St. Frances Academy has nine former players, including seven newcomers, trying to make the National Football League roster.
Coach Messay Hailemariam said the numbers are a validation of the approach the small East Baltimore school takes with its educational and athletic programs.
“This is a thousand percent validation of what we’re doing here,” Hailemariam said, taking a break from summer classes with his students. “You have to work hard in life to achieve something, and these guys have worked hard.”
St. Frances rookie graduates competing for a spot on the NFL roster include: running back Blake Corum with the Los Angeles Rams, linebacker Shane Lee with the Los Angeles Chargers, offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt and defensive back Jordan Toles with the Ravens, quarterback Jalon Jones with the New Orleans Saints, linebacker Chris Braswell with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive back Darion McKenzie with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“We’re so proud of them,” he said. “When we embarked on this journey 13 years ago, one of my biggest goals was to give some of these guys the opportunity to play on Sundays,” the day most NFL games are played. “The education is a no-brainer, but the ultimate goal is to make these guys great husbands and fathers. Playing in the NFL certainly gives them a head start and helps them achieve that generational wealth that may not always be available to them.”
St. Frances’ approach to building a powerful high school football program has garnered national attention and even been featured on HBO. The team plays nationally and sends dozens of players to prominent national college programs each year.
Hailemariam said the players’ efforts in their studies and extracurricular activities are paying off.
“These players work hard to earn a free college education,” he said, “and then have a chance in the NFL.”
Nick Myles, St. Frances’ athletic director, said the school was proud of the achievements of its graduates.
“We push them at St. Frances to get the best out of them on and off the field,” he said.
Baltimore NFL fans will be able to cheer on one of their own and one of the best return specialists in the game this season after Archbishop Curley graduate Deonte Harty signed with the Ravens in the offseason.
Harty, who changed his name from Harris a few years ago, was an All-Pro returner for the New Orleans Saints in 2019. After four seasons with the Saints, the 26-year-old signed with the Buffalo Bills and played with them last season.
The Assumption College graduate also plays slot receiver and has appeared in 56 NFL games, catching 113 balls, and has averaged 10.4 yards per punt return and 25.2 yards per kick return during his five-year career.
Hopefuls from Baltimore
Here is a list of some notable alumni of Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore who are currently trying to make the NFL roster:
Baltimore Ravens
Darrian Dalcourt, offensive lineman, St. Frances Academy
Deonte Harty, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist, Archbishop Curley
Jordan Toles, Defender, St. Frances Academy
Kansas City Chiefs
Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Defensive End, St. Frances Academy
Joshua Kaindoh, Defensive End, Our Lady of Mount Carmel/IMG Academy (Florida)
Los Angeles Chargers
Shane Lee, linebacker, St. Frances Academy
Los Angeles Lakers
Blake Corum, running back, St. Frances Academy
New Orleans Saints
Jalon Jones, quarterback, St. Frances Academy
New York Giants
Lawrence Cager, wide receiver, Calvert Hall
Pittsburgh Steelers
Darion McKenzie, Defender, St. Frances Academy
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Braswell, linebacker, St. Frances Academy
Sean Tucker, running back, Calvert Hall
Tennessee Titans
Tre Avery, cornerback, St. Frances Academy
Chance Campbell, linebacker, Calvert Hall
Julius Chestnut, running back, Archbishop Spalding
Notable free agents
Adrian Amos, Security, Calvert Hall
Kyle Fuller, cornerback, Mount St. Joseph
Email Gerry Jackson at [email protected]
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