When Bulls become pros

UB football’s ten wins last season were a school record, but the team’s roster lost some key players when the season ended.

Five of those players went on to make preseason camps for NFL teams. Still, to really make a team, players must make the final 53-man roster by the end of the preseason. This can be difficult for undrafted players, even for the talent represented at UB last season. Three of these players, highlighted below, may still have a chance at making their respective pro teams’ final roster.

Tyree Jackson, QB

NFL Team: Buffalo Bills

The star quarterback for last year’s squad went undrafted and signed a contract with the Buffalo Bills.

At 6’7” and roughly 250 lbs, Jackson has the size and athletic ability of a good quarterback prospect. While he had a solid arm at UB, he struggled in the NFL preseason. In his first two preseason games, he only completed six of 20 passes and threw an interception. As the most recognizable player from last year’s Bulls team, it’s tough to watch him face difficulties in the NFL.

However, he still has one game to prove his worth to the Bills and the raw talent to potentially make the roster.

Anthony Johnson, WR

NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Johnson, another recognizable name for UB football fans, also remains undrafted but signed a preseason contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In the Buccaneers’ first preseason game, he showed potential as he had three receptions for 33 yards, but didn’t have a catch in the second. The third preseason game was similar to his last, with Johnson having one catch for eight yards.

With a stacked receiving corps in Tampa, Johnson is on the bubble to make the team.

Cam Lewis, CB

NFL Team: Buffalo Bills

Lewis was a reliable starter for the Bulls in his four seasons of playing cornerback.

Last season he was vital to the Bulls’ defense with three interceptions and six deflections. He signed a contract with the Bills at the start of the preseason, joining Jackson.

Lewis had a solid performance in his first preseason game, making important tackles and being all over the field.

Unfortunately, in the second game of the preseason, he went out of the game with a concussion and couldn’t play in the third. Lewis looks to recover for the last game and get more playing time.

His chances of making the Bills final roster are up in the air with this injury.

The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.