Washington Huskies alumni in the NFL – 2020 wrap up: AFC South
This year there were 36 Washington Huskies alumni in the NFL. PNWS takes a division by division look at how they fared. We continue with the AFC South.
The Washington Huskies have been a dependable supplier of talent to the professional ranks. This year, 36 University of Washington alumni were part of NFL Rosters. Pacific Northwest Sports reviews their performance this season, division by division. Today it’s Huskies alumni playing in the AFC South.
Houston Texans
Guard Senio Kelemete is the only Washington Huskies alumni on the Houston Texans roster. The former Arizona Cardinals fifth-round pick in 2012, has managed to make a nice career in the NFL for almost a decade.
Before the 2018 season, Kelemete signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Texans. He started 14 games that season at left guard. Kelemete missed the majority of 2019 because of injury, only appearing in one game. This season he played in 14 games primarily as a reserve but still made five starts. With the Texans going 4-12 this season, Kelemete’s future in Houston is in doubt.
Indianapolis Colts
The second-place Colts have two players on the roster from Washington. Best known is quarterback Jacob Eason. The signal-caller declared for the NFL this spring with a year of eligibility remaining. A fourth-round pick by Indy, Eason spent the season as the third-string quarterback. He didn’t play but learned the job behind Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett.
Both Colts QB coach Marcus Brady and Rivers were very complimentary about Eason’s ability. Since the top two Indianapolis quarterbacks are free agents, the door might have opened for the former UW star. The question: has Eason shown enough to be the starting quarterback in 2021?
Jake Eldrenkamp has bounced around the league since 2017. This season, the offensive lineman was a fixture on the Colts practice squad but played in two games during the season. He’s already signed a Reserve/Future contract with the team for 2021.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have cornerback Sidney Jones on their roster. Jones was originally drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. He spent three seasons with the Eagles but played in only 22 games because of injuries.
Before this season started Philly put Jones on waivers as one of the final roster cuts. The Jaguars signed him to the practice squad that day. He was activated a week later and played in nine games including starting six. An Achilles injury ended Jones’ season after Game 13. He had 25 tackles along with two interceptions.
Tennessee Titans
Another Music City Miracle? The Titans won the division despite no UW alumni on their roster.
If you missed any of our previous four articles about Washington Huskies alumni in the NFL, please click the link: NFC West Division, NFC North Division, NFC South and East Divisions, and AFC East Division.
#Jaguars CB Sidney Jones with his first interception of the year.
Didn’t turn into points, but it kept the #Texans off the board so… pic.twitter.com/MacP9qAhme
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) October 11, 2020
We will be back this week to wrap up our ex-Washington Huskies in the NFL series with the AFC North and West.