UCF in the NFL Weekly Roundup

Each week, UCFinsider.com posts a collection of articles related to former UCF football players in the NFL. Click on a player’s name or view it all at once after the jump!

Atari Bigby
Paul Carrington
Daunte Culpepper
Travis Fisher
Michael Gaines
Cornell Green
Matt Prater
Asante Samuel
Kevin Smith
Mike Walker

Atari Bigby

Drew Rosenhaus Tweets His Frustrations
FanHouse, NY
His next couple of tweets were about how Abram Elam and Atari Bigby were going to have huge years for the Browns and Packers, respectively. But that little series of rants made you wonder if he got a hard-line stance from the Jets when he met with them

Paul Carrington

NFL Rules Out the Wedge Formation
New York Times, United States
Paul Carrington, left, Larry Birdine and Chad Mustard forming a wedge in a game last season. By JUDY BATTISTA Matt Bowen spent seven seasons in the NFL, some of the time as a wedge buster, the no-sane-person-need-apply job designed to break up one of

Mindful of Violence, the NFL Rules Out the Wedge Formation
New York Times, United States
Paul Carrington, left, Larry Birdine and Chad Mustard forming a wedge in a game last season. By JUDY BATTISTA Matt Bowen spent seven seasons in the NFL, some of the time as a wedge buster, the no-sane-person-need-apply job designed to break up one of

Daunte Culpepper

What To Expect From This Year's Detroit Lions
Bleacher Report, CA
He'll spend the year learning Scott Linehan's offense, which was ranked first or second in most offensive categories when paired with Daunte Culpepper from 2003-2004. Some compare Stafford to previous Lions' quarterback Joey Harrington.

Team prepares for camp in June and July
Detroit Free Press, United States
Then they'll be off until training camp opens July 31. Their exhibition opener is Aug. 15 against Atlanta at Ford Field. Their season opens Sept. 13 at New Orleans. Lions quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper (11), Drew Stanton (5) and Matthew Stafford (9)

The 2009 Detroit Lions: New Formations in Town
Bleacher Report, CA
These strengths are not just in their playing skills but also their intensity as players in the NFL. Now with the quarterback situation involving Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford. Culpepper played in Minnesota with the new Lions offensive

NFC North 2009 Preview: Parity Prevails after Busy Offseason
Bleacher Report, CA
The Lions won't expect such gastrointestinal stunts from Stafford, who will likely be brought along slowly behind Daunte Culpepper. Minnesota has the most unsettled situation under center, with the undesirable QB battle brewing between Rosenfels and

Scouting Report: Lions WR Calvin Johnson
MLive.com, MI
The new decision-makers are making an effort to improve both of those areas, beginning with the drafting of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Johnson should see his numbers go up this season with either Stafford or veteran Daunte Culpepper at quarterback.

Culpepper struggles reading defenses
Rotoworld.com
Former Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto told beat writer Tom Kowalski that Daunte Culpepper's problems last season stemmed from "too often throw(ing) to the wrong receiver in the offensive system." Colletto said Culpepper's weight wasn't the

Daunte: Motown Needs You To Get Your Roll On
Bleacher Report, CA
by Shawn Hale (Member) Five years ago Daunte Culpepper was on the verge of writing his own ticket to Canton. He was the ringmaster of one of the greatest offenses ever. If it weren't for Peyton Manning filling the record book; he would have an MVP in

Detroit Lions odds and ends: OTAs edition
Examiner.com
He's throwing the ball well, he's apparently getting along with his teammates (which is better than the alternative, I suppose), and he's also been putting pressure on Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton. Coach Schwartz thinks both Culpepper and Stanton

2009 Fantasy Football's Rookies Rankings by Position
Bleacher Report, CA
I am praying they let him sit and learn from Daunte Culpepper for a year. Even if he starts from day one, he will probably become a perfectly fine NFL quarterback after a rocky start. 2. Pat White, Dolphins ? Hear me out on this one.

2009 Fantasy Football's Rookie Draft Analysis!
Bleacher Report, CA
by Football Maniaxs (Senior Writer) By Sean Haugh. I recently concluded a rookie draft for a new dynasty league. It'sa 10-team contract league with a salary cap, points per reception, and idps. There were separate drafts for offensive and defensive

Scouting Report: Daunte Culpepper
MLive.com, MI
by Tom Kowalski Opinion Now that Matthew Stafford has been drafted with the first overall pick by the Detroit Lions, is Daunte Culpepper at the end of his career as an NFL starting quarterback or can he repeat recent history and bounce back?

NFL Crystal Ball: Detroit Lions will be NFL's Most Improved
The Queensberry Rules, MA
They have the running game, they have the receiving corps, and not to excuse poor play from the past, but Daunte Culpepper has not had a full offseason to work within an offense since he left Minnesota in 2005. Four years later, he's going to get that

Around the NFL: Anderson should know, patience pays off for QBs
Canton Repository, OH
Daunte Culpepper looked like a future Hall of Famer as a Viking in 2000. He hasn't been a full-time starter since he was 27, five years ago. Former No. 1 overall pick Tim Couch was 26 when he took his last snap in 2003. Former No.

Hicks comments on Stafford
RotoTimes.com
Our View: Stafford is expected to serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Daunte Culpepper for the start of the season, but Stafford will likely step in at some point - especially if the team continues to lose while coming off an 0-16 campaign.

Detroit Lions Fans Have Seen This Song and Dance Before
Bleacher Report, CA
by Joshua Lobdell (Contributor) Every couple of years the Detroit Lions hire a new coaching staff and they predictably come out and say which NFL system they are going to adopt. The 2009 version is an emphasis on a power running game, with a defensive

Lions Notebook: Stafford Off To Good Start
Lionsfans.com
Though Schwartz said the Lions are still considering adding a veteran quarterback, it won't be Michael Vick, who has been released from prison and is trying to revive his NFL career. Asked about Vick, Schwartz said: "Nah, I think we're pretty happy

Offseason progress reports: Detroit Lions
Yahoo! Sports
There are still, to put it mildly, big questions along the offensive line, and the Lions will have to decide if they're going to go with Daunte Culpepper(notes) or Matthew Stafford to start the season. But either way, it doesn't seem like it should be

Stafford making progress at workouts
Royal Oak Daily Tribune, MI
1 pick in April's draft and owner of the richest guaranteed contract ($41.7 million) in NFL history, Stafford split second-team quarterback reps with Drew Stanton Thursday, rotating behind starter-for-now Daunte Culpepper.

Friday Notes: Recapping Thursday's OTA
Pride of Detroit, MI
Daunte Culpepper, who was "the sharpest," according to Dave Birkett, had that luxury. Drew Stanton was the QB splitting reps with Stafford in the No. 2 group, and he "had a pretty good day throwing the ball." In the end, though, Birkett came to this

No.1 pick Stafford making impression with Lions
Yahoo! Sports
"It gave me extra incentive chasing him on the bootleg because I figured some hundreds might fall out of his pocket." Daunte Culpepper(notes) still is getting the majority of reps with the first team, and Stafford appears to be the backup ahead of Drew

Lions QB Stafford gets teasing and praise
WZZM, MI
Stafford says he hasn't had any problems with his rivals for the starter's job, veterans Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton. Coach Jim Schwartz juggled the quarterback rotation throughout the three-day camp, but said it wasn'ta move designed for those

Everyone Check Out Motor City Bengals Because You're Tigers Fans
Sidelion Report
1 Overall NFL Draft Pick? Touchdown! That's the only sound Detroit Lions fans will want to hear this NFL football season when betting on live NFL odds provided by SBG Global. Detroit Lions football betting and all NFL betting odds are available 24/7

Matthew Stafford, open competition force Daunte Culpepper, Drew
MLive.com, MI
comVeteran quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper (11) and Drew Stanton (not shown) have stepped up their game with the arrival of No. 1 draft pick Matthew Stafford (9), according to Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz. Despite the huge fanfare and even

QB competition turns up the heat
Detroit Free Press, United States
Stafford split the second-team reps with Drew Stanton on Thursday, while Daunte Culpepper took the first-team reps. Coach Jim Schwartz said not to read anything into it. Studying hard has helped Stafford play catch-up with the vets.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford makes good first impression on Lions
MLive.com, MI
Right now, Daunte Culpepper is getting the bulk of the reps with the No. 1 offensive unit, while Stafford and fellow backup Drew Stanton are alternating between the No. 2 and No. 3 reps. "He's handling himself well, he's handling the pressure.

Matthew Stafford laughs off some ribbing from his Lions teammates
The Detroit News, MI
Stafford, who signed the richest rookie contract in NFL history a month ago, wouldn't identify the comedian, but defensive end Eric Hicks, an 11th-year pro who signed with the Lions earlier this month, fessed up in the locker room Thursday after

Lions QB Stafford gets teasing and praise
The Associated Press
Stafford said he hasn't had any problems with the two veterans who he is battling for the starting spot, Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton. "Daunte has been great. He's been doing this for a long time and I'm learning a lot from him, and Drew's been

Lions vets razz Matthew Stafford about his contract
Detroit Free Press, United States
1 pick in the NFL draft and signed a six-year contract worth as much as $78 million. ‘A guy couldn't catch me coming out of a bootleg, and he said, 'Sorry, I was just picking up all the money falling out of your pockets,' ? Stafford said today.

What should Roger Goodell do with Vick’
WEEI.com, MA
But now that they've — Daunte Culpepper last year. He had — and lay it Atlantic fuel. Our lord. But at the — you're really interest in my eye on this if your interest in Michael Vick and you have a little bit." " And a security from an — Your first

Money vs. Experience: The Detroit Lions' Quarterback Controversy
Bleacher Report, CA
Daunte Culpepper was once considered the next Michael Vick, leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in only his second season. He has put on lots of weight since then and does not have the open field speed that he had when he first entered the

Guys with Goatees
Study of Sports, TX
If Daunte Culpepper were placed into a time machine and sent back to the sixties, Dick Butkus could not have tackled him. Alex Karras and Ray Nietzsche together would have trouble applying grass stains to Ben Roethlisberger. Great coverage players such

Mature Ricky Williams embraces new life
MiamiHerald.com, FL
UM's Jacory Harris tells us his throwing shoulder finally is 100 percent after last season's injury and that former Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper has become a ''mentor'' for him. The two will do on-field work together this summer.

Winning Pick: Matthew StafFORD
Bleacher Report, CA
All of these questions and more will be answered in the upcoming NFL season, but was Matthew Stafford, the quarterback from Georgia worth selecting number one overall? Stafford is a quarterback who has the arm strength and natural ability to conquer

Brett Favre: Five Attributes He Would Bring to the Vikings' Offense
Bleacher Report, CA
This is something the Vikings have lacked at the quarterback position since the 2005 season when Daunte Culpepper was leading the offense. Culpepper was later injured for the season after tearing three ligaments in his knee.

Stafford Or Culpeper… What About Drew Stanton’
Bleacher Report, CA
Certainly Daunte Culpepper is a good guy to have on the team. He is an established veteran and can be the long term backup. However, with all the injuries he has had, I don't think there is another team that would want to acquire him as a starter.

Travis Fisher

Drafting For Talent Can Only Fill So Many Positions
Bleacher Report, CA
by Theodore Skroback (Member) From week one of the 2008 NFL season any Detroit Lions fan knew that there was trouble brewing. With the first pass of Matt Ryans career goes 62 yards right past the struggling Travis Fisher for an easy touchdown.

49ers hosting free agent CB Kelly
Rotoworld.com
Kelly, 33, has battled injuries for the last three years. He was benched in favor of Travis Fisher in Detroit last season. Kelly would be even weaker competition for Tarell Brown at right corner than the declining Bly. May. 21 - 3:16 pm et.

Walt Harris suffers ACL injury; likely out for 2009 season
Niners Nation, CA
We've got a lengthy list that includes: Rod Hood, Chris McAlister, Terry Cousin, Kenny Wright, Pacman Jones, Dre' Bly, Travis Fisher, Brian Kelly, Patrick Surtain, Sam Madison, David Barrett, Deltha O'Neal, Jason Craft, Fakhir Brown, Ty Law,

Michael Gaines

OTA Report: May 20
Lionsfans.com
The Bears made a minor splash last week with the addition of free-agent tight end Michael Gaines, a blocking specialist most recently of the NFC North rival Lions. Gaines isn't going to catch very many passes if he makes the team, especially with

Chicago Bears' Offseason Review Thus Far
Bleacher Report, CA
This is the deepest position on the team, and will have to be an intricate part of the offense this year. The depth is good behind these two with Kellen Davis, Michael Gaines, and Fontel Mines. Competition for the third tight end spot ought to make

Strong-side inspection: A look at Roach vs. Hillenmeyer battle
Chicago Sun-Times, United States
Remember, they moved fast when tight end Michael Gaines came for a free-agent visit last week. Tinoisamoa will be in an upbeat atmosphere as the first OTA practice is scheduled to start at 11 am He will be able to watch at practice like the rest of us

Cornell Green

Raiders still searching for answers at offensive tackle
Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA
Erik Pears, Cornell Green.? If you find yourself perplexed, or even startled, by that comment, you are not alone. Henderson and Green were part of an offensive line that allowed 39 sacks last year, ninth most in the NFL, though the Raiders

Biggest Change on Offense Could Be a Healthy Darren McFadden
Bleacher Report, CA
If you watch the replay you can see that RT Cornell Green and FB Justin Griffith failed to even touch a defender while blocking. Neal is savvy enough to get that one block and allow McFadden to get in the end zone without needing to dive and stretch

Matt Prater

Broncos Update Insider - 5/23
Silver & Black Illustrated
The Broncos will likely have kicker Matt Prater and punter Brett Kern return to those duties for a second season. Denver has options in the return game, with Eddie Royal returning after a good year returning punts and kickoffs, and free agent signee JJ

Broncos Update Insider - 5/23
Broncos Update (subscription)
The Broncos will likely have kicker Matt Prater and punter Brett Kern return to those duties for a second season. Denver has options in the return game, with Eddie Royal returning after a good year returning punts and kickoffs, and free agent signee JJ

Horse Tracks 5/20/09
Mile High Report, CO
years after the NFL agreed to two-year extensions with CBS and FOX. KJ - Former Broncos LB John Huard will be presented with the Distinguished American Award by the Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation. NDN - Matt Prater's kid brother

Rookie kicker Swayze Waters wasn't just a kicker in high school
MLive.com, MI
Even if Waters blows away the Lions, it's extremely unlikely he makes the roster, even as a member of the practice squad. There's nothing too unusual about this, especially considering the Lions let go Matt Prater back in the summer of 2006.

Asante Samuel

Fake Facebook Account Claims Roethlisberger Has Skin Cancer
Manolith, CA
Roethlisberger isn't the only NFL player to succumb to fake online profiles. Eagles players Trent Cole, Asante Samuel, and the Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware each had there Twitter accounts removed after proving them fake. It doesn't just stop at NFL players

Patriots' 2009 Playbook: Opening a New Chapter
Bleacher Report, CA
Springs and Bodden are known for their strong man coverage skills, something the Patriots have lacked since Asante Samuel's departure. Chung and Butler provide the youth and athleticism to help defend against the spread offense.

Learning More about Chiefs 2009 Draft Pick Donald Washington
Arrowhead Pride
His agent has already made the comparison to Asante Samuel - previously drafted in the fourth round by Scott Pioli in New England, but that that might be shooting a little high. But I would think that within the next three years, Washington will be a

Schwartz: Birds' Ikegwuonu Fed Up With Court Case
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, PA
Currently behind Brown, Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs and Joselio Hanson on the depth chart, Ikegwuonu needs to apply what he's learned about the defense in the classroom to the field. ‘Even though I may not know it as well as Sheldon or those other guys,

Eagles will be fine without Jim Johnson
RealFootball365.com, AZ
Brian Dawkins and Asante Samuel made the Pro Bowl last year, and Dawkins had four Pro Bowl berths under McDermott's tutelage. His experience under Johnson, knowledge of the game, and ability to work with all facets of the defense — he was linebackers

Schwartz: Ikegwuonu Happy to Finally Play Football
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, PA
Currently behind Brown, Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs and Joselio Hanson on the depth chart, Ikegwuonu needs to apply what he's learned about the defense in the classroom to the field. ‘Even though I may not know it as well as Sheldon or those other guys,

Trent Cole: A Mock B/R Interview
Bleacher Report, CA
Asante Samuel previously guaranteed a Super Bowl Championship season. What is your opinion of players playing Nostradamus two months prior to training camp? With the amount of depth at each position, how does this defense compare to that of 2008 in

Eagles' "Twittergate" and Lito: much ado about nothing….
The Queensberry Rules, MA
Allegedly Asante Samuel twittered his fan base with the statement that the Eagles "will win the Super Bowl trophy in 2009 (2010 calendar year)"… Okay, nice to hear a player "guaranteeing" a Super Bowl…worked out quite nicely for Joe Namath's career

Keeping Tabs On The Enemy: Patriots
Stampede Blue, New York
of the better kick return guys in the NFL. Butler was also used as a return guy in college, so I'm glad we were able to pull that one off. As a CB, I'd like to see him develop into a ball hawk, something I believe we've missed since Asante Samuel.

Eagles' rookie camp opens today
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA
In other news, the Eagles confirmed that cornerback Asante Samuel and defensive end Trent Cole had not sent out messages via Twitter, despite reports that attributed comments on the social-networking Web site to the players. While some NFL teams have

Join this Blog
Inside the Iggles
Evidently, Sal doesn't get that. Spending money for the sake of spending is not prudent. Beating the ‘Eagles are cheap? drum is tiresome and inaccurate. They have a model and they stick to it. Asante Samuel and Jason Peters are sound investments.

Kevin Smith

Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: When To Take Wide Receivers
Bleacher Report, CA
Then, in round four you get Kevin Smith; followed in the fifth round by the selection of your quarterback, Tony Romo. That sounds like one heck of a squad. For one, no one will really touch you at wide receiver, as you have two of the best,

Detroit Lions' Window of Opportunity Could Close Fast
Bleacher Report, CA
Kevin Smith has the capability to be a 1200- to 1400-yard rusher and be a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. Brandon Pettigrew will help the offensive line in both run and pass blocking as well as be a legitimate threat in the red zone and

Matthew Stafford: Should He Start or Sit’
Pride of Detroit, MI
I took all of the quarterbacks drafted in the first round since 1998 and measured the strength of the correlation between their pass attempts as a rookie and their ultimate success in the NFL. This, I think is the best measure, because the more a

Ex-MSU, UM talent lifts Lions' defense
Detroit Free Press, United States
Peterson: Kevin Smith and Rasheed Wallace can appreciate this one. As a 49er, Peterson guaranteed a win over the Cowboys in 2005. Oops: Dallas won, 34-31. "Next time," Peterson said afterward, "I'm saving my guarantee for the Super Bowl.

Five Players Will Serve Four-Game Suspensions
RealGM.com, IL
ABC 26 - It was reported on Friday that a federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit against the NFL that five players unknowing took a banned substance. That means that Saints defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith, free agent running back Deuce

The Detroit Lions Can Be Successful In 2009
Bleacher Report, CA
The NFL operates on a level playing field. Every team has the same opportunity to win, bottom line. Stupidity and indifference are what prevents sports franchises from being successful. First and foremost, an owner must know how to win.

Offensive players poised for breakout seasons
Chicago Tribune, United States
Running backs: It was easy to overlook the solid rookie season of Kevin Smith because he played on the winless Lions, but Smith showed plenty of potential. Now the Lions plan to make him a four-down back and an offensive centerpiece while Matthew

starcaps Suspensions Upheld
Cat Scratch Reader, NC
This is probably just as easy a win as it was before, although I guess it leaves a bit more potential for a Kevin Smith blowup and a Lions upset. Further, if it's Matt Stafford's first NFL game, he'd certainly rather play it without a heavy rush in his

Looks like the Vikings and Saints will be a little short-handed at
FanIQ, CA
I don't know if you remember, but last season, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams of the Vikings and Charles Grant and Will Smith of the Saints tested positive for use of a banned diuretic in the diet supplement StarCaps. They all took the case to court,

Wildcat Offense Might Be Michael Vick's Ticket Back to NFL
American Chronicle, CA
Running backs: It was easy to overlook the solid rookie season of Kevin Smith because he played on the winless Lions, but Smith showed plenty of potential. Now the Lions plan on making him a four-down back and an offensive centerpiece while Matthew

Detroit Lions are poised to make a strong comeback for the 2009
JOCKlife Sports
If the Lions work on run blocking in training camp, then I think that Kevin Smith can do amazing things. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is also an outstanding asset, and as I said earlier, is statistically the third best receiver in the NFL.

Chat with Page 2's Patrick Hruby
ESPN
Tommy (Moncton, New Brunswick): So Madden NFL 10 is FINNALY going to make is so guys like Kevin Smith don't run the ball like Brandon Jacobs. Some players will have an overall, IN THE 40's! This way when we have a crappy QB, we actually realize he's a

Michael Vick Released From Prison; Does He Deserve a Second Chance’
Sidelion Report
What's the difference between seeing Orlando Pace pancake Kevin Smith versus Warren Sapp hitting that guy from Green Bay? Kevin Smith got up. (I couldn't think of a wicked hit where someone got up, so don't spam the comments with observations about

Will expanding season hurt NFL’
The Detroit News, MI
Sure, running back Kevin Smith has said the Lions will make the playoffs. The magazine recently named six teams that missed the playoffs last season as ones that will be playing in January: New England, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle and Kansas City

My One-on-One with Quarterback Jon Kitna
Bleacher Report, CA
Your former teammate Kevin Smith said the Lions will make the playoffs this year. Is that an accurate prediction? ? What was it like to play football in Europe, and what are your thoughts about the NFL playing games there’

Mike Walker

Tennessee Titans Tackle a Revitalized AFC South
Bleacher Report, CA
Though he is on the downward slope of his career, Holt is still capable of commanding defensive attention and his professionalism should rub off on the likes of Williamson, Jarett Dillard, and Mike Walker. Jacksonville addressed the shallow depth on

Missing Links in Jacksonville
JagNation.com, FL
The leftovers from last years squad isn't overly impressive on paper, as Dennis Northcutt, Troy Williamson and Mike Walker return. Out of the three, Walker is the one to watch, as he has looked phenomenal in mini-camp again.

High expectations for offense
Jaguars.com
Vic: Brian Baldinger of ‘NFL Network? ? I call it the ‘Ex-Player's Broadcasting Company ? was at practice on Thursday and I couldn't help but notice that one of his pinky fingers appears to be growing out of the side of his hand.

Proof the Jaguars' wr's Are an Improved Unit
Big Cat Country, FL
He was the epitome of an underdog, and hopefully he'll continue his NFL career. However, the important thing to take away from this is not the loss of the Woods, but the ascension of the new wr's. After only a handful of OTA practices, Woods became

Left Tackle? Check. Wide Receiver? Check. Fan Base? Blank.
Bleacher Report, CA
Even with the free agent signing of veteran Torry Holt, the Jaguars knew that they were a mere small knee injury away from having Dennis Northcut and injury-prone Mike Walker as their starting two wide receivers. As the final pick in the draft passed,


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