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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