Mountaineers Alumni Thriving Across Professional Ranks In NFL Week 5 Review

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State’s professional football presence remains strong with 11 former Mountaineers currently occupying NFL roster spots. Highlighting Week 5 was a compelling matchup featuring former teammates Sam Martin and Kendall Lamm, who competed against each other as Martin’s Carolina Panthers staged a dramatic comeback victory over Lamm’s Miami Dolphins. The duo played together in Boone from 2010-11, making Sunday’s encounter a special reunion on opposite sidelines.

Current NFL Mountaineers Roster

Active Contributors:

• Akeem Davis-Gaither – Arizona Cardinals (LB)
• Kendall Lamm – Miami Dolphins (OL)
• Nick Hampton – Los Angeles Rams (OLB)
• D’Marco Jackson – Chicago Bears (LB)
• Sam Martin – Carolina Panthers (P)
• Ryan Neuzil – Atlanta Falcons (OL)

Practice Squad Development:

• Tyrek Funderburk – Minnesota Vikings (CB)
• Shemar Jean-Charles – Seattle Seahawks (CB)
• Ahmani Marshall – Cleveland Browns (RB)

Injury Recovery:

• Cooper Hodges – Jacksonville Jaguars (OL)
• Jalen McLeod – Jacksonville Jaguars (LB)

Week 5 Performance Highlights

Sam Martin – Carolina Panthers (Starting Punter) The veteran specialist played a crucial role in Carolina’s remarkable comeback from a 17-0 deficit to defeat Miami 27-24. Martin executed three punts with a season-long 61 yards while averaging an impressive 53.7 yards per attempt. His consistency extended beyond punting duties as he flawlessly handled holding responsibilities for two field goals and three extra points, all of which were successful.

Kendall Lamm – Miami Dolphins (Offensive Line) The experienced lineman contributed to Miami’s effort against Carolina, participating in four special teams plays during the closely contested divisional matchup against his former Boone teammate.

Akeem Davis-Gaither – Arizona Cardinals (Starting Linebacker) Recording his fourth consecutive start, Davis-Gaither posted five total tackles, including two on special teams coverage. He contributed across 55% of defensive snaps and 63% of special teams opportunities while participating in a crucial forced fumble on Dallas running back Tony Pollard that led directly to an Arizona touchdown.

Nick Hampton – Los Angeles Rams (Outside Linebacker) Hampton saw action during Thursday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, contributing on four special teams plays in the prime-time showcase.

Ryan Neuzil – Atlanta Falcons (Starting Center) The Falcons enjoyed their bye week, providing Neuzil with rest after his perfect start to the season.

D’Marco Jackson – Chicago Bears (Linebacker) The Bears also had their bye week, giving Jackson time to prepare for the season’s second half.

Developmental Pipeline Progress

Tyrek Funderburk continues his journey with Minnesota after the Vikings signed him on September 11 following his developmental stint with Tampa Bay.

Shemar Jean-Charles maintains his position on Seattle’s practice squad after being signed in late August, positioning himself for potential elevation opportunities.

Ahmani Marshall secured his spot on Cleveland’s practice squad as an undrafted free agent, continuing to develop his skills while awaiting his opportunity.

Injury Recovery Updates

Cooper Hodges continues his rehabilitation process on Jacksonville’s injured reserve, working toward recovery from the knee injury that concluded his previous season.

Jalen McLeod, the accomplished three-year App State contributor, progresses through his recovery timeline following the lower-body injury sustained during August practices. His injured reserve designation includes eligibility for later-season return, providing optimism for meaningful contributions to Jacksonville’s defense.

CFL Expansion: Four Mountaineers North of the Border

Appalachian State’s professional football presence extends beyond the NFL into the Canadian Football League, where four former Mountaineers currently compete. Kicker Michael Hughes recently signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, joining an impressive contingent of App State alumni north of the border.

Quarterback Chase Brice has completed 3 of 4 passes this season for the BC Lions, showing his continued ability to contribute at professional levels. Defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor also represents the Lions, providing depth along the defensive front.

Defensive back Dexter Lawson has made significant impact for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, recording 28 tackles across eight games while establishing himself as a reliable contributor to their secondary.

The Mountaineer Professional Pipeline

This comprehensive professional representation, spanning both the NFL and CFL showed Appalachian State’s sustained evolution as a legitimate pipeline for professional football talent. Former Mountaineers continue showing their ability to compete and contribute at football’s highest levels, whether in NFL stadiums or CFL venues across North America.

The Week 5 former-teammate matchup between Martin and Lamm provided a good reminder of the bonds forged in Boone that endure throughout professional careers, even when competing on opposite sidelines.