present a special award honoring such an honorable young man,” Parham-Copelan said to the JMA students and their families inside the school’s Trojan Center.

She then began reading the Je’Mazin Roberts Day proclamation.

“Whereas, Je’Mazin Teshan Roberts was born and raised in Milledgeville, Georgia, not only surrounded by community, but molded by it. From his earliest days, he displayed a gentle spirit and a determined heart, shaped by values of faith, humility and perseverance. The schools and voices of this city became part of his foundation, instilling in him not just a sense of identity, but a sense of purpose.”

The proclamation from the mayor’s office highlighted Roberts’ many accomplishments before coming to a fitting end.

“Je’Mazin continues to embody the values of service, excellence and faith-driven leadership, not only through his education and achievements, but through the way he lives, uplifts, and leads.”

The physical key had not yet arrived by the May 15 ceremony, but it has since. The latest owner of a key to Milledgeville spoke with the newspaper about some key people/groups who have helped him be a positive force in his time on Earth.

“Without God’s hand over my life I wouldn’t have been able to do anything,” Roberts said. “My family has been there for me when times seemed like they weren’t going to get any better, especially my mother. She drives me to keep excelling and to not ever be satisfied. A lot of it comes from my friends as well as my other support systems, including my coaches. Me transferring to John Milledge was one of the best decisions that I ever made. Not only did coach Wall try to instill great leadership on the football field, but he taught us the importance of academics and treating other people with respect.”

There may be more greatness on the horizon for Roberts. He’s back in Charleston now preparing for his final season at The Citadel. Summer football formally begins in a couple of weeks for the Southern Conference program. The regular season includes a Sept. 20 home date against conference foe Mercer and a Nov. 8 non-conference trip to Ole Miss.

“I’m very excited,” Roberts said. “I kind of feel like it’s a victory lap, if I’m being completely honest. I’ve put a lot of work in and seen a lot of benefits from that work. I think this is going to be the biggest year for me yet, and I don’t think I’ll be done with football after this year.”

Whether that be the NFL or some other route, Roberts says he’s ready for, “whatever God blesses me with.”