Aug. 13, 2012

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Five former Southern Miss Golden Eagles began their NFL careers last week as the first week of preseason games concluded.

Former Eagles Austin Davis, Cordarro Law, Marquese Wheaton, Danny Hrapmann and Ronnie Thornton all saw playing times with their respective clubs as they battle to earn roster spots over the coming weeks ahead of the NFL's regular season.

Davis, a four-year starter and single-season and career record holder for every major quarterbacking category, had the most extensive playing time with his team, the St. Louis Rams, over the weekend. The Meridian, Miss., native is locked in a battle to earn the No. 3 job in St. Louis and showed new Rams' coach Jeff Fisher what he is capable of, going 12-for-18 for 84 yards in his debut.

Law, last season's Hawaii Bowl MVP, is now with the Seattle Seahawks and is competing for a spot along a very deep and talented line. In his debut, the Whitfield, Ala., native tallied one tackle but was in one numerous plays and helped chase down running backs going away from his side.

Wheaton, who emerged last season to score three non-offensive touchdowns as a cornerback, was a late roster addition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but had a stellar showing for coach Greg Schiano's squad. The former All-American tallied a single solo tackle in his debut and looks to add to his tally in the coming weeks.

Thornton, now with the Chicago Bears, earned two solo tackles and has bulked up to play more of an inside linebacker role for coach Lovie Smith.

In Pittsburgh, former Lou Groza finalist and All-American kicker Danny Hrapmann split time with eight-year NFL veteran Shaun Suisham, his competition for the kicking job with the Steelers. Hrapmann did not disappoint, nailing his lone field goal attempt from 43 yards straight down the middle and converting his only extra point attempt. Hrapmann's field goal put the Steelers up 23-21, but Philadelphia rallied back late to earn the victory.

The Atlanta Falcons also drafted lineman Lamar Holmes in the third round of this year's NFL Draft, but a training camp injury hampered Holmes through camp. The Gastonia, N.C., native will look to return to the lineup as early as this week.

The second week of the NFL preseason begins on Thursday, Aug. 16 when the Falcons take on the Cincinnati Bengals.