LAS VEGAS — The storied tradition continues for Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School.
The San Francisco took offensive tackle and Broadview Heights native Nick Zakelj with the 187th overall pick in the sixth round of the NFL draft. The Fordham University product was one of several Northeast Ohio natives to be selected on the draft's third and final day.
As a two-way player and team captain at BBHS, Zakelj recorded 270 tackles during his high school career and helped pave the way for a Bees offense that put up a program-record 425 points during his senior year in 2016, earning all-Suburban League honors in the process. He then started nearly every game of his time with the Rams at left tackle, and was twice a first-team All-Patriot League selection.
Zakelj joins a 49ers squad fresh off a berth in its second NFC Championship game in three years. He is just the third BBHS player to be drafted, and the first since renowned quarterback/punter Tom Tupa in 1988. Zakelja's former high school teammate — Iowa State linebacker Mike Rose — was not selected.
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