For the past 15 years I have kept up with the local athletes who make it in to the pros. We have a great number of baseball players in the MLB; and this year we have the most area players in the NBA. This year, it's another banner year for area athletes in the NFL:
Atlanta - Tight End Hayden Hurst is a Bolles grad and starting tight end for the Falcons.
Buffalo - Andre' Smith is a Trinity grad who plays on special teams for the Bills.
Carolina - Marquis Haynes is a defensive end from University Christian, now playing for the Panthers.
Chicago (2) - Kicker Cairo Santos from St. Joseph is the kicker and wide receiver Javon Wims (White) is a star for the Bears.
Denver (2) - Defensive back Trey Marshall (Columbia) and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker play for the Broncos.
Jacksonville (2) - Two area guys play for their hometown team! Linebacker Shaquille Quarterman (Oakleaf) has been used on special teams and defensive lineman Tim Jernigan (Columbia) is part of the d-line rotation.
Las Vegas - Quarterback Nathan Peterman is a backup for the Raiders and has yet to see the field this year.
Los Angeles Rams (2) - Defensive back Darious Williams from Creekside has had a great season so far for the Rams. Backup quarterback John Wolford (Bishop Kenny) hasn't played yet.
Miami (2) - Trinity grad Isaiah Ford is part of the wide receiver rotation for the Dolphins and offensive lineman Solomon Kindley (Raines) has started both games this year.
Minnesota - running back Mike Boone (Baker County) and Rashod Hill (Ed White) are both part of the special teams for the Vikings.
New England - Jakob Johnson was a former linebacker at Ribault and now plays fullback for the Patriots.
New Orleans - Columbia grad Laremy Tunsil is the starting left offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints.
Tennessee - Yulee grad Derrick Henry is the starting running back for the Titans and one of the best running backs in the league.
Washington - David Sharpe played his high school football at Providence and is now a member of the Washington Football team. He has yet to play this year.