Our latest Scholar Athlete of the Week leads his conference in tackles and his graduating class in grades. But he also tutors his fellow classmates to make sure they stay on track like he does. NY1's Bree Driscoll introduces us.

Tossing around the football at recess during middle school was just something Brandon Perez did for fun.

But now he says football is a lifestyle.

The senior linebacker at East Harlem’s Park East High School is not only one of the best players on his team, but he also leads the PSAL in tackles, something he dedicated countless hours in the weight room and on the field to achieve.

"Football teaches you determination and how to be a leader, how to get out of your comfort zone,” said Perez, the Ford Lincoln of Queens/NY1 Scholar Athlete of the Week. “I've learned a lot of things from football."

Perez's path to success was not easy.

He moved to New York City from the Dominican Republic when he was nine and did not speak English.

"It was frustrating,” he said. “Just not understanding or being able to connect with a lot of teachers and other peers."

That frustration only motivated him to work harder.

He has taken on the challenge of Advanced Placement English, Calculus, and History courses, and it has all paid off.        

Perez will graduate as valedictorian of his class.

"There have been times when he was in my class that he seemed tired,” said his Spanish teacher, Yessenia Briceno. “But he never gave up."

"He's a kid where whatever he's going to do, he's going to put his best foot forward and that's what you're gonna get,” said Perez’s football coach, Darren Schmidt. “You're gonna get some positive things when you do that."

Not only does Perez stay on the right path, but he keeps his teammates in line too.

As captain, he makes sure they are working just as hard off the field as they are on, spending time after school tutoring his fellow classmates.

“You've got to make sure your teammates are doing good,” Perez said. “You have to keep them on track, just as I am.”

Perez will attend Bates College in Maine this fall.

He is not sure yet what he will study, but has already secured a spot on the football team.

Perez said he owes his early success to one person.

"I just want to make my mother proud,” he said. “She worked hard so me and my sister could have everything we have."

And so, for tackling adversity and coming out on top, Brandon Perez is our Ford Lincoln of Queens/NY1 Scholar Athlete of the Week.