| OUSD press release Oakland, CA — Two young men who both played football at McClymonds High School signed with professional football teams last weekend as free agents after the 2020 NFL draft. Safety Javin White from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) signed with the (formerly Oakland) Raiders and quarterback Kevin Davidson of Princeton University signed with the Cleveland Browns. |
| Both players were part of SPAAT, the Student Program for Athletic & Academic Transitioning. White transferred to McClymonds from Fairfield during his junior year to broaden his collegiate opportunities. Although he was an accomplished receiver, McClymonds Head Coach Michael Peters switched him to defense where he played safety, because he saw that position as a better fit for White at the next level. White said playing for Peters had a huge impact on his career. “If you let Coach Peters do his job and guide you, he will lead you in the right direction, and change your life forever.” At UNLV, White majored in Interdisciplinary Studies: Criminal Justice and Public Administration, and he played safety and linebacker. He’s thrilled to have signed with the now-Las Vegas Raiders. “Draft day was a long day,” he said. “Although I was disappointed to not get drafted, I am very excited to be a part of the Raiders organization and am eager to make the best of this opportunity.” |
| Kevin Davidson transferred from San Ramon Valley High School to McClymonds during his junior year. He went on to throw for more than 1600 yards and 12 touchdowns in just four games. Davidson was unable to finish the season at McClymonds due to CIF zoning guidelines. Davidson finished high school at San Ramon Valley before attending Princeton where he studied U.S. Military History. “Coming to McClymonds and playing for Coach Peters is when I developed a real love for the game. In a very short time, I made a ton of relationships and friendships that I still maintain to this day. That doesn’t often happen in high school sports,” said Davidson, who was also part of SPAAT for a year and a half, during which time he was a consistent honor roll student. “SPAAT helped me get into a routine and taught me how important that is for everything in life. All of their SAT/ACT guidance, tutoring, and general life advice gave me the extra push I needed.” White also became a consistent honor roll student and embraced academics the same way he embraced football. “SPAAT gave me discipline and allowed me to understand that my school responsibilities and passion for football go hand in hand.” McClymonds Coach Peters has led his teams to three State Championships. If Davidson and White make their respective teams, they will officially join All-Pro Baltimore Raven, Marcus Peters – Coach Peters’ son – in the NFL. OUSD wishes both these young men the best of luck in their pursuit of excellence in the NFL. |
| ###About the Student Program for Athletic & Academic Transitioning (SPAAT) An Oakland-based nonprofit organization that uses the power of sports to systematically transform lives at the individual level and to create positive change in the greater community. This mission of SPAAT is to increase the number of students and athletes prepared for success in college, career, and life after sports. SPAAT’s programs serve students ages 12-19 who are passionate about their sport but struggle academically. The innovative curriculum creates a college environment and culture and provides student-athletes with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their academic futures. Each year, SPAAT makes a life-changing difference for hundreds of Bay Area student-athletes, and, since 2003, has helped student-athletes secure millions of dollars in collegiate academic and athletic scholarships. Facebook/Instagram: @spaatup About the Oakland Unified School DistrictIn California’s most diverse city, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is dedicated to creating a learning environment where “Every Student Thrives!” More than half of our students speak a non-English language at home. And each of our 83 schools is staffed with talented individuals uniting around a common set of values: Students First, Equity, Excellence, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness and Joy. We are committed to preparing all students for college, career and community success. To learn more about OUSD’s Full Service Community District focused on academic achievement while serving the whole child in safe schools, please visit OUSD.org and follow us @OUSDnews. |
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