Terrion Arnold’s path to success and the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday hasn’t been without challenges.

He changed Tallahassee high schools, fractured his ankle, thought basketball might be his primary sport over football, and did not  become a full-time starter at Alabama until midway through the 2022 season.

Still, Arnold never wavered in his commitment to excel.

“If you say something to him, he’s going to remember it, exactly,” family friend and personal trainer Travis Norton said. “He’s a guy motivated by greatness.

"He wants to make a statement that lasts forever.”

Tallahassee football star Terrion Arnold makes history in NFL Draft

Arnold, 21, became one of Tallahassee’s highest selections in the NFL Draft when the Detroit Lions filled their biggest need on defense by moving up five spots in the first round to select Arnold with the 24^th overall pick.

Arnold also became St. John Paull II Catholic High School’s first athlete to be selected in the NFL Draft.  And he hasn't forgotten the small, private school in the Southwood area of Tallahassee.

Arnold remains in contact with former and current coaches; serves as a mentor for the football team’s "Big Brother, Little Brother" program under head coach Tremaine Hughes; and he built respectful, lasting friendships during his time at the school in the guidance and custodial departments.

"It's a great honor for our school and well-deserved on his part, he did the work," said JPII Athletic Director Phil Dorn, who joined the school last August. "We are really excited for Terrion and his family. It's a special time for the school and this community."

Arnold, a 5-star defensive back, the Tallahassee Democrat's All-Big Bend Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and basketball star at JPII, signed with Alabama in February 2021 over SEC rivals Florida and Georgia.

“Character,” former JPII football coach Ed Hill said of Arnold’s best quality.  “If he says he’s going to do something, he’s going to do it. And he’s going to outwork anyone you put in front of him.” Add Hughes, who described Arnold's strengths as "his family, his desire to be great and competitive edge. He has a great personality and is relatable. He can maneuver in any room and feel comfortable."

Former Lions LB and FSU football star Ernie Sims thrilled for Arnold

Arnold’s selection by the Lions brought a smile to the face of former Lions linebacker Ernie Sims.

The former North Florida Christian and Florida State star is Tallahassee’s highest NFL Draft selection at No. 9 overall by Detroit in 2006. Sims played four seasons with the Lions and was one of five team captains in 2007. Detroit coach Dan Campbell and Sims were also Lions teammates for three years (2006-08).

Sims offered a glimpse of what Arnold could expect in the Motor City.

"You always hear about the Cowboys and Steelers fans, but Detroit has some of the most dedicated, loyal fans you will find in America," said Sims, recently hired by FSU football as a defensive analyst. "Plus, Dan (Campbell) embodies everything Detroit represents. He demands a standard by the way he works ....

"Terrion is going to an organization where the Ford Family (which owns 70%) and city are firmly behind it. He is getting there when the team is really starting to rise. You have all these different pieces around the team, and he's one of those missing pieces.

"I am just really excited for him."

Norton, who joined Arnold in Detroit for the NFL Draft, described his three days there as a “whirlwind.” Arnold was also joined at the Draft around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit by his mother, grandparents, younger brother and sister and other family members.

Arnold was the top-rated cornerback on the Lions draft board. The team surrendered first- and third-round choices in the deal with the Dallas Cowboys, and also received a 2025 seventh-rounder in return.

Norton was near the front of the stage at Campus Martius as Arnold walked on stage to shake the hand of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and held up a new Honolulu Blue jersey.

“Everyone knew there was going to be an (early) run on offensive talent,” said Norton, owner of KAOS Group Training. "There was no anxiousness inside the green room or theater room. Everyone had a feel for what was happening. And the Detroit fans were amazing.

"They went insane when his name was called.”

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee's Arnold makes history as first-round pick in NFL Draft