The NFL is the highest level of professional football in the United States. Many players hope to go pro but few will have the chance to do so.Â
The building blocks for a professional career are built in high schools across the nation. Wake County high schools have helped put several former student athletes on NFL rosters across the league!Â
James Smith-Williams is a graduate of Millbrook High School.Â
Smith-Williams brought his talent to NC State University where he played 43 games over five seasons.Â
Signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 as a linebacker.Â
Brandon Codrington is a graduate of Broughton High School.Â
Codrington brought his talent to North Carolina Central University where he played 42 games over four seasons.Â
Traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2024 as a cornerback.Â
Blake Watson is a graduate of Green Hope High School.
Watson brought his talent to Old Dominion University for three seasons and the University of Memphis for one season.Â
Signed to the Denver Broncos in 2024 as a running back.Â
Alim McNeill is a graduate of Sanderson High School.
McNeill brought his talent to NC State University where he played 36 games over three seasons.Â
Drafted to the Detroit Lions in 2021 as a defensive tackle.Â
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Braxton Berrios is a graduate of Leesville Road High School.
Berrios brought his talent to the University of Miami where he played 37 games over four seasons.Â
Signed to the Miami Dolphins in 2023 as a wide receiver.Â
Keion White is a graduate of Garner Magnet High School.
White brought his talent to Old Dominion University for two seasons and Georgia Institute of Technology for two seasons.
Drafted to the New England Patriots in 2023 as a defensive end.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton is a graduate of Holly Springs High School.Â
Ford-Wheaton brought his talent to West Virginia University where he played 46 games over four seasons.
Signed to the New York Giants in 2023 as a wide receiver.Â
Dexter Lawrence is a graduate of Wake Forest High School.
Lawrence brought his talent to Clemson University where he played 40 games over three seasons.Â
Drafted to the New York Giants in 2019 as a nose tackle.Â
Drake Thomas is a graduate of Heritage High School.Â
Thomas brought his talent to NC State University where he played 47 games over four seasons.Â
Signed to the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 as a linebacker.
