Cherokee High School (Georgia) Has Two Alumni Selected in 2022 NFL Draft

Canton, Georgia is still celebrating the 2022 NFL Draft.

The town of 30,000 people had two native sons and Cherokee High School alumni selected during the Draft in Las Vegas.

Wide receiver Montrell Washington was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 162nd pick, and running back Brittain Brown was picked by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 250. 

It marked the first time that any former Cherokee football player was drafted.

Related: 247 High Schools Have Players Selected in 2022 NFL Draft

Brown and Washington played together at Cherokee High during the 2015 season. Brown was a senior and Washington was a junior.

Cherokee head coach Josh Shaw, who coached both players, talked with High School Football America's Jeff Fisher about their high school days.

In 2015, Brown, a 3-star college prospect, ran for 1,777 yards and 18 TDs on 213 carries. He also caught 24 balls for 284 yards for two scores. The Georgia Sports Writers Association (GSWA) name Brown to the to Class 6A All-State First Team after his senior season. Brown played college ball at Duke and UCLA. 

After Brown graduated, Washington became the offensive focus for the Warriors. Washington finished his senior season 1,946 yards in total offense. He ran for 745 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per carry with seven touchdowns. He caught 81 balls for 930 yards and nine touchdowns. Washington finished his Cherokee career with 154 total receptions. Washington attended Samford for college. 

Cherokee High is currently in spring ball. Coach Shaw said he’s able to use the draft as motivation for his present players.

Featured Photo: Montrell Washington. AP/John Raoux