Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons in the NFL
9/7/2012 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Eric Roberts, WakeForestSports.com
Josh Bush - Jets
Before the NFL draft took place back in April, many scouts may have said that Bush would not be drafted. Bush, however, knew all he needed was for one team to give him a chance in order to make his mark on the league. The New York Jets drafted Bush in the sixth round with high intentions of him playing a vital role for a dominant Jets defense. After an impressive preseason with five tackles in three appearances, Bush now sits second on the depth chart at both safety positions. With his first career game on Sunday against the Bills, Bush will look to make his presence known with any opportunity he gets to step onto the field.
Tyson Clabo - Falcons
Clabo is a key veteran for the Atlanta Falcons, a team which looks to improve upon last season's early Wildcard playoff loss to eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. In his eighth season in the league, Clabo is an offensive tackle who plays a crucial role in allowing former Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan the chance to sit in the pocket and have enough time to make big plays to the receivers. Clabo helped the Falcons land in the top 10 in the league last season in passing yards per game with 262. The Falcons expect Clabo will help the Falcons offense reach new heights as they look to attain greater success for the upcoming season.
Aaron Curry - Raiders (PUP List)
After being traded mid-season last year from the Seattle Seahawks, Curry finished the season in top form for his new Oakland Raiders squad. He played in 11 games, nine of which he started, and had 32 solo tackles, three passes defended and two fumble recoveries. Entering his fourth season in the league, Curry has been battling injuries all preseason and was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the beginning of training camp. Although he will remain on the PUP list for the start of the season, Curry is continuing physical therapy and hopes to make a quick comeback to help the Raiders defense.
Chris DeGeare - Titans
DeGeare was recently picked up by the Tennessee Titans and filled a spot on the eight-man practice squad. The offensive lineman is returning for his third year in the league. DeGeare was on the practice squad all of last year for the Minnesota Vikings. Despite being on the practice squad he played in eight games, five of which he started. DeGeare is hoping to get his chance again to get on the field for a Titans team that will battle in a tough AFC South division.
Brandon Ghee - Bengals (Injured Reserve)
In his third year of play in the league, Ghee caught a tough break during a preseason game as he was sidelined with an injury. Ghee was placed on injured reserve and will be out for the entire season as he recovers from a wrist injury that may require surgery. In his first two years, he fulfilled a major role on special teams in which he utilized his blazing speed. The Bengals hope that Ghee will be able to recover successfully and help the defensive squad next year.
Chris Givens - Rams
The St. Louis Rams drafted Givens in the fourth round in this past year's NFL draft. Givens' quick feet and lightning speed are sure to help the Rams passing game which finished in the bottom three of the league last year in total passing yards. Rams quarterback, Sam Bradford, will look to use Givens' speed as a deep threat to keep the defenses around the league on their toes. Givens managed to play in all four preseason games although he has been in the midst of a tough receiver battle throughout training camp. Look for the Rams to use Givens this year to help extend the field and transform an up-and-coming passing game.
Joe Looney - 49ers
With their fourth round pick in the 2012 draft the San Francisco 49ers drafted Looney. The physical offensive guard was drafted to help one of the most offensively powered groups in the league. Looney suffered from a foot injury early on in training camp, but the coaching staff saw impressive performances in all four preseason games after Looney battled back. Looney is currently second on the depth chart at the right guard position. The 49ers will look for Looney to have an impact on the line as they hope their success from last season carries over into the new season.
Calvin Pace - Jets
Pace is entering his 10th season in the NFL this year for the New York Jets. Pace plays a major role at outside linebacker for a Jets defense that is known to disrupt game plans and cause problems for offenses around the league. Pace had one of his best seasons in his career last year as he played and started in all 16 games. He finished with 72 tackles on the year including 4.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. His 72 total tackles was his highest amount since the 2008 season in which he finished with 80. The Jets have big expectations for Pace and their defense as they look to win the division and make an impact on the league.
Kyle Wilber - Cowboys
The Cowboys looked to Kyle Wilber in the fourth round of the 2012 draft with the goal of upgrading their pass rush. Wilber's physical presence and great size will help the Cowboys defense better rush and defend quarterbacks around the league. Unfortunately, Wilber suffered a broken thumb in the Cowboys' preseason opener and was set to miss 3-4 weeks. Wilber was inactive for Dallas' 24-17 season-opening win over the New York Giants on Wednesday. Despite the preseason setback, Wilber is currently third on the depth chart at strongside linebacker. Once Wilber is completely healthy, the Cowboys will look to him this year to make an impact on the game and help the team be successful in a competitive NFC North Division.
Free Agents
The training camp period requires teams to cut down their rosters to only 53 active players which put teams in tough situations, especially in dealing with veteran players. A number of former Deacons who were released from active roster spots include: Alphonso Smith (Lions), Ovie Mughelli (Rams), Cyhl Quarles (Ravens), Steve Vallos (Eagles), and Joe Zelenka (Falcons).
