A Union County native’s dreams came true this weekend when he heard his name called during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Will Fries was surrounded by friends and family at their home in Cranford when the call came in from Indianapolis. A few minutes later, the Colts made it official.

“Everyone was so stressed out by the whole day and once that call came through and we knew where we were going, everyone just brown down and gave a big group hug,” Fries says.

The Colts selected the 6-foot-6, 309-pound offensive lineman in the seventh round of the draft – No. 248 overall.

Fries played college football at Penn State. Prior to that he was a star at Cranford High School, helping the Cougars to win a state title in 2015.

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“It’s really cool. It’s such a tight-knit community here being able to celebrate with the whole community afterward – all my closest friends, mentors, coaches. Being able to see them that night, a really special moment. A night I’ll never forget,” Fries says.

Fries flies out to Indianapolis on Wednesday. He says that he is looking forward to meeting his teammates, including Holmdel native Quenton Nelson.

“There’s a great offensive line group there. Really excited to be joining them. Guys like Quenton Nelson, being from New Jersey as well. Excited to meet him. Ryan Kelly, Mark Glowinski – they’re all really good guys and I’m excited to be part of the group,” Fries says.

Fries says that while the draft process was long, the payoff is unbelievable. He says that he can’t wait to get started.

“I can’t thank the Colts organization enough for taking a chance on me and I’m really looking forward to getting to work out there and giving it everything that I’ve got,” he says.

Jersey City native Frank Darby was also drafted. The former Lincoln High School wide receiver was taken by the Atlanta Falcons.