Former Beavers tackle NFL competition

After injury to linebacker Nick Barnett, three former Oregon State football players currently play on NFL fields every Sunday

By: Matt Wilhelmsen

Posted: 11/18/08

Over the past few years, the Beavers' defense has gained national awareness, creating opportunities for athletes to play at the next level; furthermore, it has helped Oregon State with recruiting.

In the current NFL season, three ex-Beavers play football on Sundays, dominating on defense and special teams.

Playing the linebacker position for the Green Bay Packers, six-year veteran Nick Barnett has played in 87 of 90 possible games. Averaging over 120 tackles a year, Barnett recently joined the injury wagon on a tackle that ended with the tearing of his ACL and the end of his season. Barnett has 11.5 sacks and 9 interceptions in his 6-year tenure. A surgery is planned with eight months of rehab, a process that should put him back in the game.

Another Beaver playing the second level is Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Keith Ellison. Starting in seven of the nine possible games this season, Ellison has tallied 35 tackles, 20 of which were solo. The three-year vet is seeking his first sack of the year, tallying one in each of the last two seasons. Ellison's numbers will continue to rise each week, proving his worth.

The last defensive player and youngest of the three, Sabby Piscitelli has played in nine games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, forcing a fumble and grabbing one interception. With 29 tackles on the year, Piscitelli looks to get better each week. In only his second year in the league, a bright future is just around the corner.

Last but not least is punter Sam Paulescu with the Dallas Cowboys. Playing in four games this season, Paulescu has punted 22 times, with an average of 41.4 yards and a long of 60 yards.

Matt Wilhelmsen, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com