Deacs in the NFL: Week 8
11/4/2015 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 34-20 loss on the road to the Oakland Raiders. The fullback played seven snaps on the offense, used for blocking schemes.
DB Josh Bush, Buffalo Bills
After being released by the Denver Broncos, Bush found a new home with the Bills on October 14. He was then cut by the Bills on Oct. 23.
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
Taking advantage of an increased role due to injuries, Givens exploded in Week 8 as a part of the Ravens' 29-26 win at home over the San Diego Chargers. He caught three passes for 57 yards, both season highs, and also caught his longest pass of the season when he hauled in a 39-yard reception down the sideline.
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
The rookie Deacon had a breakout game on Sunday, pulling down the first interception of his pro career and returning it for 22 yards in a 20-6 win over the Tennessee Titans. Johnson also had a career high in tackles, with six, and recorded a pass defended. "My teammates have been showing me a lot of love and I have been enjoying it," Johnson said after the game. "I am happier that we got the win more than the interception." Texans Head Coach Bill O'Brien said the following day, "Kevin Johnson really played a good football game yesterday. He tackled well, he intercepted a pass, he was in the right coverage, he was in proper leverage, he did the things that we ask him to do. I think he's a good example of a guy that's getting better and better."
OL Joe Looney, Tennessee Titans
In just his second week with the Titans, Looney moved into the starting center position on Sunday in a 20-6 loss on the road to the Houston Texans. Sunday's game was the fifth start of his career.
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
Pace started his third straight game and sixth of the season in a 34-20 loss on the road to the Oakland Raiders. The 13-year veteran recorded one tackle on the day and is approaching the 600-tackle mark for his career. Pace currently has 594 tackles and 58 sacks in his career with the Jets and the Arizona Cardinals.
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 found himself starting in one of the wildest offensive games of the whole season. He was part of an offense that scored 49 points, but fell to the New Orleans Saints, 52-49.
LB Kyle Wilber, Dallas Cowboys
Wilber started his third game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, falling by a 13-12 score to the defending NFC champions. He did not record any statistics in the game.
