Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders in the NFL: Preseason Recap
September 01, 2013 | Football
Amendola begins his first season with the Patriots in 2013
Sep 1, 2013
by Blain Meador
Texas Tech Athletics Communications
Throughout the 2013 National Football League season, Texas Tech Athletics Communications will provide a week-to-week update of all the former Red Raiders who are currently playing for an NFL.
Currently, there are 14 Texas Tech player represented in the NFL.
Danny Amendola (WR) New England Patriots
The New England Patriots signed Danny Amendola over the offseason to fill the void left by the departure of fellow Red Raider receiver Wes Welker. He enters his sixth season in the NFL, and his first with the Patriots. During the preseason schedule, Amendola had seven receptions, 77 yards, averaged 11 yards per reception, and one touchdown. Amendola played four seasons at Tech (2004-2007) and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008 with the Dallas Cowboys.
Bront Bird (LB) San Diego Chargers
Bront Bird enters his third season in the NFL, all coming with the San Diego Chargers. During the preseason, Bird recorded seven tackles and one assisted tackle. In two seasons, Bird has played in 14 games making 16 tackles (10 solo) with an interception and has broke up four passes. Bird played four seasons at Tech (2007-2010) and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011 with the San Diego Chargers.
Michael Crabtree (WR) San Francisco 49ers
Coming off of an NFC championship and Super Bowl appearance, Michael Crabtree enters his fifth season in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. Crabtree missed all of the preseason schedule while rehabbing from an off-season surgery. He is expected to return early during the 2013 season. His best season as a pro was last year when he caught 85 passes for 1,105 yards with nine touchdowns - ranking among the top 10 NFC wide receivers in all three categories. Crabtree played two seasons at Tech (2007-08) and was selected as the 10th overall pick 2009 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Crabtree became the first college football player ever to win the Biletnikoff Award in back-to-back seasons - the award that is given annually to the top collegiate wide receiver.
Cody Davis (S) St. Louis Rams
After playing the entire preseason with the St. Louis Rams, safety Cody Davis has been named to the Rams practice squad. During the preseason, Davis led the Rams with 14 tackles (11 solo). He was an Academic All-American and All-Big 12 selection at Tech during his senior season in 2012. He was a four-year letterman with the Red Raiders (2009-2012). Davis signed as an undrafted free-agent with the Rams in 2013.
Seth Doege (QB) Atlanta Falcons
Seth Doege spent all of the preseason with the Atlanta Falcons and recently was named to the team's practice squad for the upcoming season. Doege did not see game action during the preseason, yet participated during training camp. Doege finished his collegiate career at Tech as the program's third leading passer all-time, trailing only Graham Harrell and Kliff Kingsbury. Doege played four seasons with the Red Raiders (2009-2012).
Keyunta Dawson (DE) Tennessee Titans
Keyunta Dawson enters his seventh season in the NFL, and his second with the Tennessee Titans. During the Titans 2013 preseason, he recorded four tackles (two solo) and had one sack. Dawson played four seasons at Tech (2003-2006) and was selected in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Dylan Gandy (OL) Detroit Lions
Dylan Gandy enters his ninth season in the NFL, and his fifth with the Detroit Lions. Following the preseason schedule, he is listed as first-string right guard on the Lions' depth chart. He will be playing alongside fellow Red Raider offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle. Gandy played four seasons at Tech (2001-2004) and was selected in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
Joselio Hanson (CB) Oakland Raiders
Joselio Hanson enters his 11th season in the NFL, and his second with the Oakland Raiders. Last season he recorded 61 tackles (49 solo), recovered one fumble, and had two interceptions for 12 yards. Hanson played two seasons at Tech (2001-2002) and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 with the San Francisco 49ers.
Graham Harrell (QB) New York Jets
Graham Harrell enters his fourth season in the NFL, and his first with the New York Jets. Harrell played the 2013 preseason with the Green Bay Packers where he had spent the first three years of his NFL career (2010-2012). During the preseason he completed 23 passes for 128 yards and one touchdown. Harrell played four seasons at Tech (2005-2008) and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2010 with the Green Bay Packers after playing one year for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.
Darcel McBath (S) San Francisco 49ers
Darcel McBath enters his fifth season in the NFL, and his second with the San Francisco 49ers. He will start the 2013 season on the injured reserve list due to a foot injury he suffered in the second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season McBath was a member of the 49ers while winning the NFC championship and making a Super Bowl appearance. McBath played in all 16 games last season with the Niners making two tackles and recovering one fumble. McBath played four seasons at Tech (2005-2008) and was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos.
Manny Ramirez (OL) Denver Broncos
Manny Ramirez enters his seventh season in the NFL, and his third with the Denver Broncos. He is currently listed on the Broncos' depth chart as the starting center, playing alongside fellow Red Raider offensive lineman Louis Vasquez. Ramirez played four seasons at Tech (2003-2006) and was selected in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
Louis Vasquez (OL) Denver Broncos
Louis Vasquez enters his fifth season in the NFL, and his first with the Denver Broncos. He is currently listed on the Broncos' depth chart as the starting right guard, playing alongside fellow Red Raider offensive lineman Manny Ramirez. Vasquez played four seasons at Tech (2005-2008) and was selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.
LaAdrian Waddle (OL) Detroit Lions
LaAdrian Waddle enters his first season in the NFL after signing with the Detroit Lions. After going undrafted out of Texas Tech, he put together an impressive rookie camp and preseason while the Lions signed him before training camp to a three-year contract. He will be playing alongside fellow Red Raider offensive lineman Dylan Gandy. Waddle played four seasons at Tech (2009-2012) and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013 with the Detroit Lions.
Wes Welker (WR) Denver Broncos
Wes Welker enters his 10th season in the NFL, and his first with the Denver Broncos. During the 2013 offseason he was traded to the Broncos from the Patriots where he spent the previous six seasons, five of which he was selected All-Pro. He is expected to be quarterback Peyton Mannings' top target this season while playing alongside fellow Red Raiders Louis Vasquez and Manny Ramirez. Welker played four seasons at Tech (2000-2003) and signed as an undrafted free agent in 2004 with the San Diego Chargers.
