Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Thrive in the Pros
9/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 10, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - When it comes to developing players for the NFL, few have done it better. Head football coach Pat Hill's NFL background, connections and services on Bill Belichick's coaching staff all are major factors in the success of former `Dogs in the pros. In all 24 former Bulldogs are on NFL rosters as the 2010 season gets into full swing on Sunday.
"When players who have the talent to play in the NFL make a commitment toward that career goal, we have a great chance of getting them drafted or placed with the right team as a free agent," said Hill. "Clifton Smith made the Pro Bowl as an undrafted free agent as a rookie, so that tells you we have some talented players in our program. He got his shot and made the most of it."
Under Hill, 23 former Bulldog have been drafted by the NFL, including 10 in the last four years. Among those are three first round picks, quarterback David Carr, the No. 1 overall selection in 2002, Logan Mankins, an NFL All-Pro, by the New England Patriots in 2005 and the most recent Ryan Mathews, the 12th overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2010.
The Bulldogs have seen five former players excel in their professional careers and play in a Super Bowl game. Bryan Robinson (Cardinals) , Stephen Spach (Patriots and Cardinals), Bernard Berrian (Bears), James Sanders (Patriots) and Logan Mankins (Patriots) have all played in recent Super Bowl games.
In 2008, the Bulldogs made their mark on the NFL Pro-Bowl when Mankins and Clifton Smith were selected to participate by their peers, coaches and fans. Smith was selected as the punt and kickoff returner, while Mankins was named the starting guard for the AFC.
In addition, some former Dog players are coaching in the NFL. Mike Martz is the offensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears, Kelly Skipper is the running backs coach for the Oakland Raiders and Ray Sherman is the receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys.
Former Bulldogs in the NFL
Lonyae Miller, Dallas Cowboys
Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings
Tyrone Culver, Miami Dolphins
Marlon Moore, Miami Dolphins
Clifton Smith, Miami Dolphins
Logan Mankins, New England Patriots
James Sanders, New England Patriots
Ryan Wendell, New England Patriots
A.J. Jefferson, Arizona Cardinals
Bryan Robinson, Arizona Cardinals
Stephen Spach, Arizona Cardinals
Louis Leonard, Carolina Panthers
Richard Marshall, Carolina Panthers
Jason Shirley, Cincinnati Bengals
Derrick Ward, Houston Texans
Tom Brandstater, Indianapolis Colts
Marcus McCauley, Indianapolis Colts
Bear Pascoe, New York Giants
David Carr, San Francisco 49ers
Chastin West, Green Bay Packers
Sam Williams, Oakland Raiders
Seyi Ajirotutu, San Diego Chargers
Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers
Billy Volek, San Diego Chargers
Former Bulldogs in the CFL
Ikenna Ike, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Garrett McIntyre, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Dante Marsh, British Columbia Lions
Former Bulldogs in the UFL
Chris Denman, Florida Tuskers
Tyler Clutts, Sacramento Mountain Lions
Marcus Riley, Las Vegas Locos
Jason Stewart, Sacramento Mountain Lions
Kyle Young, Florida Tuskers
Robert Malone, Florida Tuskers
Former Bulldogs Playing Arena Football
Alan Harper, Arizona Rattlers
