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| Tavaris Jackson made a strong case to be the Seahawks’ insurance policy for Russell Wilson. (Komono Times photo) |
Tavaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
Jackson may be an eight year veteran with starting experience, but he’s fighting for a roster spot as much as anyone one this list. The former Alabama State quarterback had a pretty good game, competing 8 of 9 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. It looks like the spot as Russell Wilson’s backup is his to lose at the moment.
Charles Hawkins, Arizona Cardinals
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| Charles Hawkins made the most of his opportunity in Week One of the Preseason. (SB Nation Photo) |
Charles Hawkins wasn’t even the most decorated receiver on his Southern team last season, but he hasn’t let that stop him from making his presence felt. Hawkins had a big first game, snagging four passes for 92 yards, numbers he rarely put up at SU. Another performance like this, and Hawkins is bound to end up on someone’s roster this season.
Marcus Benard, New England Patriots
After his promising career stalled with the Cleveland Browns, he got off to a good start with his new team on Friday night. The Jackson State product was one of the best defensive linemen on the field, recording four tackles and a sack against Philadelphia in a 31-22 win.
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| Nigel Carr hopes for more playing time in the Baltimore Ravens new look defense. (SB Nation photo) |
Nigel Carr, Baltimore Ravens
Carr recorded four tackles in Baltimore’s 44-16 win over Tampa Bay. After spending last year on the practice squad, it looks like the former Alabama State product will play a bigger role in the re-tooled Ravens defense.
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| South Carolina State’s Marshall McFadden recorded five tackles in a preseason loss. |
Marshall McFadden, Pittsburgh Steelers
Like Carr, McFadden didn’t see the field much last year. That could be changing this year, as the second-year man out of South Carolina State recorded five tackles in a losing effort as the New York Giants downed the Steelers 18-13.
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| Former FAMU receiver Brian Tyms is making the most of his chance with the Miami Dolphins this year. (NaplesOnline photo.) |
Brian Tyms, Miami Dolphins
Former FAMU Rattler Brian Tyms is another one of those sophomore looking to make an impact. He had two catches for 34 yards in Miami’s 27-3 win, including a 28 yard reception. After two games Tyms has a total of four catches for 49 yards.
Greg Jenkins, Oakland Raiders
Switching from FCS quarterback to NFL wide receiver is never easy, just ask former App State star and current Carolina Panthers wide out Armanti Edwards. Still, Jenkins has the athleticism to play in the NFL and the former Alabama State star showed that on Friday. He only touched the ball once, on a kick return, but he made the most of it, bringing it back 51 yards in a 19-17 Raiders win over the Cowboys.