Cody Kessler isn't the only local player who's been picked up by an NFL team.
Just minutes after the 2016 NFL Draft ended, the Carolina Panthers signed Utah linebacker and Centennial graduate Jared Norris to a free agent contract.
Norris led Utah in tackles and tackles per game in 2014. He was second on the team in both categories during the 2015 campaign.
RELATED: Cody Kessler drafted by the Cleveland Browns
After that, Independence graduate and Iowa State defensive end Dale Pierson signed with the Green Bay Packers.
DE from @CycloneATH @ @IHSFalcons Dale Pierson (@SACKMAMBA45) signs with the #Packers.
— Stephen Hicks (@StephenHicks23) May 1, 2016
After receiving zero offers from D-I level schools, Pierson played defensive end at Pasadena City College where he racked up 112 tackles over two seasons.
He signed to play for Iowa State in 2014, where he earned him the nickname "Sack Mamba" and would go on to record 8.5 sacks in 2015, tying a school record.
RELATED: Dale Pierson goes from zero HS offers to setting records at Iowa State
Meanwhile, Ridgeview High School graduate Kyrie Wilson was signed by the Raiders. Wilson made 11 starts at inside linebacker in his senior year at Fresno State and recorded 74 tackles on the season.
Garces graduate Grant Campbell joins Pierson as another junior college standout to make it to the NFL. After high school Campbell actually played baseball at CSU Bakersfield before transferring to play linebacker at Bakersfield College. After playing with the Renegades Campbell went to Baylor where he lead the teams with 97 tackles. Campbell was invited to Rookie Camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
