Hillsborough Football Star Gears Up For 2024 NFL Draft

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The NFL Draft for the 2024 season will kick off in just about a week with one Hillsborough hometown athlete hoping to fulfill his dream of playing in the big league.

Tyler Boatwright was born and raised in Hillsborough by two hardworking parents Tangela and Stacy Boatwright.

"From early on I was able to see what hard work looks like," said Boatwright to Patch.

He channeled that mentality into football. He played for Hillsborough's Junior Raiders as a runningback and by the age of 10 he knew he wanted to pursue the dream of being in the National Football League.

Boatwright was already a standout at an early age. He broke the record for the number of touchdowns in one game. He got seven touchdowns.

"I fell in love with the game, with the ball in my hand it felt so natural and meant to be," said Boatwright.

He continued to play on the Hillsborough High School football team for all four years. In his freshman year, his team was undefeated . By his junior and senior years he broke numerous school records and was awarded 2 MVP awards.

After graduation in 2018, he was then recruited to play as a Cornerback for Central Connecticut State University(CCSU). During his time at CCSU, his father died and then the COVID pandemic hit.

Boatwright described this period of his life as "rough" but he "pushed through" and was named All Conference Player for CCSU.

"My family has always been very supportive, making every game they can and being in my ear saying it's possible," said Boatwright. "My dad was my biggest fan. He believed in me at times when I didn't... He is a big reason I play football still. I am doing a lot of it for him."

Now Boatwright is training at Test Football in Martinsville for a change to be drafted. He has since been invited to the NY Giants and NY Jets Pro Days, where he performed combine test drills in front of scouts.

"I am going on my 19th year playing football. It's honestly a surreal feeling, all my hard work kind of to see the end of the tunnel," said Boatwright.

Boatwright is hoping with the NFL Draft next week that "any team will help me complete my dream."

The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be held on April 25 to 27 and locals can tune in and watch on ABC and ESPN.

"It's just so surreal, part of me doesn't believe I am already here," said Boatwright. "It feels like so long of a journey but I am ready for whatever God has in store."