St. Frances Academy has nine former players, including seven rookies, trying to make a roster in the National Football League.
Coach Messay Hailemariam said the numbers are affirmation of the approach the tiny East Baltimore school takes with its educational and athletic programs.
“One thousand percent it reaffirms what we are doing here,” Hailemariam said while taking a break from summer educational enrichment classes with his students. “You have to put in the work in life to get anywhere, and these guys have put in the work.”
The rookie class of St. Frances graduates bidding to make an NFL roster includes: 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 are so proud of them,” he said. “When we embarked on this journey 13 years ago, one of my biggest goals was to create the opportunity for some of these guys to play on Sundays,” the day when most NFL games are played. “The education is a no-brainer, but the No. 1 goal is to make these guys great husbands and fathers. Playing in the NFL certainly gives them a jumpstart and helps them achieve that generational wealth that might not always be there.”
St. Frances has drawn national attention, even featured on HBO, for its approach after building a high-powered high school football program. The team plays a national schedule, sending dozens of players to prominent national college programs each year.
Hailemariam said the effort the players put in with their studies and extracurricular activities is paying off.
“These players are putting in the work to earn a free college education,” he said, “and then have a shot at the NFL.”
St. Frances athletic director Nick Myles said the school was proud of its alumni’s achievements.
“We push them at St. Frances to get the best 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 and played last season with the Buffalo Bills.
The Assumption College graduate also doubles as a slot receiver and has appeared in 56 NFL games, making 113 receptions. He has averaged 10.4 yards per punt return and 25.2 per kick return during his five-year career.
Baltimore-area hopefuls
Here’s a list of some notable former students of Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore now trying to make an NFL roster:
Baltimore Ravens
Darrian Dalcourt, offensive lineman, St. Frances Academy
Deonte Harty, wide receiver/return specialist, Archbishop Curley
Jordan Toles, defensive back, 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 (Fla.)
Los Angeles Chargers
Shane Lee, linebacker, St. Frances Academy
Los Angeles Rams
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, defensive back, 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, safety, Calvert Hall
Kyle Fuller, cornerback, Mount St. Joseph
Email Gerry Jackson at gjackson@CatholicReview.org
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