Former Cats look to make their impact in the NFL
By Staff
As we embark on the first full Sunday of the NFL season, I felt it was time to take a look at the former Cats that have found their way onto NFL rosters. As the football Cats are making it to bowl games, more and more players are being noticed and tagged for the NFL. While this list used to be restricted to the occasional “big name glamour player” like Couch, former Wildcats are now making it to the bigs at almost every position which is a testament to Coach Brooks coaching staff and a notice to recruits that UK can be a pathway to the pros. Let’s take a look at a few of the Cats that may see action today:
Jacob Tamme (Indiananpolis Colts, tight end): Tamme has the luxury of playing for a team that ‘loves’ these types of players. A versatile tight end/wide receiver combo is something the Colts are known for. Just take a look at their current tight end Dallas Clark. Known as a tight end that can run routes and block, he can also man the slot position at wide receiver. This makes him much more dangerous than just having him play tight end. This is where Tamme comes in. The second year player out of UK is making some noise for the Colts this preseason. His ability to catch the ball and get some yards after the catch is catching the eye of Colts coaches. If Tamme can produce anywhere near the level of Clark, I’d expect some good minutes and reps for Tamme in the NFL this season.
Myron Pryor (New England Patriots, defensive lineman): The man known most among UK fans as the rumbling, bumbling defensive lineman that took a fumble recovery back for six last year against hated rivals Louisville, now has an opportunity to get some playing time with the Patriots. A sixth-round pick in last year’s draft, Pryor has plenty of competition along the defensive side of things. But let’s face it, Pryor is big and he can move. Head coach Belichick seems to notice Pryor and if that’s the case, Pryor could very well end up with some playing time as well. I personally think Pryor is a great fit for the Patriots. Play him along with current Patriots standout, Vince Wilfork, Pryor can be a good fit in a pretty good defensive squad.
Jeremy Jarmon (Washington Redskins, defensive lineman): Most UK fans will be able to point out the fact that Jarmon should be playing his final season at UK right now. That’s not the case however, as the NCAA ruled Jarmon ineligible to play this season because he failed a drug test. While hard news to take, for fans and Jamon alike, he is now sitting pretty in the NFL. The Washington Redskins used up a third-round pick in next year’s draft, to select Jarmon in this year’s NFL supplement draft. Jarmon is a nice addition to the Redskins defensive line that is aging quicker than the team would like. As the veterans get older, Jarmon gains experience. He’s learning from his peers and using this opportunity to prepare for his future. As I said earlier, his current situation kindly caught him off guard, as his learning should be coming in the classroom at UK not on the field in D.C. Whatever the case, Jarmon has been as up-beat as ever about the unfortunate circumstances that have lead him to where he’s at now. You have to like the moxie on Jarmon as he even tested NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s “open door policy” and hit him up for an impromptu session on defensive ends. Jarmon could very well see time this season if any injury occurs, but may also continue his learning curve behind some quality players ahead of him.
Stevie Johnson (Buffalo Bills, wide receiver): Since his arrival with the Buffalo Bills, Johnson has been in the the role of reserve receiver. Now that former Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens is in town, Johnson will most likely see less and less action throughout the season. The 2008 season didn’t see much action from Johnson as he only had ten receptions for 100 yards. He did have two touchdowns however, something valuable when you’re not getting as many receptions. I personally think Johnson is in a tough spot, with players like Lee Evans, Josh Reed, and Terrell Owens established, Johnson now has to compete for the fourth receiver spot with Roscoe Parrish.
Keenan Burton (St. Louis Rams, wide receiver): Burton, much like Johnson, will most likely struggle to get playing time this season. The departure of veteran Tory Holt this season should help a bit, but there is still some depth at that position for the Rams. With Donnie Avery and Laurent Robinson manning the first two wide receiver spots, Burton has a chance to take over the third position. With only 13 receptions and 172 yards on the 2008 season, Burton wants to assert himself more with the Rams offense. If there’s any chance of doing so, it would be this season.
Andre Woodson (Washington Redskins, quarterback): Out of all the players on this list, Woodson may have had the hardest path to NFL consistency. Working and perfecting his game during his senior season, Woodson wasn’t drafted until the later rounds of the 2007 draft. The New York Giants recently released Woodson of his backup quarterback duties and is now signed on with their conference rival, the Washington Redskins. Woodson will take up quarterback duties for their practice squad, but is making more news for potentially spilling ‘secrets’ to his new team. Whatever the circumstance, it looks like Woodson will struggle to make it up to a starting quarterback spot, let alone a backup role. This season will be much of the same for Woodson, as he’ll help his team as much as he can from the practice team.
Wesley Woodyard (Denver Broncos, linebacker): Woodyard fared pretty well last season, as he had 55 tackles for a struggling Broncos defense. His versatility at linebacker and speed make him an attractive option for new head coach Josh McDaniels to use during the season. The interesting part about the Broncos defense, is they primarily run a base 3-4. That means more spot duties for Woodyard. Woodyard is expected to man the LILB duties in the base 3-4 defense and could get more reps if stellar defender D.J. Williams goes down to an injury. Woodyard has definitely made an impact on his teammates as he was voted to be one of seven captains on the Bronco squad in just his second season.
Braxton Kelley (Denver Broncos, linebacker): Kelley was a formidable and integral player for UK’s defense and now the linebacker now plays for the Denver Broncos practice squad. If any injuries were to occur to a linebacker during the season, Kelley would be a logical replacement for Josh McDaniels and his coaching staff.
Gary Williams (Carolina Panthers, offensive tackle): The former offensive lineman from UK, will get a chance to prove his worth for the Carolina Panthers this season. It will be fairly difficult to do as he sits as the third string offensive right tackle behind standout Jeff Otah and Geoff Schwartz. Some were kindly surprised by the final signing made by the Panthers, but it gives them depth at the position. The o-line is an interesting position in the NFL because of possible and numerous injuries that can take place. If Otah or Schwartz are to go down, step in Gary Williams.
Andrew Hardison is a recent UK alum and a frequent contributor to the Wildcat Blue Blog
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