Even though the NCAA takes its fair share of criticism for not doing enough to help “student-athletes” actually be students, college athletics are still about earning degrees.

On Saturday, Auburn LB Deshaun Davis graduated from the university, and when he did, he had a message for a former middle school teacher.

As you can see in the tweet below, Davis recalled a teacher who told his mom she’d done a terrible job raising him and that he’d either be dead or in jail before he got out of high school:

https://twitter.com/_Davis_Boy12/status/942114721578315776

Here’s the emotional moment when Davis received his degree:

https://twitter.com/_davis_boy12/status/942124249115918337

Not only did Davis make it through high school, he now has a degree from Auburn. The future is bright for Davis both on and off the field.

Only a junior this year, Davis had 75 tackles (seven for a loss) and four sacks. He’ll be a big part of Auburn’s defense in the upcoming Peach Bowl against UCF.

Then, he’ll likely return to Auburn for his senior season, where he’ll try to put the finishing touches on an amazing career.