NFL Players
Jeoffrey Pagan (2014-2015)
Jeoffrey Pagan was an Army All-American during his time at Asheville. He went on to play at Alabama where he was apart of the 2011 & 2012 National Championships. Pagan was later drafted in 2014 by the Houston Texans with the 177th Overall Pick.
Crezdon Butler (2010-2016)
Crezdon Butler was a 4 star cornerback for the Cougars and helped lead them to the state title in 2005. Butler went on to Clemson where he became the top corner for the Tigers. In 2010, he was drafted 164th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After 5 years in the NFL, Butler is currently playing in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts.
Johnny White (2011-2012)
Johnny White played just two seasons at running back for the Cougars where he broke Charlie "Choo-Choo" Justice's record for rushing yards. He was a pivotal part in Asheville's 2005 state championship. He went on to play at UNC where he was a running back, cornerback, and returner for the Tar Heels. White was ultimately drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 133rd overall pick in 2011.
Leonard Little (1998-2009)
Leonard Little was a High School All American during his time at Asheville High before he went on to play at the University of Tennessee. During his senior season, Little earned first team All-American and first team All SEC honors. In 1998, Little was drafted with the 65th overall pick by the St. Louis Rams.
John Avery (1998-2003)
John Avery graduated from Asheville High and ultimately wound up at the University of Mississippi where he spent two years at running back as well as returner. In 1998, Avery was drafted 29th Overall by the Miami Dolphins. Throughout his career he spent time in the XFL and the CFL as well.
Ray Roberts (1992-2000)
Ray Roberts graduated from Asheville High in 1987 and went on to play collegiate football at the University of Virginia. There Roberts earned the Jacobs Trophy two years in a row as the ACC's best blocker. In 1992 the Seattle Seahawks drafted him 10th Overall. He eventually finished out his career with the Detroit Lions.
Claude "Hoot" Gibson (1961-1965)
Claude "Hoot" Gibson graduated from Asheville High and went on to play at NC State. There, he led the Pack in punt returns, kickoff returns, and interceptions. In 1961, Hoot was drafted in the NFL by the Chicago Bears but chose to play in the AFL for the San Diego Chargers after being drafted in the 7th round. Gibson is still the all-time leader in punt return yards per attempt in NFL/AFL history with 12.1 yards per attempt.
Jim McCanless (1961)
Jim McCanless graduated from Asheville High in 1953 after being selected to the Shrine Bowl for the North Carolina team. McCanless went on to play college football for the Clemson Tigers. Jim finished his career playing for the Huston Oilers.
Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice (1950-1954)
Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice was apart of two undefeated seasons while at Asheville high. His senior year his team outscored their opponents 400-6. After high school, Charlie joined the military where he was a standout football player as well. He eventually went to college at UNC-Chapel hill where he was a two time All-American and finished second in the Heisman voting both years. He was named MVP of the College All-Star game where he lead his team to a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1950 and played two years before injuries cut his career short. The 22 yard line at Keenan Memorial Stadium is still painted blue in Charlie's honor along with his statue out front.
