From recruits to Rio: Six HS football stars headed to Brazil
The Summer Olympics kick off in full force this weekend in Rio, with most of the athletes competing have spent their entire lives specializing in their respective sport to earn a spot at the Games. But there will also be several former high school football stars who changed sports and successfully earned the right to represent their countries in Rio. Today we take a look back at the former high school gridiron stars to watch at the Olympics.
As a recruit: Allen was a standout hurdler and football player as a high school prospect and he elected to attend Oregon after official visits to the Ducks, Stanford and UCLA. The willingness by Oregon to let him play both sports played a major factor in his recruitment. As a high schooler, Allen had more than 1,000 yards of total offense during his senior season and also set Arizona state records in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles.
Olympic event: 110-meter hurdles
Path to Rio: Allen redshirted as a freshman at Oregon but emerged as one of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota’s favorite targets during Oregon’s run to the national championship game in 2014. Allen tore his ACL in the opening kickoff of the Rose Bowl, forcing him to miss the national championship game and the 2015 track season. He returned to suit up for the Ducks during the 2015 football season. Allen’s time on Oregon’s track team has also been notable as he won NCAA championships in 2014 and 2016 in the 110-meter hurdles. He is also the reigning U.S. national champion in same event and is considered a favorite to medal in Rio.
As a recruit: Best was known in high school for his speed and playmaking ability and that helped earn his way into the final Rivals100 for the Class of 2007. He was also a standout in track and field, where he won the California State Title in the 100 meters as a senior. During his recruitment Best took official visits to Oregon and California and committed to the Bears shortly after a trip to campus in December of 2006. He went on to star at Cal, posting his best season as a sophomore in 2008 when he set the school’s single-season all-purpose yards mark.
Olympic event: 100 meters
Path to Rio: Despite struggling with injuries during his college career, Best was selected No. 30 in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Despite a promising rookie season, his NFL career was derailed by concussions, which forced him to retire in 2013. After joining California’s coaching staff in 2014, Best decided to focus on track, where he quickly returned to his high school form. He posted an Olympic qualifying time of 10.16 in April and will represent his father’s country of Saint Lucia in the games.
As a recruit: Bracey fielded offers from some of the country’s top football programs and committed to Florida State prior to his senior season. He took an official visit to Texas A&M later that fall, but never wavered from his commitment to the Seminoles. Bracey was also a high school track star, with his career highlights including the 100 meters title at the 2011 USA Track and Field Junior Championships. He also competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials following the conclusion of his senior year.
Olympic event: 100 meters
Path to Rio: Bracy redshirted in football at Florida State in 2012 and despite looking like he would be in line to contribute in 2013, elected to end his football career and turn pro in track. During his time at Florida State, he won the 2013 NCAA indoor national championship in the 60 meters. Bracey’s times only improved after his move to focus on track he qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team after running a 9.98 at the 2016 Olympic Trials.
As a recruit: Isles was an undersized running back who got looks from several FBS programs, including Akron. The Zips offered early in process, but Isles elected to attend Division II program Ashland University, where he competed in both track and football.
Olympic event: Rugby Sevens
Path to Rio: Isles was an all-American in track while at Ashland and also a star return specialist on the football team. After finishing his college career, he began playing rugby, where his background in track and football quickly paid dividends. In December 2014, Isles was signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad, but he returned to pro rugby following the conclusion of that season. He’s referred to by many in the sport as “rugby’s fastest man” and also considered attempting to qualify for the Olympic track team as his personal best in the 100 meters meets the qualifying standard.
As a recruit: Many colleges pursued Roberts after a standout high school career in both track and football. He received offers from Baylor and Kansas State before electing to accept a track scholarship at Texas Tech. As a high school prospect, Roberts was a part of state championship teams in both football and track.
Olympic event: 400 meters
Path to Rio: Despite stating intentions to play football with the Red Raiders, Roberts never made it out to the gridiron, choosing instead to focus on his Olympic dream full time. After earning first-team All-American honors as a senior, Roberts went on to capture the U.S. Championship in the 400 meters in 2014. He’s also been a part of the U.S. 4x400-meter relay team.
As a recruit: Unufe was ranked as a three-star wide receiver prospect in the Class of 2010 and committed to Utah but never signed with the Utes after not finishing his high school academic requirements. As a high school prospect, Unufe was known for his speed and would have likely had several offers had he been a full-qualifier.
Olympic event: Rugby Sevens
Path to Rio: After not making into college, Unufe shifted his focus to rugby, where he quickly became a star in the Rugby Super League in 2011. Later that year, he became a member of the US National Team and played a major role in the team’s bronze medal finish at the Pam-Am Games. Unufe attempted an NFL career in 2013, but quickly returned to rugby, where he has been a mainstay on national team.