A slew of former BYU, Utah and Utah State standouts competed in Week 1 of the NFL preseason over the weekend.
From Cole Fotheringham’s big day for the Raiders to Zach Wilson’s poise, here’s a recap of the most notable performances.
BYU
Zach Wilson
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was efficient in his second start this preseason, completing 14 of 20 attempts for 123 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.
The former No. 2 overall pick in 2022 and current backup to four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, Wilson led three drives resulting in points in the first half. In his first start of the preseason in the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game against the Cleveland Browns, Wilson completed three of five passes for 65 yards.
Jaren Hall
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall completed six of 14 passes for 37 yards in his professional debut against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday. The 2023 fifth-round pick was sacked twice and pressured on seven of 16 dropbacks.
Puka Nacua
(Ryan Sun | AP) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua participates in a drill during the NFL football team's training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Irvine, Calif.
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has been a standout during training camp and followed that up with a touchdown reception in his professional debut on Saturday night. The 2023 fifth-round pick caught three passes for 32 yards with a touchdown reception late in the second quarter.
Jamaal Williams
Fresh off leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns for the Detroit Lions last season, Jamaal Williams made his debut with the New Orleans Saints on Sunday with nine rushes for 28 yards.
The former fourth-round pick and BYU’s career rushing leader should see a substantial role in 2023 after signing a three-year deal worth $12 million this offseason.
Other notables:
Miami Dolphins running back Chris Brooks finished with five carries for 24 yards and an 11-yard reception on Friday.
Arizona Cardinals running back Ty’Son Williams finished with a game-high 10 carries and 51 rushing yards against the Denver Broncos on Friday.
Utah
Tyler Huntley
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, and Tyler Huntley workout during NFL football practice Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley completed eight of 11 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles on Saturday. He also scrambled for 13 yards on two attempts.
Heading into his fourth season, Huntley is competing for the second-string quarterback role behind former MVP Lamar Jackson.
Cole Fotheringham
Second-year undrafted tight end Cole Fotheringham led the Las Vegas Raiders with five receptions for 71 yards against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Utah State
(Michael Conroy | AP) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love signals against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Cincinnati.
Jordan Love
Now in his fourth season, Jordan Love is set to be the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers after sitting behind Aaron Rodgers for three seasons.
In just two series against the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, the former first-round pick looked comfortable after completing seven of 10 passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Love found Romeo Doubs on a fade route for a nine-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter.
Other notables:
Jets linebacker Nick Vigil delivered a huge hit against the Carolina Panthers on Friday.
Arizona Cardinals undrafted rookie receiver Brian Cobbs caught an 18-yard touchdown reception with two seconds left against the Denver Broncos on Friday that led to a game-winning two-point conversion.
Green Bay Packers safety Dallin Leavitt intercepted a tipped pass against the Bengals on Friday.
