Wake Forest Athletics
Deacs in the NFL: Week 9
11/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeFB)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Several former Demon Deacons have taken their careers to the next level to the NFL and are currently on active rosters. We take a look at what each former Deac did around the NFL over the weekend.
FB Tommy Bohanon, New York Jets
Bohanon saw action in a 28-23 victory over Jacksonville, helping push the Jets to a 5-3 record. The fullback started and played on 24 snaps, more than a third of the total offensive plays.
WR Michael Campanaro, Baltimore Ravens
Campanaro scored his first touchdown of the season on Oct. 1, but the second-year pro later suffered a herniated disc, and has been placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. "I know I belong on the field when I'm out there. It's definitely motivation going into next year for myself. Right now, my focus is on getting healthy and supporting the guys," Campanaro said.
WR Chris Givens, Baltimore Ravens
Givens and the Ravens were off in Week 9, and play host to Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon. The fourth-year receiver has seven catches for 113 yards this season. In 52 career games, he has totaled 94 catches, 1,539 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
LB Justin Jackson, Dallas Cowboys
After signing with the Cowboys in June, Jackson tore his ACL in practice in early August. He will miss the 2015 season.
DB Kevin Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson and the Texans had their bye week, and travel to undefeated Cincinnati on Monday Night Football on Nov. 16. The rookie defensive back has totaled 28 tackles, an interception and five passes defended at the midway point of the season. KSPR, the local ABC affiliate, labeled Johnson as the team's Defensive Rookie of the Year to this point.
OL Joe Looney, Tennessee Titans
In just his third week with the Titans, Looney moved into the starting left guard position after starting at center the week prior. Looney helped the Titans take down the Saints, 34-28. When asked about Looney's game, interim head coach Mike Mularkey said, "He's just had experience. He's been around the league. He has a number of starts under his belt and that had a lot to do with it. Some of the third down things, we're tapping the center for cadence, the snap count, and he's good with that. There were things that he brought to the table more than anybody else, and that's why we made that change."
DB Merrill Noel, Buffalo Bills
After being released by the team on September 4, Noel was signed to the Bills practice squad.
LB Calvin Pace, New York Jets
A 13-year veteran, Pace had his best game of the season in a 28-23 victory over Jacksonville. He recorded three tackles and a strip sack - the 20th forced fumble of his career - also recovering the fumble late in the fourth quarter to help seal the win. The 35-year-old met with reporters this week, saying, "You don't think about 13 years, but age is just a number...mentally, I'm still sharp. I feel good, man. It's still fun. I know I can play, and play at a high level." Cornerback Darrelle Revis said about Pace, "A lot of guys look up to him...He's still making plays, which is great. That's why he's still in the league."
LB Zach Thompson, Baltimore Ravens
After seeing action in all four preseason games for the Ravens and recording a tackle in the final preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons, Thompson was placed on Injured Reserve.
FB Nikita Whitlock, New York Giants
Whitlock started at fullback for the fourth time of the past five games, helping the Giants take down the Buccaneers, 32-18, to improve above .500. He has still been seeing defensive action, too, playing three snaps as a defensive tackle.
LB Kyle Wilber, Dallas Cowboys
Wilber came off the bench in a 33-27 loss to Philadelphia, making a pair of tackles. The game was the 50th of Wilber's career - he has totaled 90 tackles and 3.5 sacks in three-and-a-half seasons.
