Local Products Make Preseason Debuts

It was unceremonious and none of them made the official stat sheet, but yesterday was the first professional football game of the season for Albany natives Dion Lewis and Joe Vellano, and the first of their professional careers for Albany products Andrew Franks and Brian Parker.

Franks, a kicker from RPI, assumed the kicking the duties in the second half for the Dolphins in their loss to the Bears. He did not attempt a field goal or an extra point but did take kickoffs.

He was a Division III All-American at RPI and has a leg that can kick field goals up to 55 yards.

Parker, the undrated TE out of UAlbany, did not catch a pass in the Chargers 17-7 over the Cowboys. The Chargers signed him after the draft. He was a big part of UAlbany's resurgence in 2014,

He was a third team all-CAA tight end selection last year. He had five touchdowns and 500 yards.

Dion Lewis of Albany did not get a carry in the Patriots game vs. the Packers. CBA product Joe Vellano did not record a tackle for the Pats as well.