Red Raiders in the pros: Big fella putting in work

Danny Amendola — WR, New England Patriots

There was nothing flashy about Danny Amendola’s night during the New England Patriots’ rout of the Denver Broncos. He caught 4 passes on 4 targets for 36 yards. He didn’t have any returns in the game, which is an area he is usually active in as well. It may not be huge numbers, but with a banged up wide receiver group, you can be sure the Patriots are happy to have the consistent play of Amendola right now.

LaAdrian Waddle — OL, New England Patriots

LaAdrian Waddle was somewhat forgotten coming into this season. He played only one snap in 2016 and was at the bottom of the depth chart of New England’s offensive line. But, the big fella made huge strides this season, culminating in his performance Sunday night. With Marcus Cannon nursing an injury, Waddle got the call to start at right tackle against the vaunted pass rush of the Broncos. He more than held his own as the Patriots offensive line did an excellent job protecting Tom Brady and allowing only a single sack. You can read more about LaAdrian’s reemergence and listen to Bill Belichick throw some love his way here.

Branden Jackson — DE, Seattle Seahawks

It’s been a while since we’ve given an update on Branden Jackson. Last we left off was in Week 7 when Jackson had recorded his first tackle. That is still his only tackle on the season, but his role on the Seattle Seahawks defense has continued to expand. He played 31% of the defensive snaps in a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. That number is up from 16% and 18% the previous two weeks.

Samuel Eguavoen — LB, Saskatchewan Roughriders

For those who don’t follow football up North, the CFL is smack in the middle of their playoffs. There are several former Red Raiders whose teams are still alive as the CFL played their division semi-final games this past weekend. Red Raiders fans should remember Samuel Eguavoen as a significant contributor to the Texas Tech defense during his time in Lubbock from 2011 to 2014. He has continued to have success professionally in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, accumulating 59 tackles and 1 sack this season. In the Roughriders’ East Division semi-final win, Eguavoen made his presence known with two tackles and a big interception that ended any momentum the Ottawa Redblacks were building. Egauavoen’s Roughriders will face the Toronto Argonauts next week in the East Division final.