By Lorenzo Recupero
The National Football League 2022 Draft culminated on but not without some of Everett High’s brightest football stars being picked for their chance to shine in the big leagues.
Everett alumni Lewis Cine and Isaiah Likely, former teammates and back-to-back Division 1 State Champions in 2016 and 2017, were both called for their opportunity at the next level.
Cine, a hard-hitting safety who helped the Georgia Bulldogs win a national championship in January, was a highly touted defensive prospect and was grabbed in the first round (32 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings. Pegged as a brilliant and pleasant young man with the smarts to lead any defense, the Vikings are said to have signed Cine for just over 12.4 million dollars, which means they realize what he will bring to their organization. His NFL Combine performance of 6.57 three-cone is one of the fastest in Combine history, and it ranks in the 97th percentile, which makes his services a real weapon for the Vikings. His speed and down-hill aggression make him a fearsome defender, especially in blitzing situations.
Likely, a big and speedy tight-end that opened eyes while at Coastal Carolina, was picked in the fourth round (139 overall) by the Baltimore Ravens.
He is best known for his receiving skills, athleticism, versatility, and big play ability. At Coastal Carolina, he grabbed five touchdowns of 50-plus yards. His hands and services should be on full display for the Ravens this season as they are one of the top passing teams in football.
The duo joins a growing list of Everett athletes that have made it to the national professional ranks of football and the first to be drafted by the NFL since running back Omar Easy was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2002.
While at EHS, both excelled as dual sport athletes. Cine powered both Crimson Tide football and track teams and Likely helped lead the football and basketball teams, respectively.
Both are projected by NFL pundits to make immediate impacts for their organizations.
In three years at Georgia, Cine finished with 144 tackles (95 solo) and two interceptions. In four years at Coastal Carolina, Likely hauled in 133 receptions for 2,050 yards (15.4 per reception) and 27 touchdowns.
Those hoping to see the for- mer teammates do battle in their inaugural regular seasons will have to wait for a possible date in the playoffs or next season as the 2022 NFL schedule does not feature a matchup between the Vikings and the Ravens.