NFL fans in Highland Springs now have local connections to the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles.

A pair of former Highland Springs High School Springers had their names called in last week’s NFL draft.

Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton was chosen by the Jets as the 11th overall pick in the first round.

Defensive back K’Von Wallace was selected by the Eagles as the 127th overall pick in round four.

Becton played at the University of Louisville; Wallace at Clemson University.

Listed at 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds, Becton dazzled scouts at the NFL Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 5.1 seconds.

Becton was All-ACC at Louisville while winning the conference’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy. His heavy lifting up front helped the Cardinals average 34 points per game.

Wallace became a leader for a Clemson squad that posted a 55-4 record during the past four seasons. The Tigers were national champs in 2016 and 2018.

Wallace played in 59 games as a Tiger, matching the school record.

Becton figures to be a day one starter for the Jets at left tackle where he will offer protection for quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Le’Veon Bell.

Wallace appears to have a strong chance of making the Eagles roster as a versatile defensive back and special teams operator. The Eagles won the NFC East last season before losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Playoff.

Highland Springs has made many contributions to the NFL over the years. Other Springers who have played in the NFL include Marcus Burley, Ron Burton, Jim Davis, Victor “Macho” Harris, Waddey Harvey, Ed Perry, Greg Taylor, Emanuel McNeil and Brian Washington.

Receiver/kick returner Greg Dortch is a Los Angeles Ram.

Wide receiver Felton Davis is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Davis and Dortch were teammates of Wallace and Becton while wearing the Springers black and gold.