The Texas Longhorns currently have 34 players on NFL rosters. Though that number will undoubtably shrink as teams make their final cuts, there are plenty of burnt orange alumni making waves this summer in the pros.
Rookie Tyrone Swoopes, who played in the "18-Wheeler" package last season for the 'Horns, signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.
The 6'4, 247-pounder is working to become a tight end. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on Wednesday, "We've been pretty blown away" by the former QB.
Impressed daily by former Univ of Texas QB Tyrone Swoopes as #Seahawks TE. Pete Carroll: "We've been pretty blown away," esp w/ his blocking
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 9, 2017
"Unbelievable," Russell Wilson called one catch that Swoopes made on Thursday. "That's true talent."
Russell Wilson calls diving, end-zone catch by undrafted rookie TE Tyrone Swoopes that ended practice "unbelievable. That's true talent." pic.twitter.com/4SvyN3M7Nu
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 10, 2017
Former Texas running back D'Onta Foreman hopes to help improve a Houston Texans offense that was anemic a season ago.
The third-round pick is off to a good start, as Foreman had an impressive hurdle over Carolina Panthers corner Cole Luke in his preseason debut.
HURDLE ALERT @D33_foreman got UP!#HOUvsCAR pic.twitter.com/gDr8mHQZ5n
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2017
Foreman carried the ball nine times and racked up a game-high 76 yards.
"D’Onta did some good things," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said.
In less positive news, former Texas defensive back Mykkele Thompson has been released by the New York Giants.
The #NYGiants have waived/injured DB Mykkele Thompson and signed rookie LB Jimmy Herman. pic.twitter.com/evofgxamd2
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 10, 2017
If Thompson is not signed by another team, he will either be placed on injury reserve for the Giants or receive an injury settlement upon being released.
The 24-year old has been dealing with a quad injury and has had an injury-plagued pro career. In his rookie season in 2015, Thompson tore his Achilles tendon during his NFL preseason debut and missed the entire season. The following year, Thompson was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury in September.
Here's to hoping the former fifth-round pick can stay healthy and make an impact on a pro team in the future.
Oh, and if you're still wondering, former Texas kicker Justin Tucker is still really good at kicking a football.
Ho hum, Justin Tucker from midfield. Football? BACK. pic.twitter.com/GSTxbbSMDe
— Banks (@BarstoolBanks) August 11, 2017