In order to get the NFL’s attention, some athletes must put in years and years of arduous work. Particularly for high school athletes, all they can achieve is attention from college football. Here comes the fortunate one like Alex Hiemstra, whose high school stints are enough to woo NFL big-shots.

Yes, it’s the same Hiemstra who shot to the limelight by backing Brady Goudreau as he attempted to halt the Peace Wapiti Titans last season. Well, it looks like his talent reached the right place, as his one move inspired the NFL to treat it as a benchmark. Does it promise some bigger things for the young chap? 

Alex Hiemstra’s highlight play grabs NFL attention

Before joining the Whitecourt Cats fam, Hiemstra played for Hilltop High School, the Lancers. He later moved in with the Cats, who are a young team. And for this, they are paying heavy consequences. Moving into the quarterfinals, expectations were high for them as they hosted the Ponoka Broncs at Graham Acres on Monday, Nov. 11. And what was the result? The Broncos won 44-4, and with this, it marked the end of the Cat’s 2024 season. But atleast they had something to celebrate. All thanks to their phenom Hiemstra as Hilltop High School tweeted about their alumnus’ big achievement.

As per the reports, the young chap made the Cats prouder by scoring a “great touchdown” during the first round of Provincials. He might have aimed to be on college football’s radar. But the universe had planned something bigger for Hiemstra. As the tweet read, “The NFL has selected it as their high school football play of the week.” Not just this, he has become a common face now that his grand move was aired all across Canada on CTV NFL Football on November 17, Sunday. Now, history says, the high school athlete must be up for some great things. 

Inspirations lined up for Alex Hiemstra 

Even though his program did not do well this season, Hiemstra should never lose hope. Instead, he should be counting on legends who had a big start in the NFL in their own big way. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes looked like he was destined for baseball glory being the son of famous MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes Sr. But made a big name by playing in the Little League World Series and throwing a 16-strikeout no-hitter in high school. However, he was still ranked as a three-star recruit. And look where he is today. 

The same goes for defensive tackle Chris Jones. He was one of the premier recruits in the nation in the Class of 2013. After graduating from Houston High School (Mississippi), he quickly gained recognition as a five-star recruit and the No. 2 defensive end in the nation.

And how could we forget Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen? He went off as unrated and back in 2014 had no major college offers as a senior at Firebaugh High School (California). Yet the No. 5-ranked junior college prospect made it to the NFL even after only two schools were there to offer him any roles. So, Alex Hiemstra has every reason to keep his spirits soaring.

Besides high school football news, if you want some quick updates on the NFL, you can check out the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast.