Dont'a Hightower

By Boston.com Staff

School: Marshall County High School, Lewisburg, Tenn.

Patriots rookie Hightower is a hometown hero in Lewisburg, Tenn., where he starred for Marshall County High School.

Before moving on to the University of Alabama (foregoing a chance to play for Tennessee), he was a stud linebacker for the Tigers. But he was also known as a down-to-Earth guy who was well liked by everyone.

"Dont'a was the type of kid that got along with everybody," said Aaron Pitts, his high school coach. "Him being the big man on campus, Dont'a got a lot of attention. Everybody was a fan."