Plenty of Hoosiers on NFL Rosters as Training Camp Opens Up
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Image: 49ers.com
Written by Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
The summer calendar is closing in on August and that means the NFL is also just around the corner. As teams report for training camp, now is a perfect time for Hoosier fans to catch up with the former IU football players that will be looking to take their football dreams to the next level.
Tevin Coleman – San Francisco 49ers
Hoosier football fans have fond memories of Tevin Coleman busting huge runs and scoring touchdowns in Bloomington. After signing with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, Coleman will have a chance to become a star. Coleman has had a productive NFL career thus far, racking up 2,340 yards rushing, 1,010 yards receiving and 29 touchdowns in four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Now, Coleman joins an exciting young team with a head coach in Kyle Shanahan who’s known for utilizing versatile running backs. 2019 could be a banner year for Tevin Coleman and IU football fans won’t want to miss it.
Jordan Howard – Philadelphia Eagles
Another Hoosier running back with early NFL success, Jordan Howard looks to take it to the next level with the Philadelphia Eagles. His first three seasons with the Chicago Bears ended with Howard rushing for 3,370 yards and nine touchdowns. During his Big Ten days, Howard proved he could be a punishing running back capable of wearing out defenses over the course of a game. Much has been true of Howard in the NFL. He is likely looking forward to a new beginning in Philadelphia, where the Eagles have a talented roster ready to compete for the playoffs. If Jordan Howard stays healthy, he could have a prolific season this fall.
Nate Sudfeld – Philadelphia Eagles
Nate Sudfeld remains with the Eagles after collecting a Super Bowl ring in 2018. He joins former teammate Jordan Howard in Philadelphia. Sudfeld has proved himself to be a capable backup quarterback throughout the first couple seasons in the league. In 2019, Sudfeld hopes to be next in line after starting quarterback Carson Wentz.
Simmie Cobbs – New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints signed Simmie Cobbs on December 14th, 2018 and he has remained on the team since, largely fulfilling a role on the practice squad. The tall and athletic wide receiver was a force with the Hoosiers, often leaping over the top of defenders and making spectacular plays. Now in his second year as a pro, Cobbs will have a chance to make the Saints roster and compete for playing time.
Chris Covington – Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys selected Chris Covington with the 193rd pick in the 6th round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Covington appeared in six games and showed that he has a chance to become a versatile linebacker. Covington came to Bloomington as a quarterback. After a torn ACL and positional change to defense, Covington’s story of making it to the NFL is remarkable. Hoosier fans will be rooting for Covington to crack the depth chart for the Cowboys.
Jason Spriggs – Green Bay Packers
The former second-round pick and legendary Hoosier offensive lineman, Jason Spriggs has not been able to catch a break since he got to the NFL. Spriggs has suffered a variety of grueling injuries that have prevented his career from truly taking off. By all accounts, Spriggs has been healthy this offseason and looks to add depth to the Packers offensive line.
Dan Feeney – Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers selected Feeney with the 71st overall pick (third round) and competed for a starting position. As a rookie, Feeney took over as the starting left guard mid-season and ended up starting the rest of the season. In his second season, Feeney started all sixteen games and showed real promise as a potential stalwart on the Chargers’ offensive line for years to come. Now in his third year with more experience under his belt than most players at his age, Feeney looks to dominate his position and become one of the better guards in the game.
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers
Ian Thomas is one of the most physically and athletically gifted players to come through Bloomington. Thomas played in just 11 games at IU, but in that time, he managed 28 receptions, 404 yards and five touchdowns. His highlight tape was impressive enough to garner a fourth-round selection by the Carolina Panthers. As a rookie last year, Thomas caught 36 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns. With a year of experience underway, Ian Thomas hopes to become a top-tier tight end in the NFL.
Brandon Knight – Dallas Cowboys
Following the 2018 NFL Draft, Brandon Knight signed a free-agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He joins former teammate Chris Covington on the Cowboys roster. The former Hoosier right tackle hopes to contend for playing time. Dallas has perhaps the best offensive lines in football, so while Knight may not see immediate actions, he will get a chance to learn from some of the game’s brightest.
Cody Latimer – New York Giants
A second-round pick in 2014, Latimer earned himself a contract with the New York Giants this past spring. Over the past two seasons, Latimer has seen action in 17 total games with the Denver Broncos and New York Giants. During this timeframe, he’s caught 30 passes for three touchdowns and nearly 500 yards. With star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. no longer with the Giants, Latimer hopes to climb his way to the top of the depth chart.
Wes Martin – Washington Redskins
Former IU offensive lineman, Wes Martin was selected in the fourth-round by the Washington Redskins. Martin has made a huge early impression in Washington and it’s beginning to look more and more like he could be the day one starter at left guard.
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Robert McCray – Kansas City Chiefs
McCray spent his first NFL season carving out a role on the practice squad in Kansas City. This summer he re-signed with the Chiefs. The former Hoosier linebacker, now in his second professional season, hopes to make a leap from the practice squad to the official roster.
Rodger Saffold – Tennessee Titans
This summer, Rodger Saffold was rewarded with a four-year, $44 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, including $22.5 million guaranteed. Over nine seasons with the LA (and St. Louis) Rams, Saffold proved himself to be one of the best guards in football. Saffold looks to continue his dominance in Tennessee, where the Titans look to build on the success of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel.
Tegray Scales – Pittsburgh Steelers
An IU fan favorite, Tegray Scales always brought intensity and consistency to the team. Many Hoosier fans will remember Scales as one of the leaders who helped completely turn around Indiana’s defense under Tom Allen. After going undrafted, Scales remains in pursuit of his NFL dream. Scales received an invite from the Pittsburgh Steelers to attend training camp where he will battle for a roster spot.
Dan Godsil – Cincinnati Bengals
Just the other day, former Indiana long-snapper Dan Godsil signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals. The first-year player looks to compete for a roster spot after four successful and consistent years with the Hoosiers. If Godsil can translate the consistency he played with in college to the NFL, he could have a long, productive career ahead of him.
Jonathan Crawford- Tennessee Titans
The former Hoosier was signed to the Titans’ 90-man roster on Saturday. Crawford was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Tennessee and later released. A spot on the roster opened up after the Titans released defensive back Damon Webb earlier in the week.