Bullard’s Campbell Pawlak signs to play football at Air Force. (Bullard ISD)

BULLARD — Campbell Pawlak said going to a service academy was not originally the plan.

But after an offer from the United States Air Force Academy, the Bullard High School senior reconsidered.

“They were the first people that offered me,” he said. “I really had no intention to go to a military academy because I didn’t want to do anything in the military until I actually went and saw the campus, and I saw the presentation they gave us and how the military sets you up for life.

“And on top of that, being part of an amazing program with Coach (Troy) Calhoun and competing for Mountain West championships, it’s just a great opportunity for me to compete and develop as a football player.”

Pawlak officially signed with Air Force on Wednesday morning.

“It’s a dream come true honestly, because I’ve always wanted to play college football and this is playing at the highest level, so I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” Pawlak said.

A three-year varsity tight end and senior captain for the Panthers, Pawlak recorded 20 receptions for 232 yards in his senior year, averaging 11.6 yards per catch. In his junior season, he had six receptions for 110 yards, averaging 18.33 yards per reception, and scored one touchdown. During his sophomore season, he recorded six receptions for 73 yards, averaging 12.17 yards per catch and one touchdown.

“In the offense here at Bullard, I was mainly a blocker but also had big first-down receptions,” Pawlak said. “It’s basically the same thing at Air Force. Coach (Mike) Thiessen (offensive coordinator) uses his tight end on big third downs, and Coach (Marc) Bacote, the tight ends coach, is exactly what I want in a coach. I feel like the way I play fits perfectly in their offense.”

“He’s a high-character kids that is going to work hard and be that prototypical guy that you think of at the service academies,” Bullard head football coach Colt Bradford said. “Their offense is actually going to fit him really well with his skill set. He developed a lot better in his blocking ability this year and then he still has hands and can stretch the field vertically.”

Pawlak was one of three East Texans to sign with Air Force on Wednesday, joining Carthage defensive lineman Colt Hodges and Pine Tree linebacker Seth McFarland.

Pawlak said he is undecided on a major.