Bo Blalock has played both singles and doubles during his four years on the Colquitt County High varsity tennis team and has been successful at both.

He has performed well on the USTA circuit, too, and his years of playing and practicing virtually year-round have paid dividends.

Blalock signed on Tuesday to continue his tennis career at Abraham Baldwin College.

And longtime ABAC coach Alan Kramer says he expects Blalock to contribute to the Stallions program next season.

“Bo’s going right into the fire,” Kramer said. “He’s just got to be able to hit the ground running.

“But he’s a good kid with great experience. You’ll see results from him. Bo’s ready.”

And like another former Packer, Jacob Tompkins who currently plays at ABAC, Blalock is an outstanding student.

Blalock began playing tennis when in elementary school and has received some excellent coaching both from Colquitt County coach Grant Hammack and former Packers coach Mike Jenkins.

He played on undefeated middle school boys teams and when he reached the varsity as a freshman, he played No. 1 doubles with Brandon Oaks. The two posted a 16-2 record.

The next year, he played primarily at No. 3 singles and had a 20-3 record. He also won his only match at No. 2 doubles.

Last year, he had an outstanding junior season at No. 2 singles, posting a 20-3 record.

As the Packers prepare for the Region 1-AAAAA tournament that will be held Thursday at Packer Park, Blalock is 15-3.

While he and fellow senior Andrew Harvin have been on the varsity team, the Packers have posted a 73-11 record, with all of the losses to Final Four teams.

The Packers have been to the Elite Eight twice and the Final 4 once over the last three seasons.

“They have been the cornerstones of our program,” Hammack said of Blalock and Harvin. “Their work ethic is incredible and they are both excellent students.

“We hate to lose them, but they’ll be successful at the college level.”

Blalock said playing plenty of postseason tennis and competing on the USTA circuit during the off-season has helped prepare for college tennis.

He said playing USTA has enabled him to experience pressure matches.

“Then, you feel like you’ve been in those situations before,” he said.

Blalock said he is looking forward to playing for Kramer.

“He’s a great coach,” Blalock said. “I know he’ll make my game better.”

But it will be difficult when he leaves the court for the final time representing Colquitt County, Blalock said.

“I just enjoy being with these guys,” he said. “They are like my family.”