Zero WPIAL Selections in 2025 NFL Draft Snaps 31-Year Streak

For decades, Western Pennsylvania has been a hot bed of football talent that has then in turn produced players into the National Football League.

There are many NFL greats that made a name for themselves on high school fields in the area. It thus spawned a longstanding tradition of players getting selected in the draft each year, one that stretched for 31 years.

However, that run is over. The conclusion of the NFL draft on Saturday marked the first time since 1993 that a WPIAL or City League player was not selected, ending an impressive 30-yard streak streak.

During that span, the WPIAL produced 19 players in the first or second round.

While the WPIAL missed out on a draftee, several area players went on to sign undrafted free agent deals and more are expected to come.

Pitt safety Donovan McMillon (Peters Township) immediately received a phone call after the draft and joined the Cleveland Browns. Arkansas State wide receiver Courtney Jackson (Gateway) signed with the Denver Broncos.

Before the run ended, here were the most recent WPIAL players selected:

2024

Daequan Hardy (Penn Hills) — 6th round, 219th pick

M.J. Devonshire (Aliquippa) — 7th round, 229th pick

2023

Joey Porter Jr. (North Allegheny) — 2nd round, 32nd pick

Colby Sorsdal (Mt. Lebanon) — 5th round, 152nd pick

2022

Jaquan Brisker (Gateway) — 2nd round, 48th pick

Skyy Moore (Shady Side) — 2nd round, 54th pick

Rodney Thomas II (Central Catholic) — 7th round, 239th pick

2021

Robert Hainsey (Gateway) — 3rd round, 95th pick

Damar Hamlin (Central Catholic) — 6th round, 212th pick

2020

Kenny Johnson (Imani Christian Academy) — 5th round, 152nd pick

Khaleke Hudson (McKeesport) — 5th round, 162nd pick

Geno Stone (New Castle) — 7th round, 219th pick

Ben DiNucci (Pine-Richland) — 7th round, 231st pick

Dane Jackson (Cornell) — 7th round, 239th pick