Hanover High School in Birmingham, Alabama has produced plenty of noteworthy alumni, but most of the school’s NFL glory has been earned by one man: Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
At least, that is, until now.
Hoover’s alumni have had success in all kinds of other fields, from 1995 Miss America Heather Whitestone to 2005 American Idol winer Taylor Hicks, to Phoenix Mercury forward Sidney Spencer, South Florida men’s basketball coach Murry Bartow and Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley.
But there had been only four Hoover Buccaneers to grace an NFL field before this season, and only Humphrey had even become a regular starter.
That part has changed, as Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver George Pickens is making an impact in his first professional season, and should be facing directly against Humphrey this Sunday when the Ravens visit Acrisure Stadium.
Humphrey, speaking with the Baltimore media on Thursday, said that he has been watching Pickens’ career and has been looking forward to meeting him on the gridiron.
“I’m really excited to go against him,” Humphrey said. “I’ve kinda been waiting to see someone from my high school be on the same field with me. Hopefully, he doesn’t put me on my butt with his NBA YoungBoy style. But a really great player and it’s great to see another guy kinda where I’m from in the big leagues.”
Marlon Humphrey on facing fellow Hoover alum George Pickens this Sunday:
"Hopefully he doesn't put me on my butt with his NBA YoungBoy style."
Humphrey says Pickens is a really great player and it's great to see another guy from where he's from in the big leagues #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/pvHGIm3VFt
— Rocco DiSangro (@RoccoDiSangro) December 8, 2022
The Steelers will likely be looking to get Pickens more involved in the offense than he was last week, when he got just two targets and voiced his frustration about that on the sideline.
But Humphrey might not be the corner to test. The 2019 All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler has just a 59.2 passer rating against when targeted this season, has not allowed a touchdown all year and three interceptions.