The list of Penn Hills alumni who have played in the NFL is a who’s who of elite athletes, including future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, Bill Fralic, Barry Church and Tom Flynn.

Add Jaden Dugger to the list.

The 2022 Penn Hills grad was selected in the fifth round (154th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. He was the first former WPIAL player picked in the 2026 draft.

“I was getting kinda antsy (waiting),” he said on a conference call with reporters from his home in Pittsburgh via the 49ers website. “It’s crazy. Just blessed.”

Dugger was a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection at linebacker for Louisiana-Lafayette last fall, leading the team with 125 tackles.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound senior converted from the safety position his first two seasons at Georgetown. He showcased his ability for scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

“With my versatility and athleticism, I can play a lot of different positions,” Dugger told TribLive earlier this month. “People my size usually can’t move this well. That’s what a lot of teams seemed excited about.”

Reporters compared Dugger’s position switch to new teammate Fred Warner, a former defensive back who became one of the NFL’s top linebackers with the 49ers.

“Of course, he’s one of the best linebackers in the league,” said Dugger, who was thrilled with the mention. “There’s a lot of vets I’m happy to learn from.”

Dugger said he looks forward to soaking up as much information as possible.

“I know how important it is for rookies to come in an learn and not be overwhelmed by the process. I’m happy I get to do it and learn from the best.”

Here’s a look at the Penn Hills alumni who have played in the NFL:

Player, Pos., Teams, Years

Aaron Donald, DT, STL, LAR, 2014-23

Treyvon Hester, DT, OAK, PHI, WAS, 2017-19

Barry Church, DB, DAL, JAX, 2010-18

Jake Schifino, WR, TEN, 2003-04

Tom Tumulty, LB, CIN, 1996-98

Bill Fralic, OL, ATL, DET, 1985-93

Tom Flynn, DB, GNB, NYG, 1984-88

Chuck Sanders, RB, PIT, 1986-87

Hubie Bryant, WR, PIT, NE, 1970-72

Ralph Heck, LB, PHI, ATL, NYG, 1963-71

George Roman, BOS, NYB, NYG, 1948-50

* Pro Football Reference