How Former South Jersey High School Stars Are Doing in the NFL

Since Bridgeton High School Graduate Harvey Johnson was selected in the sixth round of the 1943 NFL Draft, there have been 123 South Jersey high school football players who have been drafted by the National Football League.

Some of the famous players from South Jersey include Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris ( Rancocas Valley Regional HS) along with two-time Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers Dwight Hicks.

In the 21st Century, the South Jersey High School Graduates who excelled in the NFL include Super Bowl Champion with the Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle Bryant McKinnie (Woodbury) and two-time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots Defensive Back Logan Ryan.

How Are South Jersey High School Football Players Performing in 2026

Salem High School Jonathan Taylor — Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images

*Jonathan Taylor, Salem HS
Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Running Back from the University of Wisconsin is playing his seventh season with the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor has the second-most Rushing Touchdowns (7), and has the sixth-most Rushing Yards (492) in the league entering NFL Week 7.

*Bhayshul Tuten, Paulsboro HS
The third Running Back from a South Jersey High School drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, this Virginia Tech Product was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Bhayshul Tuten is tied for the Jacksonville team-lead for total touchdowns (4), and is averaging 85.7 Total Yards per game so far this NFL season.

Bridgeton High School Markquese Bell — Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

*Markquese Bell, Bridgeton HS
Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent by the Dallas Cowboys, the South Jersey star athlete played his college football at Florida A&M. Bell has compiled the fifth-most Solo Tackles (17) for the Cowboys Defense through the first six games of the NFL season.

*Jihaad Campbell, Timber Creek HS
Drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Linebacker from the University of Alabama is the first LB the Eagles have drafted in the first round since 1979. Through the first six weeks of the 2026 NFL season, Campbell leads the Eagles Defense with 28 Solo Tackles, which is also the tenth most in the league heading into NFL Week 7.

*Donovan Ezeiruaku, Williamstown HS
Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Ezeiruaku is an Edge Rusher who is expected to be one of the players filling the void for a Dallas Cowboys Defense without Micah Parsons. In 2026, Ezeiruaku has Two QB Hits, and 13 Solo Tackles through the first six weeks of the NFL season.

*Mike Gesicki, Southern Regional
Drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Tight End from Penn State University is playing his 9th NFL season. Gesicki is in his third season with the Cincinnati Bengals, so far his best statistical season since 2022. Through the first six weeks of this NFL season, the 31-year-old Tight End is tied for the team lead in Receving Touchdowns (4).

*Juwan Johnson, Glassboro HS
An Undrafted Free Agent, this Wide Receiver who played his College Football at Penn State and Oregon, is entering his seventhseason with the New Orleans Saints. Already with Three Receiving Touchdowns through the first six games of the NFL season, Johnson now has at least three TD catches in 6 consecutive years.

*Max Melton, Cedar Creek HS
Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals Cornerback has compiled Four Passes Defended and 12 Solo Tackles through the first six weeks of this NFL season.

*Tarheeb Still, Timber Creek Regional
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, this Cornerback who played his College Football at Maryland has earned his spot as one of LA's Starting Cornerbacks. In the first six games of the 2026 NFL season, Still has tallied 13 Solo Tackles, and 3 Passes Defended for the Chargers' defense.

Here are more South Jersey High School Graduates who have played in the NFL over the last 50 years:

These Greater Atlantic City, NJ Area Athletes Have Played Games In NFL

Many people are not aware of the number of athletes from the Greater Atlantic City Region who have played in the National Football League. Football players who played at high schools in Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Ocean Counties have a strong representation in the NFL over the last few decades.

One of the most difficult accomplishments in sports is to make a Professional Sports Roster and earn the opportunity to play in a game at the highest level of the sport. Check out some of the great South Jersey Athletes who have played in games in the NFL:

Gallery Credit: Joshua Hennig/Townsquare Media