Former Wildcats in the NFL: Week 9 edition

As NFL Week 9 got underway, some of our most notable former Cats found themselves in a BYE week unable to take part in the glory that is NFL FOOTBALL! With that said, several others had some really nice games with a couple of wins to show for it. Let’s take a look at the action:

Myron Pryor (Patriots)- Pryor saw significant time in an impressive win for the Patriots over AFC East rival Miami on Sunday, recording three tackles, two of them solo. New England now sits at (6-2) with a two game lead over the Jets with Pryor being a reliable back-up to starting defensive nose-tackle Vince Wilfork. The two are interchangeable and provide much of the same qualities. Both players pressure the opposing quarterback with a mix of speed and strength, something Pryor knows all too well. He continues to get quality minutes in a reserve role and the experience will help immensely for the rookie out of UK. Wilfork saw a little bit of injury time earlier this season so reliability on his part may be in question if something were to happen. Looking at all things positive, however, it looks like Pryor will lead a group of capable defensive reserves all season long.

Jeremy Jarmon (Redskins)-The Redskins and Jarmon had a rough outing with the Falcons on Sunday, losing to a tune of (31-17). Jarmon didn’t see a ton of time on the field as many of the regulars got time instead. An injury to defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin earlier in the season gave Jarmon the opportunity to step in and play a little more. With Griffin healthy once again, it appears as if Jarmon’s time may be cut into. It shouldn’t be discouraging for the rookie from Kentucky because he’s gotten quality time and experience playing in a position he’s just getting used to. Like Pryor, Jarmon is using this early season playing time as a positive moving forward. No one likes sitting on the bench but some players must bide their time. Jarmon is one of those. He’ll get plenty of opportunities down the road. The Redskins are hurting this season so anything is possible for Jarmon as Washington as lost four straight games. The team will continue to struggle for the rest of 2009.

Keenan Burton (Rams)- Keenan and the Rams were in a BYE week so he made his way down to Lexington to take part in the festivities for the Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky football game. Burton has made it known that he would like to be further involved with the Kentucky football program in the future, specifically to help out another fellow wide receiver. Head coach Rich Brooks noted the importance in saying, “it’s been a growing process for our program that now we have guys coming back on their bye weeks from the NFL.” That’s a good indication of what Brooks has been able to do with the players he coaches and Burton was one of those. He sits as the Rams #2 wide receiver and has been getting better as the weeks go on. He hasn’t dazzled anyone but it still learning the ways of the NFL. Burton needs to rely on instincts and stick to the basics. He still hasn’t scored a touchdown on the season, something all UK fans are looking for in the coming weeks. The lowly Rams take on the Saints next week which should be a blowout and might present some problems in Burton getting his first score on the year. Let’s hope for the best.

Wesley Woodyard (Broncos)- If anyone watched the Monday Night Football game, then they would have realized just how much time Woodyard spent on the field last night. He has become a mainstay on the Broncos defense and special teams units and has been spectacular throughout the season. Woodyard won’t blow you away with lighting quick speed or Superman strength, but uses his smarts and versatility to get the job done. The Broncos defense suffered all night containing the Pittsburgh offense, as Ben Roethlisberger kept plays alive using his feet. Woodyard was the second leading tackler last night for the Broncos with 8 total and six solo. He had one quarterback hit on Big Ben, a feat that is hard to come by. Woodyard has shown he is capable of playing sideline-sideline and that he is a solid tackler. The Broncos have lost two straight by way of inept offensive running and giving up a ton of points to their opponents. Last night as just another example as the Steelers and running back Rashard Mendenhall ran for 173 yards on 29 carries. If Woodyard and the Broncos want to get back to their winning ways, the defense must step up like it did at the beginning of the season.

Jacob Tamme (Colts)-As I’ve said all season, it’s been tough for Tamme to crack into the playing time of all the talented wide receivers the Colts boast. Tight end Dallas Clark isn’t going anywhere and the young wide receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have created a playing wall Tamme can’t get over. He’s a versatile tight end, but he’s playing on one of the best NFL teams this season. There could be opportunities on special teams to get some tackles. He is however finding other ways to spend his time this season by participating in a Family Reading Night hosted by the Colts, which encourages spending time reading with your children. Hey, at least he’s getting it done off the field right?

Stevie Johnson (Bills) – BYE week

Garry Williams (Panthers)-reserve left tackle

Andre Woodson (Redskins)-practice squad

Braxton Kelley (Broncos)-practice squad

Rafael Little, Johnny Williams, Ventrell Jenkins -free agents

Some other former Wildcats are also playing football elsewhere in and around the United States and here’s a look at them:

Marcus McClinton– I had the pleasure of meeting Marcus while working this past Friday and got to chat with him about how things are going for him right now. The former UK safety is currently playing in the UFL alongside other former Wildcats quarterback Shane Boyd and wide receiver Glenn Holt. Both players, like McClinton had found their way into the NFL only to have their careers cut short. Having been waived after the combine by the New England Patriots, Marcus finds himself playing in the UFL for the California Redwoods as a rookie. Several other players on the team have found themselves playing in the NFL at one time or another. This league is much like what the NBDL would be for the NBA. A stepping stone type atmosphere, players are still able to play competitively against NFL players with an opportunity to play for a contract down the road. If Marcus continues to excel in the UFL another chance in the NFL might come knocking. Let’s hope for the best.

Andrew Hardison is a recent UK alum and frequent contributor to Wildcat Blue Blog. You can find more Andrew Hardison articles on his Kentucky Examiner site.

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