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
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.
Dareke Young is a graduate of Middle Creek High School.Â
Young brought his talent to Lenoir-Rhyne University where he played 43 games over five seasons.Â
Drafted to the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 as a wide receiver.Â
Carson Vinson is a graduate of Panther Creek High School.
Vinson brought his talent to Alabama A&M.Â
Drafted to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 NFL Draft as an offensive tackle.
Matthew Butler is a graduate of Garner Magnet High School.Â
Butler brought his talent to Tennessee University.Â
Claimed off waivers in 2025 by the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle.
