Dreams turned into reality this past weekend as three former RedHawk student-athletes were selected in the NFL Draft, putting the school and football program in the national spotlight.

The first former RedHawk to hear his name called was wide receiver Carnell Tate. He was selected 4th overall out of Ohio State University by the Tennessee Titans. He attended Marist freshman year and was a member of the class of 2023 where he was a star. He ultimately transferred to IMG Academy due to COVID uncertainty around the football season in Illinois. Tate was a key contributor in Ohio State’s 2025 national championship. 

The second former RedHawk selected was linebacker Jimmy Rolder. He was a member of the class of 2022 and was selected 119th overall by the Detroit Lions. He will continue his football journey in Michigan, the state where he helped bring a national championship to and spent all four years of college in.

The third former RedHawk selected was center Pat Coogan. He was a member of the class of 2021 and was selected 194th overall by the Tennessee Titans. He will be reunited with former teammate, Tate in Nashville. Coogan attended Notre Dame for four years before transferring to Indiana for his fifth year and ultimately becoming a national champion.

Coogan shared the milestone with a crowd of friends and family, celebrating as he took the next step in his football career.

“Seeing our son get the phone call that he was chosen to be in the NFL was a true surreal moment,” said his mom, Mary Beth Coogan. “We know how much work he put in to get here, but the pride and joy I felt at that moment was indescribable.”

Coogan was excited to hear his name called and is ready to prove himself in the league.

“It is a huge blessing to be a Titan and an even bigger blessing to be surrounded by so many loving friends and family,” said Coogan. “Is it a moment I have been working towards my whole life, but the work is just getting started! Honored and grateful for the opportunity.”