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Former BYU Football standouts step up in NFL Preseason Week 1

By Shaun Gordon

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 28: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Green Bay Packers runs against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on September 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 28: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Green Bay Packers runs against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on September 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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All 32 NFL teams saw preseason action over the weekend, and 20 former BYU Football had their first chance to earn an opening day-roster spot.

The first full week of NFL preseason football is in the books. That means that many former BYU Football players got their first chance to earn their spot on an opening day roster.

Some stood out, others made contributions, and a handful didn’t see action this week due to injury or coach’s decision.

Taysom Hill

Hill is in a battle for the New Orleans Saints’ backup quarterback spot, and he took a step toward securing that spot with his performance on Thursday.

Taysom led the Saints in both passing and rushing. He went 8 for 9 through the air for 72 yards, and rushed seven times for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Jamaal Williams

As Green Bay’s starting running back, Williams didn’t see the field much but still put on a show.

In his limited action he rushed five times for 16 yards, and had an impressive eight-yard touchdown catch (and a signature J-Swag Daddy touchdown dance).

Michael Davis

The second-year cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers is making a case for more playing time this season.

On Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals, Davis had two solo tackles, including a tackle for loss, and also deflected a pass.

Bronson Kaufusi

After two difficult years marred by injury and struggles, Kaufusi looks primed to prove he’s the player that the Baltimore Ravens used a third round pick on.

Kaufusi had two tackles against the Los Angeles Rams, and one of them was a monster backfield tackle for a 15-yard loss.

The Rest of the Cougars

A handful of other former BYU standouts saw the field for their respective teams and contributed to some degree:

  • Jordan Leslie (Denver Broncos) – 2 Receptions, 12 Yards
  • Kai Nacua (Baltimore Ravens) – 3 Tackles, 2 Solo
  • Dallin Leavitt (Oakland Raiders) – 2 Solo Tackles
  • Micah Hannemann (Cleveland Browns) – 1 Solo Tackle
  • Kyle Van Noy (New England Patriots) – 1 Tackle
  • Tomasai Laulile (Indianapolis Colts) – 1 Tackle
  • De’Ondre Wesley (Buffalo Bills) – Played multiple possessions at offensive tackle
  • Algernon Brown (Kansas City Chiefs) – Played one possession at fullback
  • John Denney (Miami Dolphins) – Played on special teams at long snapper

Seven former Cougars didn’t see action this weekend, either due to coach’s decision or injury:

  • Colby Pearson (Atlanta Falcons) – DNP (Coach’s Decision)
  • Jonah Trinnaman (New York Jets) – DNP (Coach’s Decision)
  • Ziggy Ansah (Detroit Lions) – DNP (Injury)
  • Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers) – DNP (Injury)
  • Harvey Langi (New England Patriots) – DNP (Injury)
  • Daniel Sorensen (Kansas City Chiefs) – DNP (Injury)
  • Tejan Koroma (Kansas City Chiefs) – Injured Reserve

Next. Scouting the Schedule - Boise State. dark

All 32 teams will be back in action for the second week of the preseason, with games starting on Thursday.

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