While people are still waiting on college football’s kickoff, the NFL preseason is in full swing. It’s time to take a look at how the returning and rookie NC State football alums are doing around the league.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
After the move from San Diego to Los Angeles over the off season, Rivers didn’t see a snap in week two against the Saints. In week one the 12th-year starter was 5 for 6 against the Seahawks and threw for 56 yards and a touchdown in the 48-17 loss.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
After throwing for 41 yards in the Seahawks’ 48-17 win over the Chargers, Wilson was 13 of 18 for 206 yards against the Minnesota Vikings week two. Wilson also threw for two touchdowns in that game, leading Seattle to a 13-20 win.
Mike Glennon, Quarterback, Chicago Bears
After having only two appearances for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season due to backing up Florida State alum Jameis Winston, Glennon is hungry for a starting spot in the move to Chicago. The Bear’s trade up in the 2017 draft brought Glennon into a competition with another ACC quarterback, except this time it’s rookie Mitchell Trubisky from UNC-Chapel Hill. Glennon was 15 for 26 in the first two weeks of the preseason for 109 total yards. Unfortunately for Glennon, he has thrown for two interceptions and only one touchdown compared to Trubisky’s two touchdowns and 226 total yards.
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback, New England Patriots
With the Patriots, Brissett has been serving as New England’s third-string behind arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, Tom Brady and backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Brissett made his NFL debut last year with Brady suspended and Garoppolo injured. He had a decent preseason showing in week one, completing 8 of 13 passes for a total of 88 yards. Week two wasn’t as strong for Brissett, as he had a mere 50 percent completion rate and a fumble.
Matt Dayes, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
In week one, the rookie running back showed he is making the best out of his draft position with the Browns, who were 1-15 last season. Dayes rushed for one touchdown against New Orleans to help the Browns win 20-14. In a 10-6 win against the New York Giants in week two, Dayes had five catches for 29 yards and 15 yards rushing.
Josh Jones, Safety, Green Bay Packers
After choosing to leave NC State after his junior season, Jones was drafted by Green Bay in the second round as the 61st overall pick. Jones did not start week one against the Eagles but was responsible for four solo tackles against Washington in the week two matchup.
Jack Tocho, Safety, Minnesota Vikings
Tocho was drafted 245th overall but could end up being a big part of the Vikings defense. Tocho totaled three solo tackles in the first two weeks of the preseason and also had a fumble recovery in the week one game against Buffalo, a 17-10 win for the Vikings.
David Amerson, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Amerson has not taken part in the Raiders’ preseason matchups but is starting his third season with the the team after accounting for 64 tackles last season and two interceptions.
Juston Burris, Cornerback, New York Jets
In his second season with the Jets, Burris has accounted for three tackles so far in two preseason games against Tennessee and Detroit.
Audie Cole, Linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars
After five seasons with the Vikings, Cole is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cole had four combined tackles in a 31-24 win against the Patriots in week one.
Stephen Hauschka, Placekicker, Buffalo Bills
Hauschka spent six seasons with the Seahawks but is heading into his first season with the Bills. With the Bills this preseason, Hauschka has made all four attempted field goals, including his longest try of 42 yards.
T.Y. McGill, Defensive Tackle, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have fallen short in both of their preseason games this year, but McGill has one sack and five combined tackles in the contests.
Joe Thuney, Guard, New England Patriots
Thuney is back for his second season with the Patriots. He is looking to continue his starting streak in the regular season after starting all 16 regular season games and the three playoff games for last year’s champion.
Trevor (TJ) Graham, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers signed Trevor in the offseason allowing him to return to his home state after jumping around five different teams across the NFL.
Willie Young, Linebacker, Chicago Bears
Young is starting his eighth season in the league and his fourth year with the Bears after having seven and a half sacks and 21 solo tackles last season.
