Former Cougar Eric Bateman will make his first start as left tackle for the NFL Europe League's Barcelona Dragons this Saturday at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium, against the Amsterdam Admirals.
But Bateman is not the lone Utah product competing in the NFL Europe this season. Two former Utes, linebacker Phil Glover and wide receiver Daniel Jones, are playing for the Scottish Claymores and Rhein Fire, respectively.Glover, a first-team All-WAC selection as a senior, is now a starting linebacker for the Claymores, who are currently 3-2 on the season.
He is second on the team in tackles (24), with 15 unassisted tackles, one sack and one intercepted pass.
Glover was signed by the Tennessee Titans at the beginning of last season. His stock rose quickly, and he eventually became the backup linebacker on the Super Bowl roster. Two of the Titans' starting linebackers from last year, unrestricted free agent Joe Bowden and Barron Wortham, who was waived, are now with the Dallas Cowboys.
Although Tennessee drafted Keith Bulluck in the first round of the NFL Draft, a strong season with the Claymores could earn Glover the opportunity to compete for a chance to play with the Titans.
Jones, who was also an All-WAC selection after leading the Utes in receiving, is now a backup for the league-leading Fire (4-1). He has caught seven passes for 102 yards, including a 29-yard TD.
Jones signed with the St. Louis Rams in April 1999, after going unselected in the NFL Draft. He spent two games on their practice squad before being released.