Many people lose interest in preseason football after the first quarter. Part of that is due to the games not counting, but not knowing the players on the field does not help either. To combat this, here are three players to watch in Saturday's Patriots-Eagles contest, who you may not know.
1. Wide receiver, Kyle Dixon #83
Heading into the summer, Kyle Dixon was a player I thought had a real shot at that eighth receiver spot. Unfortunately for Dixon, injuries have derailed his summer.
However, injuries are not all to blame for Dixon’s lack of success, as when on the field he has done little to nothing to help boost his stock. The 6-foot-2 pass catcher attended college at Culver-Stockton, an extremely small school located in Canton, Missouri.
With the school enrolling under 1,100 students, the school competes in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The jump in competition appeared to be substantial for Dixon to this point.
The rookie did not play in the team’s first preseason game due to injury, but has since returned to practice, making him a likely candidate to get snaps in Saturday’s contest.
It will be intriguing to see if Dixon can use his size to his advantage and be a productive target for backup quarterback Behren Morton. Although Dixon has a small chance to make the team’s opening day roster, he is still playing for a spot on the practice squad.
2. Running back, JaMycal Hasty #39
When discussing the Patriots’ third running back spot, JaMycal Hasty is typically an afterthought. Despite flying under the radar, Hasty has as good of a shot as anyone to fill the role.
The 29-year-old has a plethora of NFL experience, and has spent time in New England in each of the past four seasons. As most fringe roster players do, Hasty has special teams experience, taking 132 special teams snaps for the 2024 Patriots. Hasty is also an experienced kickoff returner, returning 26 kickoffs throughout his six-year career.
The Baylor product is a solid pass catcher out of the backfield, which gives him a leg up in the competition. He might not be the most enticing name, but keep an eye out for JaMycal Hasty in this third running back competition.
3. Safety, Peter Manuma #34
Peter Manuma is one of the rare players to get a contract following a successful rookie tryout. Manuma impressed the team so much during rookie mini camp that they awarded him a spot on the 90-man roster.
Although the Hawaii native has been repping as the team’s sixth safety, he is no slouch. Manuma brings a level of physicality to the defense that stands out in the room.
The rookie is clearly passionate about the game of football, and you do not have to know him too well to know this is true. After making a tackle in Thursday’s joint practice with the Eagles, Manuma flexed and screamed in celebration, loudly enough for the fans to hear.
Whether it is the hair flowing out of the back of his helmet or the passion he brings to the field, Manuma is hard to miss.