Sports
Ohio Football: Former Bobcats Scattered Throughout Professional Rosters
By: Eric Singer
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Since Frank Solich was named Ohio's coach in 2005, the number of former Bobcats making it in professional football has seemingly increased every year.
Currently, ten former Bobcats are currently signed with professional teams—with seven in the NFL and three in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
So let’s get take a look at what those ten Bobcats have been up to in 2014.
NFL
T.J. Carrie, DB, Oakland Raiders (Ohio ’13)
Carrie was drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft and is currently the Raiders primary punt returner, and listed as the No. 3 corner back on the depth chart. He has been active in all five of the Raiders games this season, recording 21 total tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception on defense. He has also averaged 9.3 yards on his 11 punt returns.
Dave Zastudil, P, Arizona Cardinals (Ohio ’01)
The veteran punter is in his 13th year in the NFL, and his fourth year with the Cardinals. He had 11 punts for an average of 44.3 yards, which was 19th-best in the NFL. He was recently placed on season-ending Injured Reserve due to a groin injury.
Mike Mitchell, S, Pittsburgh Steelers (Ohio ’08)
After a very successful season with the Carolina Panthers in 2013, Mitchell signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Steelers. So far Mitchell has recorded 35 total tackles and two forced fumbles.
Jordan Thompson, TE, Detroit Lions (Ohio ’12)
Thompson was signed to the Lions’ active roster prior to Sunday’s game against New Orleans after spending the first six weeks of the season on the practice squad. Thompson didn’t record a catch in the game, however.
Donte Foster, WR, Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad (Ohio ’13)
Eric Herman, OL, New York Giants Practice Squad (Ohio ’12)
Phil Bates, WR, Seattle Seahawks Practice Squad (Ohio ’11)
CFL
Julian Posey, DB, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Practice Roster) (Ohio ’10)–Posey was released by the Minnesota Vikings after training camp and later landed on the Tiger-Cats practice roster.
LaVon Brazill, WR, Toronto Argonauts (Ohio ’11)–After being released by the Indianapolis Colts in July, Brazill landed on the Argonauts practice roster before being signed to the main roster soon after. Has 18 catches for 215 yards and one touchdown, and has eight kickoff returns for 160 yards.
Chip Cox, LB, Montreal Alouettes (Ohio ’04)–Cox, who played at Ohio from 2001-2004, and has carved out a nice career in Canada, where he has played with Montreal since 2007. Cox was named a CFL All-Star in 2009, 2011, and 2013, and was awarded the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award after leading the CFL with 114 total tackles, 12 sacks, and four interceptions. So far in 2014, Cox has 61 tackles and three sacks.