H-F's Michael Buchanan with the New England Patriots for the Super Bowl

Three players who once trod the fields at Homewood-Flossmoor High, St. Rita High and Lincoln-Way Central High beneath Friday-night lights will be under the brightest of lights at Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, clad in the uniform of the New England Patriots.

Remember Michael Buchanan, Darius Fleming and Rob Ninkovich? All three Southland natives play on defense for the AFC champions. Ninkovich is a starter. H-F’s Buchanan was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round in 2013. He’s played in a few games this season.

Matt Ramos, an assistant coach at Homewood-Flossmoor, saw Buchanan’s talent up close for two years. Ramos, though, admits he didn’t necessarily envision Buchanan playing in the NFL.

“He was a great athlete and he had a great motor,” Ramos said. “He was quiet, but when it was game time, he was vocal and was a leader. It’s hard to predict an NFL career for a kid in high school. When I saw him play for Illinois, I definitely saw more of an opportunity to play in the NFL. For him to get to where he’s at now is a testament to his work ethic. He always was a hard worker.” » more by Pat Disabato via the Daily Southtown

After drafting Buchanan, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said he liked Buchanan’s production at the University of Illinois: “He’s played with a lot of good pass rushers up there. He’s had production every year in a good conference, a steady player.”

If you didn’t know, now you’ve got some Southland connections to root for.

PREVIOUSLY POSTED ON PATCH

• Getting to Know Patriots Rookie Defensive End Michael Buchanan
• New Lenox’s Rob Ninkovich Gets Glowing Story on ESPN
• Rob Ninkovich: Ranking the Highlights of Our Super Bowl Star

ON PATRIOTS.COM

• Rob Ninkovich
• Michael Buchanan
• Darius Fleming