Chapman: A scholar, an athlete

Black Voices Quarterly named Robert Chapman the 2001 Academic Student-Athlete Defense Scholar of the Year. Chapman, a senior linebacker for the Jaguars was also named the Coca-Cola Black College Co-Scholar of the Year.
Robert Chapman carries a 3.8 grade point average and is scheduled to graduate in the spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
“I had to prioritize my time, do what I had to do,” said Chapman, who plans to enroll in the Southern University Law Center, to pursue medical malpractice law.
Chapman feels that even though a football scholarship may have paid his way through school, but education is first.
“I am not ruling out football, but I came here to get an education. I love Southern University, but my career is first–not sports,” insisted Chapman.
Following a family tree of SU Alumni, Chapman intentions to attend Southern was already planned.
“When I first came to school, my mom told me my grades were still the number one priority,” said Chapman, who said he was a 3.5 student at Houma’s Ellender High School.
He credits his success in sports to his high school coach Marshall Hartman.
“He pushed me to my limit. He believed in me. He always encouraged me to go further – and I did.” Chapman stated.
Echoing similar words, “He’s the type of student a coach loves to coach. I love to see Robert excel off the field. What can I say, he is a great person,” said SU defense coordinator Terrance Graves.
Analyzing the Jaguars goals and Saturday’s game against Tulane.
“Everybody has the same goal – to be on T-O-P; we are more focused than last year,” declared Chapman. Vowing that from here on out it will be pure victory. “Tulane is nothing but a bump in the road.”
Despite being on the football field, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.
“On Sundays, I go out to Zachery and ride horses,” said Chapman. Chapman also takes pleasure in hunting alligators; he already owns one, named Mike.
Aside from his many outdoor interests, Chapman still finds time for himself.
“Don’t get me wrong, I do my share of partying and chilling, but I still know when it’s time to do my work,” stated Chapman who is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
With a caring heart, Chapman serves as a Big Brother and a mentor where he speaks on the importance of academics at local high schools. With a bright and challenging future ahead, Chapman foresees that he will be well off, settled and financially worry free, at home at his exclusive ranch he plans to one day own.