Arizona Football alumni continuing to shine in the NFL Preseason

The NFL Preseason is wrapping up, and while players look to make cuts with their teams a few former Arizona Football starts have been shining so far. 

Football season is in full swing at every level again, and for a few former Arizona Football stars, that means trying to make final rosters spots in the NFL as the preseason action comes to a close.

If you have been paying attention to the NFL Preseason action so far, you would have seen a few former Wildcats getting plenty of playing time. And luckily, a few Wildcats have been making the most of their opportunities.

Arizona Wildcats

Following some of the former Arizona Football stars in action so far.

J.J. Taylor (New England Patriots) – Playing in his second season with the New England Patriots after going undrafted in 2020, Taylor had some success last season as he rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries.

This year, J.J. is on a mission to prove himself. Playing in an extensive amount of preseason action so far, Taylor is making the most of his opportunities as he has accumulated 179 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries.

Gaining the tough yards between the tackles and making the dazzling plays we grew accustomed to while he was at Arizona, Taylor is poising himself to have a potentially great season.

J.J. brings a lot of value to the Patriots, and being in an increased role could be exactly what was needed for him to shine.

Roy Lopez (Houston Texans) – Taking part in his first NFL Preseason action after being drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2021 NFL Draft, Roy is positioning himself nicely to make a roster spot after putting together a solid preseason.

Playing in limited action, Roy is making the most of his opportunities as he has accumulated four tackles (two solo), with 2.5 sacks in three games so far.

The hope is that he has shown enough to make the final roster, and with an opportunity to showcase his talent, Roy will need to continue to step up!

Nick Foles (Chicago Bears) – Continuing to play in a backup capacity, Nick is making the most out of his situation as the former Super Bowl MVP is shining with the Bears in the NFL Preseason action.

Playing in just two NFL Preseason games, Nick has completed 11 of 16 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

The hope is that Nick can get an opportunity to play somewhere since it seems like he is running in third place with the Chicago Bears behind Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields.

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (San Francisco 49ers) – An undrafted free agent signing in 2019, DFF is continuing to make a name for himself as he sees an increased role with the San Francisco 49ers.

Appearing in two games in preseason action so far, the veteran linebacker/safety has accounted for seven tackles (six solo). DFF is coming off a season in which he accumulated nine tackles and saw an increased role.

Coming into 2021, Demetrius is continuing to show his value in this league, and the hope is that he will continue to get more opportunities.

Gary Brightwell (New York Giants) – Appearing in his first NFL Preseason, Gary has seen limited action with the Giants after being drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Playing in just two NFL Preseason games, the opportunities have been limited for Gary, since Saquon Barkley is going to be the starter, and the Giants have some good depth at running back.

Rushing for 17 yards on seven carries, Gary hasn’t exactly turned heads, but if given the chance, we know he can do well.