Getting a call to play or tryout for an NFL team is the ultimate dream of every kid to ever set foot on the gridiron. That dream has been realized by some local Augusta area players. This class of local graduates will join fellow Augusta-0area players in the NFL.
Jaylen Watson – Laney High School – Watson played college football at Ventura Junior College in California where he was a two-time junior college All-American. Watson then transferred to Washington State University where he earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 conference honors in 2020 and 2021. Watson was drafted April 30, 2022, in Round 7 of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tyrone Truesdale – Laney High School – Truesdale played college football for Auburn University from 2017 to 2021. Truesdale then transferred to the University of Florida for the 2021 season. Truesdale was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 by the New York Giants.
Liam Welch – Aquinas High School – Welch played college football at Samford University from 2016 to 2021. In 2021, Welch was named a Spring Second Team All-American, Spring Southern Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year and Spring Walter Payton Award Finalist. Welch was invited to the 2022 New York Jets rookie mini-camp.
Will Evans – Aquinas High School – Played college football at Ohio University from 2016 to 2021. Evans was named team captain during the 2019 season and was awarded MAC East Conference Defensive Player of the Week October 4, 2021. Evans was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 by the New York Giants
Kameron Brown – Midland Valley High School – Brown played college football for Coastal Carolina University from 2016 to 2021. Brown was awarded All-Big South Conference Second Team in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Brown was also awarded All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention in 2021. Brown was invited to the 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie mini-camp
Other Augusta area players currently active in the NFL:
D’ante Smith – Grovetown High School – Drafted May 1, 2021, in Round 4 of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
James Carpenter – Hephzibah High School – Drafted April 28, 2011, in Round 1 of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Currently plays for the New Orleans Saints.
Demarcus Lawrence – Silver Bluff High School – Drafted May 9, 2014, in Round 2 of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys.
Antonio Hamilton – Strom Thurmond High School – Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016 by the Oakland Raiders. Currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals.
