Excitement is brewing at Gonzaga College High School!
This Thursday night, two of their alumni, quarterback Caleb Williams and offensive lineman Olu Fashanu, are projected to be first-round picks in the NFL Draft, WUSA9 reports.
Williams’ journey is one of early promise. “He came in polished; he was ready to go,” says Gonzaga Athletic Director Terry Kernan. Taking the reins as a freshman, Williams led the team to a championship victory as a sophomore.
Fashanu’s path, however, is a testament to dedication and raw talent. “He came in as a basketball player,” Kernan reveals. Recognizing his potential, coaches and fellow students convinced him to give football a try. The gamble paid off in a big way, with Fashanu becoming a key blocker for Williams’ record-breaking throws.
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One play, in particular, remains etched in Gonzaga lore. “The Hail Mary pass in 2018 that won us a championship at Catholic University was the single coolest sporting event I’ve ever witnessed in my life,” says Devon Leary, Director of Community, Outreach & Culture at Gonzaga. Williams’ game-winning throw wouldn’t have been possible without Fashanu’s crucial block.
Now, these former teammates stand on the precipice of NFL careers. “I just feel so proud of them,” says Leary. “We feel a part of their story. We’re honored to be a part of their journey.”
The entire Gonzaga community, past, present, and future, will be glued to their screens on draft night. “It’s so cool and special to see my students and fellow alum, now representing Gonzaga and Washington DC on the national stage,” Leary adds.
Williams and Fashanu’s journey is an inspiration not just for aspiring athletes but for anyone chasing a dream. It’s a story of dedication, teamwork, and the transformative power of believing in someone’s potential. These two Eagles are about to take flight, and Gonzaga College High School will be cheering them on every step of the way.
Cover photo: Two Alumni of D.C.’s Gonzaga High School Are Projected First-Round Picks for the NFL Draft / Credit: Gonzaga College High School