Former Shore Stars Excelling in the NFL

Three Shore Conference graduates are trying to make NFL 53-man rosters as rookies during this preseason, while a host of veterans from the Shore are preparing for the 2014 season.

Here is an update on the Shore Conference graduates currently in the NFL:

• Running back Knowshon Moreno (Middletown South) is still in the mix to start with his new team, the Dolphins, as he recovers from knee surgery. Moreno was with the Denver Broncos for the past five seasons, including a run to last year's Super Bowl, before signing with Miami in the offseason.
• Also on the Dolphins, wide receiver Ryan Spadola (Freehold Township), who was on the practice squad last year as a rookie, is part of a deep group of wideouts fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster. Spadola made the Jets' roster as an undrafted free agent out of Lehigh last year before being released and signed by Miami.
• New York Giants rookie cornerback Bennett Jackson (Raritan) saw his first action of the preseason in a win over the Steelers on Saturday. He missed the first preseason game with an ankle injury. Jackson, who was the Giants' sixth-round pick this year, did not record a tackle against Pittsburgh.
• Rookie linebacker Glenn Carson (Southern), an undrafted free agent out of Penn State, had 2 tackles in seeing time in a win over the Texas in the Arizona Cardinals' last preseason game.
• Running back Donald Brown (Red Bank Catholic) is now with the San Diego Chargers after playing the first five seasons of his career with the Colts. He had 3 carries for 22 yards in a preseason win over the Cowboys in his first action with the Chargers.
• Clark Harris (Southern) is now in his sixth season as the Bengals' long-snapper. He is in the midst of a 5-year, $4.79 million contract.
• Tight end Garrett Graham (Brick Memorial) is in his fifth season with the Houston Texans after a breakout year last season with 49 catches for 545 yards and 5 touchdowns.
• Tight end Tim Wright (Wall) made a big impression as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers last year with 54 catches for 571 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He once again looks to be a key part of the Bucs' passing game.
• Rookie tight end Scott Simonson (Middletown South) saw time in the Oakland Raiders' loss to the Vikings on Friday. Simonson is an undrafted free agent out of Division II Assumption College.
• Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry (Neptune) is entering his third season after registering four sacks last year.