The NFL is currently in its offseason but are also in the middle of Rookie Mini Camps and OTAs for veteran players. Former Troy Trojan Jake Andrews has been running with the starters during Houston Texans OTAs.

Andrews was an All-Sun Belt center at Troy and also played guard during his Trojan career. Following the 2022 season, Andrews was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. 

Andrews played in 16 games, starting one, as a rookie in 2023. In 2024, Andrews suffered a torn meniscus during training camp and was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. Back in April of this year, the Patriots released Andrews. 

Just a day after Andrews was released, the Texans claimed Andrews off waivers. Houston offensive line coach Cole Popovich coached Andrews at Troy under head coach Jon Sumrall. Andrews has been getting reps with the first team offense during OTAs so far this offseason and is expected to battle returning starter Jarrett Patterson heading into training camp. 

Andrews isn’t the only Trojan competing for playing time in mini camps and OTAs this offseason. Troy currently has eight former players on NFL rosters. Defensive end Javon Solomon is entering his second year with the Buffalo Bills, while running back Kimani Vidal is entering his second year with the LA Chargers and Dell Pettus is entering his second year with the Patriots.

Solomon played in 14 games as a rookie, earning 13 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Vidal played in six games as a rookie, rushing for 98 yards on 30 carries and caught three passes for 49 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Pettus played in all 17 games last year, starting one. He tallied 34 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one sack and two pass breakups. 

Former Troy receiver Landon Parker also signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent and competed in the Colts’ Rookie Mini Camp in May. Former Troy cornerback Reddy Steward is also entering his second year in the NFL, this season playing with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Steward started his professional career with the Chicago Bears last season, playing in one game. He signed with the Vikings after the 2024 season. Steward took part in the Vikings’ Rookie Mini Camp – which also featured a number of veterans – and is fighting for a roster spot during OTAs. 

Former Trojans Marcus Jones and Caleb Ransaw are also on NFL rosters. Jones was an All-American at Troy before also becoming an All-American with the University of Houston. Jones earned All-Pro honors as a rookie with the Patriots and is entering his fourth year with the team. Ransaw – who played his final season of college football at Tulane – was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round this season.