A trio of former Spanish Fort football players are set for a Toro reunion at the NFL Draft this spring.

DJ James from Auburn, Jeremiah Hixon from New Mexico and Kris Abrams-Draine from Missouri declared for the 2024 Draft within a week of each other following their final college football seasons. James was the first on Dec. 29, 2023, before Hixon on Jan. 2 and Abrams-Draine on Jan. 4.

All three played more than 40 games in their collegiate careers and served as just a few of Spanish Fort’s alumni at the next level.

James and Abrams-Draine will take center stage in front of NFL Draft executives this February when they patrol the defensive backfield at the Senior Bowl as part of the American Team. Stay tuned to @GCMSportsAL for more coverage of the Senior Bowl and draft process.

James looking to make jump to pros

Over James’ five-year career, he played 25 games in three seasons at Oregon and 24 games in two seasons at Auburn.

He racked up 147 total tackles (108 solos and 39 assists), 5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions for 49 return yards with 1 touchdown and 24 pass breakups. With 10 pass breakups this season, James was tied for third in the Southeastern Conference.

“First, I want to give thanks to my parents and family for the prayers and always being that support system I needed,” James said in his declaration on Dec. 29, 2023. “Thank you to Auburn University for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love. I want to thank my coaches and my teammates for their support and for consistently pushing me daily during my time at Auburn University. I also want to thank the University of Oregon for having me during my time there. I’ll never forget the connection and bonds I made out west. I’m forever grateful for all the memoires and being able to compete with them.”

Hixon readies to head to next level

Hixon logged 43 games over six years where he played 32 games over five seasons at Alabama State and finished with 11 games this past season at New Mexico. He hauled in 161 catches for 1,992 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns to go along with 8 carries for 36 rushing yards, 1-of-1 passing for 45 yards, 5 punt returns for 61 yards and 3 kickoff returns for 62 yards.

“Where do I begin, my journey has been moments to last a lifetime. I would have never imagined I would do everything I accomplished in all my college years. From game winning touchdowns, the first HBCU player to score against a PAC-12 team, God has truly been by my side on this amazing journey,” Hixon wrote in his Jan. 2 declaration. “Without the support of my family and son who sacrificed so much but came to everything and supported me in this amazing journey, I will never be able to repay you all. Thank you for always believing and supporting me. I have so many people who pushed me and supported me along this journey and it has not gone unnoticed. I will forever cherish all the support and blessings you all have provided me along the way. My support team has truly been amazing.

“Thank you to Spanish Fort High School, Alabama State University, and the University of New Mexico for believing in a small town kid,” Hixon continued. “‘And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and He rewards those who seek Him.’ Hebrews 11:6.”

Abrams-Draine advancing to draft preparations

Abrams-Draine arrived on Missouri’s campus as a receiver then played his final three seasons as a defensive back and recorded play time in 43 games.

Defensively, he made 136 total tackles (104 solos and 32 assists), 3.5 tackles for loss, 7 interceptions for 9 return yards, 34 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble. He also had 29 kickoff returns for 603 yards and 1 touchdown as well as 6 punt returns for 12 yards. Offensively, he caught 2 passes for 3 receiving yards and took 1 carry 3 rushing yards over 5 games.

With 13 pass breakups and 4 interceptions as a senior, Abrams-Draine’s 17 total passes defended was tied for fifth among FBS programs across the country. Beanie Bishop Jr. from West Virginia led the nation with 24 between 20 breakups and 4 interceptions.

“First, I thank God for blessing me with everything that is upon me. Thank you to my family for being here throughout my college journey and helping me make a decision on my future,” Abrams-Draine wrote in his Jan. 4 declaration. “I would like to thank Coach Drink for believing in me when no one else did. I also would like to thank Coach Baker, Coach Pouge, and Coach Russell for pushing me to become a better player and person. Throughout my four years I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for the love and support from Tiger Nation. Thank you to the University of Missouri for giving me an opportunity to learn and grow.”