Rookies Delone Carter (Indianapolis Colts) and Doug Hogue (Detroit Lions) are among 10 former Syracuse University players to earn NFL roster spots as the 2011 NFL season begins.
Carter, a running back selected in the fourth round, gained 92 yards on 22 carries (4.2 yards per carry) in the preseason. Hogue, a linebacker selected in the fifth round, made seven tackles during the Lions four preseason games.
Here are the other former SU players on NFL rosters:
- Dwight Freeney (DE, Indianapolis) — A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro who had 10 sacks a season ago.
- Steve Gregory (DB, San Diego Chargers) — A strong safety entering his sixth season, Gregory started nine games last season.
- Tanard Jackson (S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) — Entering his fifth season, Jackson started just two games a season after being a regular his first three years in Tampa Bay.
- Arthur Jones (DT, Baltimore Ravens) — Played in just two games in 2010 as a rookie.
- Olindo Mare (K, Carolina Panthers) — Entering his 15th season in the league, Mare is in his first year in Carolina.
- Jameel McClain (LB, Baltimore Ravens) — A fourth-year pro, 2010 was McClain’s first as a starter for Baltimore.
- Donvan McNabb (QB, Minnesota Vikings) — Starting over in Minnesota after a tumultuous season with the Washington Redskins. McNabb is in his 13th season and has been to six Pro Bowls.
- Anthony Smith (DB, Tennessee Titans) — Smith is in his sixth year in the NFL. He split last season with Jacksonville and Green Bay.