As we head into football season, it is time for a little peek into former NC State players currently competing in the NFL. This link does a great job of providing a list with some quick updates on each player. (Please note that Toney Baker was cut last night by the Denver Broncos.)
Andre Brown (RB) New York Giants – Brown is in his second year in the NFL as a member of the New York Giants. Last season, Brown suffered an Achilles injury that kept him out all season. The New York Daily, reports that Brown made a nice leaping catch and looked fast in practice Monday.
Brian Clark (WR) Detroit Lions – Clark is in his sixth season in the NFL, with his best season coming last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year, Clark recorded six receptions for 65 yards. He is looking to make a splash this season with the Lions after spending his first five seasons with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.
Jerricho Cotchery (WR) New York Jets – Cotchery is in his seventh year in the NFL all with the Jets. Last season, Cotchery caught 57 passes for 821 yards while scoring three touchdowns. In his first preseason game Cotchery recorded 3 receptions for 32 yards.
Leroy Harris (OL) Tennessee Titans – Harris, in his fourth season in the NFL, is slated to be the starter at left tackle. He played in 15 of 16 games for the Titans last season.
Steven Hauschka (PK) Detroit Lions – After spending the past two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Hauschka is looking for a fresh start with the Detroit Lions. Last season he made 9 out of 13 field goals while connecting on 27 of 28 extra point attempts. Hauschka is in his third season in the NFL.
Anthony Hill (TE) Houston Texans – Hill is entering his second season with the Texans. Hill played in five games last season and recorded a reception against the Indianapolis Colts. He is currently on the Active/Physically Unable to perform list, due to a knee injury but hopes to be reactivated soon so he can resume training.
Antoine Holmes (DT) Washington Redskins – Holmes is looking forward to his first season in the NFL after spending last season as a member of the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He is now a member of the Washington Redskins after being signed in the offseason.
Torry Holt (WR) New England Patriots – Holt was signed in the offseason by the New England Patriots, but has unfortunately been placed on injured reserve after suffering a significant knee injury. Last season, Holt had 51 receptions for 722 yards.
Marcus Hudson (CB) Carolina Panthers – Hudson is entering his fifth season in the NFL. Hudson spent the first four years of his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers, but is now a member of the Carolina Panthers. Hudson recorded 21 stops for the Panthers last season with a season high seven tackles in a loss against the Houston Texans.
Scott Kooistra (OT) Cleveland Browns – Kooistra is in his eighth season in the NFL, in which he has spent his first seven with the Cincinnati Bengals, but is now a member of the Cleveland Browns. He is looking to have a more significant role on his new team after being limited last year due to injury.
Ted Larsen (C) New England Patriots – After being drafted in sixth round of the 2010 NFL draft as the 205th pick, Larsen is looking forward to his first season with the New England Patriots. He was a mainstay on the offensive line last season for the Wolfpack, starting all 12 games at Center.
Manny Lawson (LB) San Francisco 49ers – Lawson is returning to training camp this year with some added confidence after setting career highs in solo tackles (51) as well as assists (17) last season. Lawson, in his fifth year in the NFL, is looking to make even more of an impact this season as he is slated as the starter at outside linebacker.
Sean Locklear (OT) Seattle Seahawks – Locklear remains a mainstay on the Seattle Seahawks offensive line as he returns for his seventh season at offensive tackle. Locklear is looking to lead a young group of offensive lineman under new head coach Pete Carroll.
John McCargo (DT) Buffalo Bills – The former Wolfpack defensive tackle is looking to reinvent himself as a dominant force on the Buffalo Bills defense. Last season, he recorded 11 stops for the Bills. McCargo tallied a season- high five tackles in games against both the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
Jeraill McCuller (OT) Philadelphia Eagles – McCuller, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles only a few days after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. He was a mainstay on the Wolfpack offensive line last season while also serving as one of the team’s captains.
DaJuan Morgan (S) Kansas City Chiefs – Entering his third season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Morgan is looking for a more significant role this year. He played in 13 of 15 games last season for the Chiefs, with a season high eight tackles in a loss to the Cleveland Browns.
DeMario Pressley (DT) New Orleans Saints – After winning a Super Bowl ring last season, Pressley is returning to the New Orleans Saints for the third consecutive season. After being hampered by injuries in his rookie season, Pressley made 15 tackles for the Saints with a season-high five tackles in a win against the St. Louis Rams.
Philip Rivers (QB) San Diego Chargers – Former Wolfpack All-American, Rivers is entering his seventh season with the San Diego Chargers. Rivers set career- highs last season in completions (317), attempts (486), and also passing yards (4,254). He was selected to the Pro Bowl last season, but was unable to play in the event due to an injury.
Stephen Tulloch (LB) Tennessee Titans – The fifth year veteran had an amazing season for the Tennessee Titans last season as he notched a career- high 121 tackles with 94 of them being solo tackles. After posting such great numbers last season, Tulloch as slated as the starter at middle linebacker and looks to lead a young defensive unit.
Tank Tyler (DT) Carolina Panthers – Tyler has come over to the Carolina Panthers after being traded mid-season by the Kansas City Chiefs. He recorded 30 stops last year at defensive tackle for the Chiefs and Panthers.
Mario Williams (DE) Houston Texans – The former No. 1 overall pick in 2006, finished last season with 43 tackles, 9 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles which was good enough for him to be named an AFC Pro Bowl starter at defensive end.
Brian Williams (CB) Atlanta Falcons – Williams is entering his ninth season in the NFL and his second season with the Atlanta Falcons. Last season he recorded 18 tackles in limited action after suffering a season ending injury in the fifth game of the season.
Adrian Wilson (S) Arizona Cardinals – The former Wolfpack standout had another stellar season last year as he was named an NFC Pro Bowl starter. Wilson, now in his tenth season in the NFL, finished last season with 74 tackles while also setting a new career high with 5 interceptions.
Willie Young (DE) Detroit Lions – Heading into his first season in the NFL, Young is excited about the opportunity to play professionally after being drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 213th pick in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Last season, Young served as one of the Wolfpack’s captains while also being a significant performer on defense at his defensive end position.
