SAN DIEGO – One former Aztec started in the NFL while another put up a double-double and a third is playing in the World Series.
In the NFL, Atlanta cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) earned his second straight start against Carolina. Hall made a tackle while playing for 79 snaps, all but one on defense. He served as Atlanta's top corner in the game. The Falcons host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week Nine. San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) was on the field for 22 snaps on offense and five on special teams in a big divisional win over the Los Angeles Rams. Next week, the 49ers are on bye before a home matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers the following week. In a Thursday night victory, Arizona defensive lineman Cameron Thomas (2019-21) appeared in 13 defensive snaps and six special teams snaps. His teammate, long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11), was on the field for seven snaps on special teams. The Cardinals host Seattle on Sunday.
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (2018-21) underwent successful eye surgery and missed this week's game against Seattle. Bellinger is expected to return in the next few weeks. Seattle running back Rashaad Penny (2014-17), Pittsburgh safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) and New York Jets fullback Nick Bawden (2014, 16-17) are on injured reserve. Kazee has been practicing and nears a return. Former Aztecs on practice squads are linebacker Calvin Munson (2013-16) on New England, offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (2017-21) on Chicago, linebacker Segun Olubi (2020-21) on Indianapolis, defensive back Trenton Thompson (2016, 18-21) on the New York Giants, offensive lineman William Dunkle (2019-21) on Pittsburgh and offensive lineman Keith Ismael (2017-19), defensive lineman Alex Barrett (2013-16) and safety Tayler Hawkins (2017-21) on San Francisco.
In the NBA, forward Jalen McDaniels (2017-19) played in all four games for the Charlotte Hornets, putting up 12.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.3 blocks per game. On Wednesday, he set a season high by scoring 17 points in New York, the third most points he has scored in a game in his career. On Saturday, against reigning champion Golden State, McDaniels had his fourth career and first season double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. So far this season, he is averaging 10.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks. Guard Malachi Flynn (2020) appeared in two games for the Toronto Raptors, putting up four points, a steal, a rebound and an assist on Monday night against Atlanta. On the season, he is averaging 3.3 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.3 steals and 0.3. Forward Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) did not appear in any games for the Los Angeles Clippers with a knee injury. This season, he is averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals. Guard Jordan Schakel (2018-21) has yet to appear for the Washington Wizards.
In the MLB, Houston infielder David Hensley (2015-18) did not appear in Houston's first two World Series games against the Philadelphia Phillies. Hensley will start at designated hitter and bat seventh for Game Three on Tuesday night.
On the PGA Tour, Scott Piercy (1999-2001) did not make the cut in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. Xander Schauffele (2013-15) is ranked sixth in the world and 69th in the FedEx Cup while J.J. Spaun (2009-12) ranks 88th in the world and 56th in the FedEx Cup. This weekend, Spaun and Piercy will compete in the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.