Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons in the NFL - Preseason
9/4/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sep 4, 2013
By Scott Wortman, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@DemonDeacons)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The 2013 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, and a total of nine former Demon Deacons have made opening day rosters. Here is a player-by-player breakdown of the Deacons who made the final rosters, and the Deacons who were unfortunately released during the preseason.
Tommy Bohanon - New York Jets
Bohanon is slated to start at fullback for the Jets after being drafted in the seventh round this past April. Bohanon, who had an impressive preseason, was competing with veteran Lex Hilliard for the starting spot, but Hilliard was placed on injured reserve midway through the preseason leaving Bohanon as the team's lone fullback. Bohanon and the Jets open the season on Sunday by hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie Bohanon joins fellow Demon Deacons Josh Bush and Calvin Pace on New York's roster this season.
Josh Bush - New York Jets
Bush is entering his second season with the Jets after being drafted in the sixth round in 2012. The former Wake Forest All-American is currently sitting second on the depth chart at safety behind Dawan Landry, but Bush figures to play a significant role on special teams as well. Bush played in all four preseason games, registering 16 tackles. As a rookie last season, Bush played in all 16 games and had 11 tackles, including nine solo stops. Bush and the Jets open the season on Sunday by hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tyson Clabo - Miami Dolphins
The veteran offensive lineman is entering his first season with the Dolphins after being picked up this past spring. Clabo spent eight seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2010, before being released by the team. Miami signed the former Deacon to a one-year deal to replace former No. 1 overall draft pick Jake Long at left tackle. Clabo allowed just five sacks all of last season for the Falcons. Clabo and the Dolphins open the season on Sunday at the Cleveland Browns.
Brandon Ghee - Cincinnati Bengals
Ghee returns for his fourth season with the Bengals, looking for a breakout season after missing all of 2012 with a wrist injury. Ghee battled through a head injury suffered early in the preseason, but the speedy cornerback showed enough to make the 53-man roster as a reserve in the secondary and key special teams member. Ghee and the Bengals open the season on Sunday at the Chicago Bears.
Chris Givens - St. Louis Rams
Givens, a second-year wide receiver who was chosen in the fourth round of the 2012 draft, had a productive rookie season for the Rams catching 42 passes for 698 yards and three touchdowns. According to many NFL pundits, Givens could be in line for even bigger things this season. With a season under his belt, Givens now has the experience to go with his speed as a consistent deep threat for St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford. Givens also could return kicks for the Rams after averaging over 23 yards per return last season. Givens and the Rams open the season on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Joe Looney - San Francisco 49ers
Looney is entering his second season with the defending NFC Champion 49ers after being selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft. He is listed as the backup at left guard behind starter Mike Iupati. Looney was at the center of a controversial block during the preseason. Looney blocked the Minnesota Vikings' Kevin Williams on Aug. 25, and the Vikings took exception with the low block. However, the NFL reviewed the play and determined Looney's block was legal. The 49ers open the season on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
Calvin Pace - New York Jets
The veteran outside linebacker Pace is entering his 11th season in the NFL and sixth with the Jets in 2013. Pace was released by New York last spring in a salary-reducing move but was later resigned by the team for which he started all 16 games last season. Pace, who is listed as the starter again this year, has registered 34.5 sacks over the past six seasons. Pace and the Jets open the season on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Steve Vallos, Denver Broncos
Vallos is entering his sixth season in the NFL and his first with the Denver Broncos. Vallos signed with Denver in early August and won the backup center spot behind starter Manny Ramirez. The veteran Vallos, who can also see time at guard, started last season with the Philadelphia Eagles but then was a mid-season pickup by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Vallos has also seen time with the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns during his career.
Kyle Wilber - Dallas Cowboys
Wilber is entering his second season with the Cowboys after being drafted in the fourth round in 2012. Wilber played outside linebacker last season, seeing action in 10 games and making four tackles on the year. However, the former Deacon will shift to defensive end this season as Dallas makes the move to a 4-3 defensive scheme. Wilber could be in line for a bigger role this season as incumbent starter Anthony Spencer is battling injuries. Wilber and fourth-year man George Selvie are competing for Spencer's spot at right defensive end. The Cowboys open the season on Sunday against their division rival the New York Giants.
Aaron Curry - Retired
The former Butkus Award winner Curry announced his retirement from professional football last week after the linebacker was released by the New York Giants. The fourth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Curry battled a knee injury last season limiting him to just two games with the Oakland Raiders. He signed with the Giants in May and played in three preseason games with the team.
Chris DeGeare - Free Agent
DeGeare was released from the New York Giants' injured reserve list on Monday after reaching an injury settlement with the team. Entering his fourth season in the NFL, DeGeare signed a free agent deal with the Giants this past January. However, the offensive lineman suffered leg injuries during the team's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. DeGeare was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. He spent last season on the Tennessee Titans' practice squad.
Dennis Godfrey - Free Agent
Godfrey, a 2012 Wake Forest alum, was attempting to make his first NFL roster after going undrafted. The offensive guard signed with the Dallas Cowboys in July but was released by the team on Aug. 27. Godfrey impressed the Dallas brass with his play as a lineman/fullback with the San Jose Sabercats of the Arena Football League. Godfrey signed with San Jose after playing in France during the winter and spring seasons.
Kenny Okoro - Free Agent
The San Diego Chargers signed Okoro as an undrafted free agent this past April. The rookie defensive back was injured in July and released by the team at the start of August.
Cyhl Quarles - Free Agent
The second-year safety Quarles was released by the Chicago Bears on Aug. 11. Quarles was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. Quarles was eventually released by the Ravens but spent time on the New England Patriots' practice squad last season.
