In April, IU’s football program extended its streak of having an NFL draft pick to nine seasons, after the New York Giants selected Micah McFadden in the fifth round. McFadden was one of many Hoosiers who stood out in the first week of games this season. Who else grabbed headlines?

Marcelino McCrary-Ball

The star of the weekend, as far as IUFB alumni were concerned, was former LB/DB Marcelino McCrary-Ball, who started for the 49ers, picked off a Jordan Love pass, and returned it back to Packers territory. McCrary-Ball signed with San Francisco as an undrafted free agent after six years at Indiana, where he was named a 247Sports True Freshman All-American. However, two season-ending injuries, in 2017 and 2020, added obstacles to his Indiana career. McCrary-Ball’s pro career is off to an auspicious beginning, and he’s turning heads in the Bay Area. His next chance to impress comes Saturday in Minnesota.

Nate Sudfeld

One of the most accomplished QBs in Indiana history, Nate Sudfeld played for the Hoosiers from 2012-2015. Beginning his seventh year as an NFL QB, and second with the 49ers, Sudfeld found Ray-Ray McCloud for a long touchdown one play after McCrary-Ball’s electrifying interception. Sudfeld ended the game 8-11, with 103 yards and a touchdown. His passer rating ended at an excellent 132.0. The 49ers defeated Green Bay, 28-21.

Micah McFadden

Back on Thursday, McFadden, IU’s 2022 NFL Draft pick, made a number of key plays during his first snaps as a New York Giants linebacker against Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots. McFadden recorded two stops and lined up all over the field in Don Martindale’s defense. McFadden, who finished his Indiana career with 216 tackles, 14 sacks, and 2020 AP All-America honors, is projected to make the Giants 53-man roster as things stand, but final decisions come August 30.

Ryder Anderson

A teammate of McFadden’s in New York, DE Ryder Anderson tied for the team lead with three tackles in the Giants’ 23-21 victory over the Patriots. Anderson was one of four Giants with a tackle for loss, featured below. Anderson, who tallied 3.5 sacks and 8.5 TFL at Indiana last season. He signed with the Giants in May after impressing in their rookie mini-camp. Anderson and McFadden next play Sunday night at home against the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals.

Peyton Hendershot

After his time as the most successful tight end in Indiana history, Peyton Hendershot wore the classic Dallas Cowboys uniform for the first time in his career on Saturday night in Denver. Not only did he bring in two catches on four targets, Hendershot also had a big reception called back due to penalty. The undrafted free agent from Tri-West High School is projected on the Cowboys roster bubble, but trending in the right direction, after Saturday’s 17-7 defeat to the Broncos.

Jamar Johnson

— Edge (@BroncosEdge_) August 14, 2022