Dezmen Southward, a defensive back from St. Thomas Aquinas, played college football at the University of Wisconsin, where he developed into a reliable safety and started 30 consecutive games for the Badgers. He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and went on to play for the…
Jordan Scarlett, a running back from St. Thomas Aquinas, went on to play college football at the University of Florida, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns across his career with the Gators. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers and later spent…
Nate Salley, a safety from St. Thomas Aquinas, continued his career at Ohio State University, where he was a multi-year starter and team captain for the Buckeyes. He helped lead Ohio State to multiple bowl appearances and earned All-Big Ten recognition. Salley was selected in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the…
Twan Russell, a linebacker from St. Thomas Aquinas, went on to play college football at the University of Miami, where he was a captain and key defensive leader for the Hurricanes. He was selected in the 5th round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders (formerly the Redskins) and later played for the…
Jake Rudock, a quarterback from St. Thomas Aquinas, went on to play college football at the University of Iowa before transferring to the University of Michigan, where he set the single-season record for completions and led the Wolverines to a Citrus Bowl victory in 2015. He was selected in the 6th round of the 2016…
Shawn Riggans, a catcher from St. Thomas Aquinas, played college baseball at Florida International University before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2000. He worked his way through the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 2006, spending four seasons (2006–2009) with Tampa Bay. Riggans appeared in 147 major league games,…
Daryl Porter, a defensive back from St. Thomas Aquinas, played college football at Boston College, where he was a steady contributor in the Eagles’ secondary. He went on to play professionally in the NFL from 1997 to 2001, spending time with the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, and Tennessee Titans. Known for his toughness and versatility,…
Joshua Palmer, a wide receiver from St. Thomas Aquinas, went on to play college football at the University of Tennessee, where he developed into a reliable deep threat in the SEC. Known for his strong route running and contested catches, Palmer was selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los…
Kirsten Nieuwendam, a sprinter from St. Thomas Aquinas, represented Suriname on the world stage. She competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest athlete to represent her country. Nieuwendam went on to also compete in the 2012 London Olympics in the women’s 200 meters. She later ran collegiately at…
Ed Nelson, a forward from St. Thomas Aquinas, went on to play college basketball at Georgia Tech, where he earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2002. He later transferred to the University of Connecticut, becoming a key contributor for the Huskies and helping them capture the 2004 NCAA National Championship. After college, Nelson…
