By Eric Stock

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. – First he made it to training camp, now he’s trying to make it a career in the National Football League.

Former Illinois State Redbird and Central Catholic Saint Chris Highland told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he was prepared to wait out the summer after trying out with the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texas, then he got a call from his agent last week.

“He told me the Saints were going to offer me a rookie contract and less than 24 hours later I was on a plane headed to White Sulphur Springs,” Highland says.

That’s where the Saints are holding training camp. Highland said he knows there are no guarantees he’ll make the Saints’ roster as a long snapper, despite signing a three-year contract.

He added he’s not focusing on those he’s competing against for a roster spot.

“I’m focused on myself and that’s something I just do because I know if I size other people up and compare them with my skills, I’m not going to perform the way I would like,” Highland said.

Highland said his job as long snapper is the same, now matter the level.

“Obviously things are a little heightened when you talk about the NFL,” Highland said. “There’s more people at every practice and more responsibility, but it’s still football and I’m just happy to be here to make the most of an opportunity,” Highland said.

Highland is one of about 90 training camp invitees trying to make the 53-man roster after an All-American career with the Redbirds.

Highland would be the third CCHS alum to make the NFL in the last decade, following in the footsteps of Super Bowl champion Michael Hoomanawanui (New England Patriots) and the now-retired Josh Brent (Dallas Cowboys).

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].