SAN DIEGO – Five former Aztecs played in the NFL while three played in the NBA and another finished in the top 15 in a PGA tournament.
In the NFL, Atlanta cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) earned a fifth straight start in a win over Chicago. Hall played all 69 snaps on defense, making six solo tackles. The Falcons head to Washington for a Week 12 matchup. Pittsburgh safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) assisted on a tackle while playing 26 snaps on defense and six on special teams against Cincinnati. Next week, the Steelers are in Indianapolis for a Monday night game. San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) played 27 snaps on offense and six on special teams in a Monday night win in Mexico City over Arizona. Next week, the 49ers host New Orleans. On the other side of the field, Arizona linebacker Cameron Thomas (2019-21) appeared in nine defensive snaps and two special teams snaps while logging a hit on San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. His teammate, long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11), was on the field for six snaps on special teams. The Cardinals host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (2017-21) was signed to the active roster by the Los Angeles Rams, but did not appear in New Orleans. Next week, the Rams head to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (2018-21) was out against Detroit while recovering from eye surgery and will also miss Thursday's Thanksgiving matchup in Dallas. Seattle running back Rashaad Penny (2014-17) and New York Jets fullback Nick Bawden (2014, 16-17) are on injured reserve. Former Aztecs on practice squads are linebacker Calvin Munson (2013-16) on New England, 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 three games for the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 4.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks. So far this season, he is averaging 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. Guard Malachi Flynn (2020) appeared in Toronto's Saturday game in Atlanta. Flynn set season highs by scoring 17 points and grabbing five boards while also logging three assists and two steals. On the season, he is averaging 7.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.1 blocks. Forward Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) returned from his knee injury to start in three games for the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 0.3 blocks per game. This season, he is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks. Guard Jordan Schakel (2018-21) was waived by Washington.
On the PGA Tour, J.J. Spaun (2009-12) tied for 15th in the RSM Classic at 13-under-par while Scott Piercy (1999-2001) did not make the cut. Xander Schauffele (2013-15) is ranked sixth in the world while Spaun ranks 85th in the world and 46th in the FedEx Cup and Piercy ranks 80th in the FedEx Cup.