The NFL is back and with preseason action starting up, I though it would be the appropriate time to look around the league and see what teams former Huskies find themselves on after a tumultous off-season.
Here's your guide to former Washington Huskies currently in the NFL:
Victor Aiyewa, LInebacker, 6'1", 219lbs, Rookie (Undrafted 2011)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a breakout senior season, Aiyewa signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to join former teammate Mason Foster. Aiyewa will have to impress on special teams to make the team.
Khalif Barnes, Tackle, 6'5", 325lbs, 7th season (Drafted 2005)
Oakland Raiders
Barnes was a consistent starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars for four seasons, even starting all 16 games in his last season as a Jaguar in 2008. Last year, Barnes played in 16 games for the Raiders, but only started three of them. Former Raiders Head Coach Tom Cable never gave Barnes a chance in his three years at the helm. As a result of the departure of Cable's departure, Barnes decided to sign his third-straight one year deal with the Raiders. Heading into the 2011 season, Barnes is listed as the No. 1 player at the right tackle position.
Dorson Boyce, Fullback, 6'1", 237lbs, Rookie (Undrafted 2011)
Seattle Seahawks
Boyce was signed by the Seahawks before the start of training camp. He was listed No. 3 on the depth chart at the fullback position and has a slim chance at making the team. Current reports have said he's been quiet so far during camp.
Mark Brunell, Quarterback, 6'1", 215lbs, 19th season (Drafted 1993)
New York Jets
I'm in disbelief that Brunell is still playing. The career record-holder for total passing yards in Rose Bowl history is mentoring Jets starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Brunell was drafted and started his NFL career in 1993. Sanchez was only seven years old at the time. The NFL veteran filed for bankruptcy last year, but is close to emerging out of it, according to this article from late July.
Donald Butler, Linebacker, 6'1", 248lbs, 2nd season (Drafted 2010)
San Diego Chargers
Seahawks fans who are also Husky fans were treated to seeing former Husky Donald Butler on the field for the Chargers in last night's preseason game. Butler missed all of last season with a torn achilles tendon, but seems on track towards gaining a starting spot at linebacker right next to Chargers veteran Takeo Spikes.
Stanley Daniels, Offensive Guard, 6'4", 335lbs, 2nd season (Undrafted 2007)
Denver Broncos
After entering the league as a free agent with the Rams and practice squad stints with the Packers and the Jets, Daniels has finally found some stability in Denver. He joined the team as a free agent last season and started four games. He is currently listed as the second string OG for the Broncos.
Mason Foster, Linebacker, 6'2", 240lbs, Rookie (Drafted 2011)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers named their third round draft pick their starting middle linebacker but said that strong side linebacker Quincy Black will replace Foster on passing downs. Foster will see his first NFL action in tonight's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dashon Goldson, Safety, 6'2", 200lbs, 5th season (Drafted 2007)
San Francisco 49ers
Goldson re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers even after threatening to leave when the 49ers signed Safety Madieu Willliams in free agency. New Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Goldson was a "game-tested, battle-tested" player at the safety position. Goldson was a coveted free agent as New England, Dallas and Oakland were all interested in his services. Goldson is expected to start alongside Donte Whitner in the secondary for the 49ers.
D'Andre Goodwin, Wide Receiver, 5'11", 185lbs, Rookie (Undrafted 2011)
Denver Broncos
Goodwin had one catch for 12 yards in the Broncos preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys last night. He is currently competing for a permanent roster spot.
Cody Habben, Offensive Lineman, 6'6", 290lbs, Rookie (Undrafted 2011)
Oakland Raiders
Chances are Habben doesn't make the final roster, but he's still on the team but currently out with injury.
Tank Johnson, Defensive Tackle, 6'3", 315lbs, 8th season (Drafted 2004)
Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson was named one of the top two defensive tackles in the latest depth chart released by the Bengals. While several Bengals players are using segways to get around the campus of Georgetown College (Kentucky) during training camp, Johnson has opted to use his own ATV four-wheeler. On his use of the four-wheeler, "I'm not a daredevil. I abide by all the speed limits on campus."
Olin Kreutz, Center, 6'2", 292lbs, 14th season (Drafted 1998)
New Orleans Saints
The six-time Pro Bowler left the Chicago Bears after 13 seasons and chose to sign a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints even though he had higher offers from other teams. Kreutz even considered retirement, but came back to play for a team that he felt had a legitimate shot to contend for a Super Bowl.
Roy Lewis, Defensive Back, 5'10", 190lbs, 4th season (Undrafted 2008)
Seattle Seahawks
Lewis is now in his third season with the Seahawks. The former UW captain and last year's Seahawks Special Teams captain saw action in 14 games last season for Seattle. His season ended early last December after having to undergo knee surgery.
Jake Locker, Quarterback, 6'2", 234lbs, Rookie (Drafted 2011)
Tennessee Titans
Montlake Jake is currently learning under former Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in Tennessee. Titans fans are already falling in love with Locker, especially when contrasting his work ethic with that of Vince Young's. He'll be in action on Saturday night in the Titans' preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Louis Rankin, Running Back, 6'1", 205lbs, 4th season (Undrafted 2008)
Oakland Raiders
Rankin did not play in the NFL last season after being on the Raiders practice squad in 2008 and 2009 and then spending a brief stint with the Seahawks. Rankin is currently fighting for a spot on the Raiders depth chart.
Marcel Reese, Running Back, 6'3", 250lbs, 4th season (Undrafted 2008)
Oakland Raiders
I was surprised to see that Reese isn't playing wide receiver anymore, after all, he set the Washington record for longest play from scrimmmage with a 98-yard touchdown reception against Arizona back in 2007. Reese is currently the starting fullback for the Oakland Raiders. He scored seven touchdowns and gained a total 455 yards on the ground and air combined. Reese credits his success been using martial arts as a training tool to help his career.
Isaiah Stanback, Wide Receiver, 6'2", 208lbs, fifth season (Drafted 2007)
Seattle Seahawks
After suffering an achilles injury last season, the former Huskies quarterback resigned with the Seahawks in the hopes of making the team. Stanback's physicality and toughness will be the qualities that earn him a spot on the Special Teams if he is able to impress the coaching staff during camp. Stanback did not make the depth chart released by the Seahawks this past week.
Austin Sylvester, Fullback, 6'1", 248lbs, Rookie (Undrafted 2011)
Denver Broncos
After not even being offered a scholarship after graduating high school, it is impressive to see Sylvester with an NFL team. Though he has a slim chance of making the team (he's currently listed No. 2 on the depth chart at fullback), I'd count his story a success already.
Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Defensive End, 6'3", 263lbs, 2nd season (Drafted 2010)
Philadelphia Eagles
Drafted in the third round in the 2010 draft by the Eagles, Te'o-Nesheim is currently listed third on the depth chart at right defensive end and is fighting for a spot on the team this training camp. Most of the reports I read including this one feel that Te'o-Nesheim will make the team.
C.J. Wallace, Safety, 6'0", 218lbs, fourth season (Undrafted 2007)
San Diego Chargers
Wallace played three seasons with the Seahawks before being cut in the middle of the 2009 season. Last year, he played for the Las Vegas Locomotives in the UFL and helped lead the team to a championship. He is currently fighting for a roster spot on the Chargers.
Nate Williams, Safety, 6'0", 215lbs, Rookie (Undrafted 2011)
Baltimore Ravens
Williams has a strong chance to make the team according to this article by Press Box Online. The Baltimore website says his strengths are his ability to stop the run and execution as an in-the-box safety.
Lawyer Milloy, Safety, 6'0", 211lbs, 16th Season (Drafted 1996)
Unsigned Free Agent
Despite starting in all 16 games for the Seahawks last season, the team decided not to resign the Tacoma-native. The Seahawks were content with the young talent and depth at the safety position. Milloy is still looking to sign with an NFL team.