With football season gearing up, everyone is looking at week 1 match ups in college and the pros. Now is the time all the fans are getting ready to root on their favorite team and favorite players. From fantasy drafts to bettors who are constantly following lines. Arizona football fans, let’s take break from the number crunching and take a look at Arizona and Arizona State players in the NFL week 1.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!University of Arizona
Former Wildcats are represented pretty well through out the NFL, 10 players on 9 different franchises. With 2 of those players being on the first team.
San Francisco 49ers have line backer Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles on the second team this season. After 3 years fighting to make the team, it appears this year he will be suited up in red and gold on the sideline.
New York Jets have a lot of excitement coming into the season around their defense especially. On the second team at free safety, Will Parks will be given an opportunity. Now on his 7th team in 7 season, Arizona will be rooting for him to find his footing in the league.
The New England Patriots have 2 former Wildcats on their roster. Kicker Nick Folk and J.J. Taylor who will is a running back that will play mostly on the special teams. Using his speed to try and make an impact and gain more playing time elsewhere.
Dane Cruikshank, a strong safety out of Arizona will be on the 2nd team for the Chicago Bears this 2022-23 season. This is his second team in his 5 years in the league.
It is even more special when the hometown kid place for the hometown professional team. That is exactly what Jace Whittaker, corner back represents. He will be playing the nickel back position for the Arizona Cardinals.
Down in the dirty south in Atlanta for the Falcons, wide receiver Stanley Berryhill will be the 3rd receiver on the roster. The rookie wide out plans on coming out of the gate on fire, picking up where he left off in Tucson.
At nose tackle for the Houston Texans will be Roy Lopez in his age 25 season. He will try to add to his 2020 totals of 18 tackles and 1 sack.
Gary Brightwell will be the 4th running back on the New York Giants.
Arizona legend, Super Bowl champion Nick Foles will continue his wonky up and down career as Matt Ryan’s backup in Indianapolis for the Colts. As we all know I am sure he will be ready if the opportunity to get some snaps arrises.
Arizona State University
The Sun Devils have 19 players on a current roster. To make sure this article does not drag out I will put all of the 4th team players in one paragragh.
Offensive tackle Casey Tucker is on the 4th team with the Denver Broncos. On the 3rd team with the Broncos also an offensive tackle Quinn Bailey. Curtis Hodges will be the 4th tight end on the Washington Commanders. Renell Wren, defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Frank Darby will be a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, making two Arizona kids in the wide receiver room in Atlanta, joining Stanley Berryhill from UofA.
Punter Zane Gonzales will be in the NFC South as well, punting for the Carolina Panthers.
N’Keal Harry in his 4th year out of ASU will be starting wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He is focused and looking to have a breakout year.
The New England Patriots defense will have 2 former Sun Devils on the field this season. Defensive tackle Lawrence Guy and corner back Jack Jones. Both expected to play big roles this season.
Local here and fan favorite Eno Benjamin has not left Phoenix in many years. Going from Tempe to Glendale, he will continue his career with the Arizona Cardinals where he gets fans riled up anytime he gets the ball.
Punter Mat Haack will be on the Colts roster with one of the best last names in football.
Line backer Darien Butler will be only a few hours away from the desert state up in Las Vegas playing for the Raiders.
Offensive tackle Kellen Diesch will be on the 3rd team for the Miami Dolphins.
Chase Lucas will be locking down one side of the field with the Lions in Detroit. In his rookie season he is given the chance to show his worth for a team expected to make a huge improvement.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made running back Rachaad White the number 2 back behind Leonard Fournette.
Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver will continue his already impressive career with the 49ers, alongside fellow Sun Devil center Dohnovan West.
Not only are both of these players out of ASU, they both will be on the offensive line together. Center Jamil Douglas and nose tackle D.J. Davidson.
Root for the hometown kids
Every time you watch the NFL it always puts a smile on your face watching a kid you watched at you local college. This was the list of Arizona and Arizona State players in the NFL.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Rowan Donaghey is a MLB insider, NHL insider, Betting insider and breaking news reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @RowanDonaghey
