SAN DIEGO – Six former Aztecs played in the NFL while two competed in NBA games.
In the NFL, Atlanta cornerback Darren Hall (2018-20) earned a sixth consecutive start in Washington. Hall played all 62 snaps on defense, making eight tackles (three solo). The Falcons host Pittsburgh for a Week 13 matchup. Pittsburgh safety Damontae Kazee (2013-16) made a solo tackle while playing 32 snaps on defense and six on special teams in a Monday night win over Indianapolis. Next week, the Steelers are in Atlanta for a game against Hall's Falcons. San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill (2013-16) played 32 snaps on offense and three on special teams in a win over New Orleans. Next week, the 49ers host Miami. Arizona linebacker Cameron Thomas (2019-21) sacked Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in the first quarter on third down to force a punt. Thomas played for 15 snaps on defense and three on special teams. His teammate, long snapper Aaron Brewer (2008-11), was on the field for eight snaps on special teams. The Cardinals host New England on Sunday. New York Giants defensive back Trenton Thompson (2016, 18-21) made his NFL debut in a Thanksgiving afternoon matchup in Dallas. Thompson was on the field for 12 snaps on special teams. On Friday, he was waived. Offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (2017-21) did not appear for the Los Angeles Rams in Kansas City. Next week, the Rams host Seattle.
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (2018-21) is nearing a return from an eye injury. 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, 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, starting two. He averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.3 steals. On Monday night, McDaniels set a career high with a 24 point performance in Boston. His big week brings his season numbers to 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.6 blocks per game. Guard Malachi Flynn (2020) appeared in all three of Toronto's games, earning his first start of the season on Wednesday against Brooklyn. This week, Flynn averaged 2.7 points, 0.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.3 steals. On the season, he is averaging 6.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.1 blocks. Forward Kawhi Leonard (2010-11) did not play due to an ankle sprain but is expected to return soon. This season, he is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks.
On the PGA Tour, Xander Schauffele (2013-15) is ranked sixth in the world while J.J. Spaun (2009-12) ranks 85th in the world and 46th in the FedEx Cup and Scott Piercy (1999-2001) ranks 80th in the FedEx Cup. This weekend, Schauffele will compete in the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas.