How former Colorado State football players fared on NFL cut day
The Colorado State football team can call it a pretty successful NFL cut day.
There are a number of former Rams − Michael Gallup, Shaq Barrett and Trey McBride, to name a few − who never had to sweat out cuts for 2022 53-man rosters.
Several former CSU football players did, though.
Rookie punter Ryan Stonehouse won a battle to unseat a veteran. Fullback Adam Prentice won a job as well.
There were some former Rams who didn’t make rosters who will hope to be picked up elsewhere or sign to practice squads.
Here’s a look at how former CSU football players fared on NFL cut day.
Ryan Stonehouse, punter, Tennessee Titans
The rookie, one of CSU’s most popular players in recent seasons, won a camp battle and beat out the franchise's longest-tenured player in Brett Kern. Stonehouse played in all three preseason games, punting 13 times for a 50.1-yard average with six punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
More:CSU punter Ryan Stonehouse hears your 'altitude' theory as he bombs another kick over your returner
Rashard Higgins, receiver, Carolina Panthers
Higgins, who played at CSU from 2013-15, signed as a free agent with Carolina in the offseason after spending the first six seasons of his career in Cleveland. He’s expected to be an important receiver for the Panthers. Higgins has 137 receptions for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 82 career games.
Bisi Johnson, receiver, Minnesota Vikings
The receiver, who played at CSU from 2015-18, had the misfortune of suffering an ACL injury during camp for the second season in a row. Johnson’s ACL tear this time came in the opposite knee as last season. He has 45 catches for 483 yards and three touchdowns in his NFL career.
Michael Gallup, receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Gallup suffered a torn ACL late last season and is unlikely to play Week 1 for the Cowboys as he continues his recovery. Gallup, who played at CSU from 2016-17, is entering his fifth NFL season and he has 193 catches for 2,902 yards and 15 touchdowns in 43 games.
Trey McBride, tight end, Arizona Cardinals
The rookie tight end will soon make his NFL debut after being a second-round pick of the Cardinals in the 2022 NFL draft. He won the Mackey Award as the top college tight end last season. He’s expected to see plenty of action in his first season.
More:5 things to know about Colorado State football NFL draft prospect Trey McBride
Trent Sieg, long snapper, Las Vegas Raiders
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Sieg (CSU 2013-17) enters his fifth season as the long-snapper for the Raiders.
Adam Prentice, fullback, New Orleans Saints
The fullback played at CSU from 2015-19 before finishing his college career at South Carolina and has made the initial 53-man roster. He played in seven games last season with New Orleans, primarily as a blocker and special teams player.
Shaquil Barrett, linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Barrett, who played at CSU from 2011-13, is entering his eighth season in the NFL and fourth with Tampa Bay. He has 32 career sacks in 45 games and had 10 sacks last season.
Warren Jackson, receiver, Los Angeles Rams
Jackson, who played at CSU from 2017-19, was waived by the Rams and placed on IR. He spent much of last season on the practice squad of the Rams, who won the Super Bowl.
Manny Jones, defensive line, Arizona Cardinals
Jones signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cardinals this offseason but was cut Tuesday from the 53-man roster. He was signed to Arizona's practice squad Wednesday.
Scott Patchan, defensive line
Patchan spent time in the preseason with both Indianapolis and New Orleans but was cut by the Saints earlier in camp. He’s a candidate to be picked up by another team or placed on a practice squad.
Preston Williams, receiver
Williams was waived by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday. Williams, who played at CSU from 2017-18, has 56 catches for 787 yards and seven touchdowns in 24 games over three seasons. He’s battled injuries and in training camp was openly critical of his role on the team. He’s a candidate to be picked up by another team or placed on a practice squad.
Josh Watson, linebacker
Watson was cut on Tuesday by the Panthers. Watson, who played at CSU from 2014-18, has seven tackles in 19 NFL games over three seasons, primarily playing special teams. He’s a candidate to be picked up by another team or placed on a practice squad.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: How former Colorado State football players fared on NFL cut day
