Two former Rock Hill-area football players picked on Day 3 of the NFL Draft

The Rock Hill area’s NFL fraternity grew a little larger Saturday.

Two area players were selected on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, with former Clover wide receiver Jaylin Lane taken by the Washington Commanders in the fourth round and former Rock Hill tight end Robbie Ouzts picked by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round.

They were among at least 10 players from high schools or colleges in South Carolina picked in the three days of the draft.

Lane and Ouzts are the latest in more than two dozen area football players selected in the NFL Draft, including current NFL players Jadeveon Clowney, Mason Rudolph and Derion Kendrick.

That growing fraternity has helped Rock Hill earn the nickname “Football City USA.”

Lane was the leading receiver last season at Virginia Tech, with 38 receptions for 466 yards. He played at Middle Tennessee prior to joining the Hokies.

Lane also returned punts occasionally at Virginia Tech, and Washington-area media was suggesting on Saturday that Lane might become a punt returner with the Commanders.

“He is a proven returner who will have an opportunity to earn touches in the NFL,” Virginia Tech head football coach Brent Pry said Saturday.

Pry said Lane is a “versatile receiver who can stretch defenses. His speed helps him to get separation from defenders, and he is productive after the catch.”

Lane was the 26th pick in the fourth round — the 128th pick overall.

Pry said Washington’s players also are getting a good teammate.

“As good a football player as Jaylin is, he’s an even better person,” Pry said. “Off the field, Jaylin is known for his humility, leadership and genuine care for others.”

Lane was named the Virginia College Football Humanitarian of the Year in 2024 for his community outreach.

He had a superb senior season at Clover in 2019, with 76 receptions for 1,592 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also was a point guard on the Blue Eagles’ basketball team.

Ouzts was the 39th pick in the fifth round — the 175th overall selection, out of Alabama.

And he’ll have a familiar face in Seattle, as the Seahawks also drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, in the third round.

Ouzts told Sports Illustrated that he is excited to be headed to Seattle with Milroe.

“I’m thrilled to be with my boy, man!” he said. “We are going to attack this thing!”

Seattle media outlets suggested on Saturday evening that Ouzts, 6-4 and 270 pounds, might be converted into a fullback. NFL scouts gave him strong grades for his blocking, and he was used largely as a blocking tight end with the Crimson Tide.

Ouzts was a standout in football and basketball at Rock Hill. He played tight end in football and had 23 receptions for 323 yards in his senior season. He was a power forward in basketball

He chose Alabama over Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Syracuse and several other Power 5 schools.

Other NFL Draft selections with South Carolina connections (listed by round):

▪ Nick Emmanwori, safety, taken by Seattle in round two (35th pick). Emmanwori, from Irmo High, is an athletic safety who was projected as the 17th overall pick by ESPN’s Mel Kiper. Emmanwori played at South Carolina.

▪ T.J. Sanders, defensive tackle, taken by Buffalo in second round (44th pick overall). Sanders, who played for Marion High and South Carolina, is an explosive pass rusher.

▪ Demetrius Knight, linebacker, taken by Cincinnati in second round (49th pick). Knight, who played for the Charlotte 49ers in 2023, was praised by scouts for always being near the ball.

▪ Barrett Carter, linebacker, taken by Cincinnati in round four (119th pick). Carter, from Clemson, is considered an excellent pass defender against tight ends and running backs.

▪ Kyle Kennard, defensive end, taken by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round (125th pick). Kennard, who played at South Carolina, had three forced fumbles last fall.

▪ Tonka Hemingway, defensive lineman, taken by Las Vegas in the fourth round (135th pick). Hemingway, who played at Conway High and at South Carolina, is a smallish (285 pounds) lineman who makes up for it with excellent moves and strength.

▪ Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, defensive end, taken by Minnesota in round five (139th pick). Dawkins, who played at Gaffney High and then at Georgia, is a hybrid defensive end/tackle who is considered an excellent pash rusher.

▪ R.J. Mickens, defensive back, taken by the Los Angeles Chargers in the sixth round (214th pick). Mickens, according to analysts, is a big hitter who reads quarterbacks well.

▪ Phil Mafah, running back, taken by Dallas in the seventh round (239th pick). Mafah, from Clemson, is a power back who rushed for nearly 2,100 yards the last two seasons.

▪ Julian Ashby, long-snapper, taken by New England in the seventh round (251st pick). Ashby played four seasons at Furman before transferring to Vanderbilt last fall.

This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 9:45 PM.