There’s a first time for everything, as three NFL players with Utah ties proved during this week’s preseason action.
Whether it was All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner or a pair of players fighting for position in a crowded NFL in Corbin Louks and Daniel Sorensen, these three made memorable plays in their respective games.
Who had the best professional first? Here’s a look at the contenders:
Wagner’s pick-six of Smith
Fourth-year linebacker Bobby Wagner of Utah State has done plenty in his short and successful NFL career: earn All-Pro honors last season, win a Super Bowl title with Seattle and return to the title game last season, in addition to leading the Seahawks in tackles two of his pro seasons.
But on Friday in the Seahawks’ 14-13 loss to Kansas City, Wagner did something new at the pro level: score a touchdown. And he intercepted a former Utah quarterback to accomplish the feat.
During the second quarter, Wagner stepped in front of an Alex Smith pass intended for Jason Avant and returned the interception 25 yards for the score. It turned out to be the only touchdown for Seattle in the game.
Wagner also had three tackles and a pass deflection in the contest.
Louks' leaping catch and score
It’s been awhile since Corbin Louks lined up at quarterback for the University of Utah. After leaving the Utes program in 2009 to transfer to Nevada, he has converted to wide receiver and spent short stints in the NFL with Seattle and Kansas City, as well as time in other pro leagues. He signed with Denver earlier this month.
While Louks has added return abilities to his resume, he had never made a reception at the NFL level until Saturday in the Broncos’ 14-10 victory over Houston. And he made it worth remembering.
With 1:50 remaining in the contest and Denver trailing by three on third-and-10 from the Texans' 26, Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian rolled right and threw high to the 6-foot Louks, who made the leaping grab at the 3-yard line and fell back into the end zone for the touchdown.
First catch? Check. Game-winner? Double check.
Louks also returned two kickoffs for an average of 26 yards against Houston.
Sorensen’s sack
This time last year, former BYU safety Daniel Sorensen was a first-year undrafted player hoping to snag a spot on Kansas City’s 53-man roster. He ultimately spent time on both the active roster and the practice squad for the Chiefs, logging seven tackles while playing in nine games his rookie season.
Now, Sorensen is aiming for a bigger role with the Chiefs organization after a standout career with the Cougars. He currently sits third on the depth chart at free safety with Kansas City.
In the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ victory over Seattle and the Seahawks facing a third-and-11 at the Kansas City 40, Sorensen came on a safety blitz and made a beeline for Seattle quarterback R.J. Archer. He wrapped up the signal caller for his first professional sack, forcing the punt and helping the Chiefs hold off the Seahawks.
Sorensen also finished the game with two tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry.
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