Meet Isaiah Likely, A Rising Star in the NFL

By Jason Bolton September 10, 2024 07:54

Photo by Kylie Cooper/The Baltimore Banner

Thanks to his dazzling play, Isaiah Likely has quickly become an NFL fan and analyst favorite. His meteoric rise made us want to dissect his burgeoning career, focusing on his upbringing, his electrifying play, and what he brings as a player and potentially projects at the next level.

Coming from a sports family, Likely has been around athletics since he could remember. He went to Everett High School, and there, he discovered his athletic prowess and was dubbed as a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football and in basketball. But if you ask members of his family, they'll tell you how the young Isaiah always had a love for football, and it was evident from an early age as he became one of the stars on his high school team.

The other side to Likely's success was the supportive environment he grew up in. His parents stressed the importance of education, discipline, and values, which he Likely took throughout his career. After completing his high school education, he enrolled at Coastal Carolina University, where he was inspired by college-level football.

The college career of former Coastal Carolina University standout Isaiah Likely was remarkable. He played tight end, amongst other positions, and was an extremely athletic player. Likely recorded 133 receptions at Coastal Carolina for 2,050 yards and an FCS-record-tying touchdown catch. Those numbers ranked him as one of the best student-athletes in school history and would still put him near the top for a tight end alone.

He received numerous honors, including a place on the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-American Second Team, the Walter Camp Foundation (WCFF) All-America Second Team, and has developed a reputation for being a clutch fan favorite.

NFL Draft and Transition

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Isaiah's NFL transition started when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He became the third-highest draft pick in Coastal Carolina history and the eighth player from that school to be selected into the NFL.

For Likely, going through the draft is an important step in becoming a professional. The Ravens are always looking for those with unique skill sets or versatility, and they're optimistic that Likely fits the bill. The young Likely entered his rookie season with high expectations, as most analysts believed he would immediately be a factor on the field.

Professional Performance

He's a quick study as an NFL rookie, rapidly acclimating to their up-tempo game and proving that he could already play with some authority. He's an agile receiver who wins with great hands and plays the ball well in contested catch situations.

Likely has also built a nice rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson throughout his professional journey. His clutch plays came up huge in some of the biggest games for a team like the Ravens and helped turn him into a young rising star across the league.

Future Potential

Isaiah Likely has a bright future in the NFL regarding looking forward. Fans and analysts have already witnessed Likely deliver in the highest of pressure situations, but he still has room to grow. He can emerge as an elite tight end in the league with continued development.

The transformation of Isaiah Likely from a talented high-schooler to an NFL top prospect is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and skills. Off his successful tenure in college and a hot start to the beginning of his career, he will be on course to join the elite list of TEs in the league. With a little help and a few touch-ups, this budding wide receiver only stands to get better with time as he gets more comfortable with the cutthroat demands of the NFL.