DALLAS – Former Conference USA standouts made their presence known across NFL defenses in week seven with several former stars making key plays to swing momentum for their teams.  
 
Darious Williams (UAB) led the way for the Los Angeles Rams with a season-high four passes defended, while adding two tackles. He helped in stopping a key third down on Jacksonville’s opening drive and made a crucial tackle to halt the Jags on fourth down in the red zone. With six passes broken up over the last two weeks, he has moved into the league’s top 10 with seven on the year. Williams ranks 10^th among NFL corners in PFF defensive grade (75.2) and 14^th in coverage grade (73.6).
 
Kevin Byard III (MTSU) tallied his league-leading fourth interception on a deep pass into the Chicago red zone and added another breakup for the Bears’ secondary. Amik Robertson (LA Tech) helped spark Detroit’s win with three tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup, while Quincy Riley (MTSU) continued his steady rookie campaign in New Orleans with three solo tackles and a pass deflection.
 
In the trenches, the Giants’ defensive front was just as active, with Roy Robertson-Harris (UTEP) recording three tackles, two quarterback hits, and a pass deflection, and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (Southern Miss) adding another breakup. Seattle’s Riq Woolen (UTSA) was also busy in coverage, registering two passes defended and two tackles. Tennessee’s Xavier Woods (LA Tech) added four tackles and a sack from the secondary.
 
Milton Williams (LA Tech) delivered a well-rounded performance for New England with five tackles, a sack, a TFL, and a QB hit, while Alex Wright (UAB) added five tackles and two tackles for loss for Cleveland. The Chargers’ Teair Tart (FIU) chipped in three tackles and a TFL, and Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair (FAU) made plays all over the field, posting six tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery to anchor the Texans’ defense.
 
On offense, Jonnu Smith (FIU) found the end zone for Pittsburgh, catching three passes for 28 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Higbee (WKU) added three receptions for 19 yards for the Rams. Malachi Corley (WKU) continued to contribute in Cleveland’s offense with two catches for 17 yards, and Tre’ Harris (LA Tech) added two receptions for 23 yards for the Chargers.
 
Jaylin Lane (MTSU) turned in another big-play outing for Washington, catching three passes for 60 yards, including a 35-yard grab, while Luke McCaffrey (Rice) continued to thrive on special teams with 209 kickoff return yards on eight attempts (26.1 avg).

A couple CUSA alumni helped pave the way for their offenses as Las Vegas center Jordan Meredith (WKU) registered the fifth-best PFF pass block grade for week seven (82.2). In 23 snaps, he was not penalized, nor did he allow any type of pressure. Arizona right guard Will Hernandez (UTEP) registered a pass block grade of 70.8 in 76 snaps. He was not penalized and didn’t allow a quarterback sack or hit.
 
Chris Boswell (Rice) drilled a 41-yard field-goal and all four extra point attempts for the Steelers, and Jack Fox (Rice) averaged 51.2 yards per punt for Detroit, including a 66-yard long. Veteran Thomas Morstead (SMU) stayed sharp for San Francisco, averaging 47.7 yards on three punts.
 
Click here for a complete list of the 83 former CUSA players featured on NFL rosters for the 2025 season.