By Lorenzo Recupero
If you’re a fan of football this time of year, you probably noticed on your television recently a couple of former Everett High School football champions strutting their stuff among the NFL ranks.
Tight end Isaiah Likely, of the Baltimore Ravens, and defensive back Lewis Cine, of the Minnesota Vikings, both standout two-way athletes at EHS and recent NFL draft picks, have showcased value for their respective clubs during the NFL’s preseason play.
Cine, an integral part of the 2022 national champion Georgia Bulldogs and first-round NFL Draft choice, finished with 3 tackles (2 solo) in a losing effort against the San Francisco 49ers. Cine remains on track to be a starter in the Vikings defensive backfield.
Likely, a fourth-round pick, who made waves on social media for his nearly perfect play receiving the ball in the Ravens preseason 24-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals, looks like he is ready to compete for a starting job catching passes from the Ravens’ electric quarterback Lamar Jackson.
In the win over the Cardinals, Likely was targeted 8 times and hauled in all 8 passes (including a 31-yarder) for a game-high 100 yards and a touchdown. He was by far the best receiver on the field during the matchup.
“We took him expecting him to be a really good player,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said to ESPN following the game. “…He’s had some opportunities and has made the most of it,” said Harbaugh of Likely’s time on the field.
The duos NFL stardom didn’t go unnoticed in Everett. EHS coach Robert DiLoreto, who coached the duo as an assistant for the Crimson Tide, said “We are all so proud of Isaiah and Lewis. They are making an immediate impact on the NFL already!!!!”