Son of parish family drafted by NFL
posted Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 @ 10:43 am

Another young man with roots in Franklin Parish will soon have his chance to play football in the National Football League.

Corey Hilliard, a 6-6, 315 pound offensive tackle from Oklahoma State University was recently selected by the New England Patriots in the 6th round of the NFL draft.

Hilliard is the son of Sharon Gipson Hilliard of Winnsboro and Eddie Hilliard of Wisner, both of whom grew up in Franklin Parish before marrying and relocating to New Orleans in the early 1980s.

Hilliard, who played high school football at Jesuit High School in New Orleans, is the grandson of Cornie White Gipson and Robert Lee Gipson, and Della Hilliard and Eddie Hilliard, all of whom are deceased.

"We're very proud of our son," said Sharon Hilliard. "The mere fact that he grew up to become a God-fearing young man with a healthy, peaceful and humble spirit is all I ever wanted him to become."

Hilliard was a three-year starter at left tackle at Oklahoma State, where he was a unanimous selection as first team All-Big-12 after his senior season.