From Marist to Michigan to the NFL.
Linebacker Jimmy Rolder announced on his Instagram page that he is skipping his final season of eligibility and declaring for the NFL Draft, which will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
“To the University of Michigan, thank you for four unforgettable years wearing the winged helmet, representing this program and being part of something bigger than myself has been an honor I’ll carry forever,” Rolder said. “The ups and downs, the lessons and the brotherhood — I’m grateful for it all.
“To my family and friends, thank you for standing with me through uncertainty and growth and for always reminding me who I am. To my coaches, thank you for pushing me, trusting me and helping me grow as both a player and a man.”
This season, the 6-2, 240-pounder led the Wolverines in tackles (73) and tackles for loss (seven) as Michigan finished 9-4 and lost 41-27 to Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
The Orland Park resident also had two sacks, two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one interception and a fumble recovery.
The 2022 Marist graduate was named to the 2025 All-Big Ten second team by both the coaches and media. Rolder also was a three-time member of the Big Ten All-Academic team.
Rolder is scheduled to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 27 in Frisco, Texas.
● Benedictine junior linebacker John Thompson was chosen to the All-Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference second team.
The Sandburg graduate and Orland Park resident had 86 tackles, second-best on the team, and five tackles for loss.
● St. Francis women’s basketball player Le’Lani Harris, a Marist graduate from Oak Lawn, was named Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s Player of the Week for Dec. 21.
The 5-10 senior guard averaged 23.5 points over two games. She shot 17 of 29 from the field (.586) and 9 of 15 from 3-point range (.600).
Harris also averaged five rebounds, two assists and one block.