Rookie Hightower impacting Cardinals

Even though he was lightly recruited out of Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Va.) Tim Hightower shined at Richmond and has become a rookie sensation with the Cardinals.

From ball boy to NFL star, Fitzgerald makes most of opportunity

As a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings in high school, Larry Fitzgerald got an inside look at the talent it takes to be one of the NFL's best.

Coaches find success in single wing

"Wildcat" is just a nickname, a variation, of one of the most time-tested formations in football -- the single wing. With an estimated winning percentage of .700, why aren't more teams employing this versatile offense?

Romo always knew he could play

Tony Romo wasn't always a superstar. He was an unknown high school recruit before dominating at Eastern Illinois and going undrafted in the NFL. He's the latest to featured in the ESPN RISE Preps-To-Pros series.

Size doesn't matter for Westbrook

Brian Westbrook overcame injury and small size in high school to become one of the top running backs in the NFL.

Green speeds to the Hall of Fame

Darrell Green was once a walk-on in high school, but last summer the former walk-on and unrecruited high school player was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Cold climate breeds tough players

Cold weather is as much a part of football lore as the I-formation and John Madden. And in northern states like Vermont, cold-weather games are a way of life.

Patience pays off for Rodgers

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' career has been defined by patience as he went from unknown prep to big-time pro.

70th NFL Draft NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (California) poses with NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue after Rodgers...

Best high school football stadiums

Here are our top choices -- some famous, some quirky -- for the nation's best places to watch high school football.

Owens beat the odds to become a star

Terrell Owens wasn't always the biggest star on the stage. A late-blooming prep player, Owens was anything but a sure-fire college star and NFL draft pick.

Football isn't everything for Loston

Eisenhower (Houston) senior Craig Loston is a pretty good actor, but there's no faking the skills that have made him the nation's top safety.

Layne, Walker put Highland Park on map

Highland Park has seen its fair share of success in recent years. But a closer look at the program's history reveals that the Scots' winning ways can be traced back to football legends.

Lipscomb shining in Shepard's shadow

Although Hasan Lipscomb was displaced by Hurricane Katrina, he hasn't forgotten where he's from, writes Christopher Lawlor.

Hall embracing the ironman life

Whether he's lined up on offense, defense or special teams, Palo Verde's Adam Hall can turn any play into a touchdown