#ProTops Primer: Former Hilltoppers In The NFL Week 1

It seems like forever since Peyton Manning rode into the sunset after defeating the Panthers in the 50th Super Bowl, but here we are with…

It seems like forever since Peyton Manning rode into the sunset after defeating the Panthers in the 50th Super Bowl, but here we are with just hours to go for a Super Bowl rematch to kick the 2016 NFL season off.

WKU will have, to begin the season, six former Toppers on a 53-man roster while one other — Prince Charles Iworah — is on a practice squad.

Here’s who the ProTops will be up against in the opening week of professional american football.

Brandon Doughty — Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks, Sun., Sept. 11 @ 3:05 CT

If Doughty sees a regular-season snap in 2016 I’ll be shocked. Not saying that I don’t want to see that, of course I do. Not even saying that he isn’t deserving of it. I just don’t see the Dolphins, at any point this year, resorting to their third-string guy. Just the fact he’s on the 53-man is kind of amazing, but something we wont take for granted. If ever I see a shot of him on the sideline in uniform, it’ll make my heart so happy.

George Fant — Seattle Seahawks vs. Miami Dolphins, Sun., Sept. 11 @ 3:05 CT

Well lookie here, we get a ProTops v. ProTops game in the FIRST WEEK! Above I mentioned how its awesome Doughty made the 53-man roster, but it’s nothing compared to Fant doing so — a non-drafted free agent, converted to a position he’s never played in his life, and could see time in-game. That’s so awesome, if ya ask me.

Tyler Higbee — Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers, Mon., Sept. 12 @ 9:20 CT

Arguably the ProTopper who will have the best season in 2016, Higbee will make his pro debut in primetime as part of the second half of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. He’s projected to be a big part of that Rams offense, which is very young but very talented, and it’d be great if he can make a splash right away.

Antonio Andrews — Tennessee Titans vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sun., Sept. 11 @ 12 CT

Bishop Sankey got released by the Titans to ensure Andrews remained in Tennessee blue, but he still has some competition ahead of him in getting touches with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry in front of him. Andrews should still see some return action pretty regularly and hopefully get enough touches to prove he can carry some work load, especially if Murray and Henry disappoint.

Jack Doyle — Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions, Sun., Sept. 11 @ 3:25 CT

Jack Doyle has been the most beloved ProTopper since going to the Colts, and from the sound of it, this might be year he reaps a bit of benifits. He’s mostly played on special teams coverage as well as has been used as an H-back for run-blocking, but he should see an increase in targets on offense, which would be fine and dandy with me.

Bobby Rainey — New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys, Sun., Sept. 11 @ 3:25

Is a change in scenery what Bobby Rainey needs to make that next step in his NFL career? It’s a steep hill to climb, as the Giants backfield is a little crowded, and he isn’t even listed on ESPN dot com’s NYG depth chart as a running back, just a return specialist. But, new city, new division, new colors for one of the OG ProTops who is sure to make a few heads turn this season.

If you happen to be watching one of these games and one of the guys gets some love, share it with us over on twitter @TheTowelRackWKU. Also, hit us up there, or in a comment below, with who you think will have the best first week as the NFL season begins.