Jayhawks in the Pros (Week 11)
Nov. 22, 2011
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Throughout the course of the season, kuathletics.com will check in with the eight former Jayhawks who are playing in the National Football League. This week’s report is highlighted by wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe, who caught a fourth quarter touchdown for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Dezmon Briscoe
Wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe, who played at KU from 2007-09, is in his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Briscoe caught his third career touchdown Sunday in Tampa Bay’s 35-26 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Briscoe had two catches for just seven yards, but his two-yard touchdown with 4:25 remaining brought the Buccaneers within two points. In his professional career, the former Jayhawk receiver has 25 catches for 342 yards and three touchdowns. He was originally a sixth-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010 and was signed by Tampa Bay following training camp last year.
Anthony Collins
Offensive lineman Anthony Collins, who played at KU from 2005-07, is in his fourth season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Collins was not active for the Bengals’ 31-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. In his NFL career, Collins has played in 34 games, making 16 starts at offensive tackle. He was originally a fourth-round draft pick by Cincinnati in 2008.
Chris Harris
Defensive back Chris Harris, who played at KU from 2007-10, is in his first season with the Denver Broncos. Harris did not start, but made three tackles in Denver’s 17-13 victory over the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium on Thursday night. He has played in all 10 games for the Broncos this season, making 40 tackles, an interception and four pass breakups. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by Denver this year prior to training camp.
Jake Laptad
According to the Chicago Tribune, defensive end Jake Laptad will make his National Football League debut this Sunday for the Chicago Bears in their game with the Oakland Raiders. The Chicago-based newspaper is reporting that Laptad, who played at Kansas from 2007-10, will be signed from the practice squad and serve as the Bears’ long-snapper after offensive lineman Patrick Mannelly was lost for the season due to an ACL injury. Laptad signed as a free agent with the Bears before the season and served as the team’s long-snapper during the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. Laptad had been on the Bears’ practice squad before being signed on Monday.
Kerry Meier
Wide receiver Kerry Meier, who played at KU from 2006-09, is in his second season with the Atlanta Falcons. Meier played on special teams in Atlanta’s 23-17 win over the Tennesee Titans Sunday, but did not record any stats. Meier has played in six games this season, but is still looking for his first NFL reception. He missed the entire 2010 season with an injury after being a fifth-round selection by Atlanta in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Moran Norris
Fullback Moran Norris, who played at KU from 1996-2000, is in his 11th NFL season and his third with the San Francisco 49ers. Norris was inactive for the eighth-straight week due to injury as the 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 23-7, at Candlestick Park on Sunday. However, Norris has not been placed on injured reserve, meaning there is a chance he could return this season. In his career, Norris has played in 137 regular season games and recorded 198 receiving yards on 57 catches; he has also rushed for 67 yards on 28 carries. He was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft.
Darrell Stuckey
Safety Darrell Stuckey, who played at KU from 2006-09, is in his second season with the San Diego Chargers. Stuckey played in San Diego’s 31-20 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field Sunday. The Kansas product recorded an unassisted tackle on special teams, giving him seven this year. Stuckey received exciting news on Monday as his name was added to the Pro Bowl ballot as a special teams player. Fans can vote for Stuckey by using the link below. He was a fourth-round draft pick by San Diego in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Aqib Talib
Cornerback Aqib Talib, who played at KU from 2005-07, is in his fourth season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Talib made two tackles and defended three passes in Tampa Bay’s 35-26 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field Sunday. It was announced Monday that Talib was placed on the NFC Pro Bowl ballot. Using the link below, fans can vote for Talib. In his pro career, Talib has recorded 158 total tackles, defended 45 passes and tallied 16 interceptions. He was a first-round selection by the Buccaneers in the 2008 NFL Draft.
