Nov. 8, 2011
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By David Buchman
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Week nine of the NFL season signified that more than half of the games scheduled have now been played. With 13 former Knights in the league, let's take a look at who is doing what and where.
Currently the only undefeated team in the NFL is the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers. Sitting number one at right guard on the Packers' depth chart is former UCF offensive lineman Josh Sitton. Through eight games, Sitton has made eight starts and is a part of an offensive line that blocks for the NFL's top rated passer, Aaron Rodgers. If being named the 2010 Offensive Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association wasn't enough, then perhaps the Super Bowl winning, Pro Bowl right guard might try and do it all over again this season.
Another offensive star representing UCF in the NFL is Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Currently Marshall is ninth on the leagues receiving list with 644 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall has been one of the Dolphins' top performers on offense and is also a vocal leader in the locker room.
For one former Knight, the NFL has been a career-changing move.
Bruce Miller was the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year his junior and senior year at UCF. The former defensive end will forever be remembered at UCF as a high-motor pass rusher, who made timely plays for the Knights defense.
When the San Francisco 49ers selected Miller in the 2011 NFL Draft, the career defensive lineman was asked to change positions and play fullback. Considering Miller's career as a defensive lineman at UCF, where he racked up two interception returns for touchdowns, the 49ers figured they would take their chances on converting the athletic Miller into an NFL fullback. Through eight games, Miller has made four starts while appearing in all eight. The 7-1 49ers have incorporated Miller into their offense as more than just a blocking fullback. On the season, Miller has three rushes for five yards and six receptions for 70 yards with a 30-yard touchdown catch and run last weekend.
Check out the below chart for complete statistics on all 13 Knights.
Offense
WR Kamar Aiken - Buffalo Bills - Practice Squad
OT Patrick Brown - Minnesota Vikings - 8 GP, 0 GS
WR Brandon Marshall - Miami Dolphins - 8 GP, 8 GS, 46 REC, 644 YDS, 14.0 AVG, 2 TD
FB Bruce Miller - San Francisco 49ers - 8 GP, 4 GS, 3 ATT, 5 YDS, 6 REC, 70 YDS, 11.7 AVG, TD
WR Jamar Newsome - Pittsburgh Steelers (played for Jacksonville and recently added to the Steelers' practice squad) - 2 GP, 0 GS, 0 REC
OT Jah Reid - Baltimore Ravens - 8 GP, 0 GS
WR Mike Sims-Walker - Jacksonville Jaguars - 6 GP, 3 GS, 12 REC, 150 YDS, 12.5 AVG
OG Josh Sitton - Green Bay Packers - 8 GP, 8 GS
RB Kevin Smith - Detroit Lions - Signed 11/5 Career: 489 ATT 1,856, 3.8 AVG 12 TD
Defense
DB Atari Bigby - Seattle Seahawks - 8 GP, 1 GS, 11 TACK, 1.0 SACK, 1 PASS DEF
DT Leger Douzable - Jacksonville Jaguars - 8 GP, 0 GS, 10 TACK, 1 PASS DEF
CB Asante Samuel - Philadelphia Eagles - 8 GP, 8 GS, 24 TACK, 5 PASS DEF, 1 INT
DT Torell Troup - Buffalo Bills - 4 GP, 0 GS, 3 TLK
Special Teams
PK Matt Prater - Denver Broncos - 8 GP, 8-for-12 FG, 66.7.7 PCT, 52 LG, 17-for-17 XPM, 37 KO, 30 TB, 63.2 AVG, RET 5, AVG 23.6