NFL players with local ties set for final preseason tuneups

Posted: Sep 1, 2010 4:50 PM by Andrew Masuda
Updated: Sep 1, 2010 4:50 PM

Some former Central Coast football stars will be out to shine tomorrow during the final preseason games for NFL teams.

Santa Maria native Mark Brunell will start for the New York Jets on Thursday when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles. The 39 year old quarterback will step in for starter Mark Sanchez, who will take the night off. The St.Joseph High graduate has completed 5 of his 13 passes this preseason for 23 yards.

Former Mustang Courtney Brown needs a big game Thursday when the New York Giants play the New England Patriots. The defensive back survived the first round of cuts this week. However, NFL teams must trim their rosters from 75 players to 53 on Saturday. Last year, the former Cal Poly standout was cut at the end of the preseason by the Dallas Cowboys.

Fellow New York Giant Ramses Barden is listed as doubtful for the Patriots game. The Giants second year wide receiver just returned this week from a stress fracture of the transverse process in his lower back. The former Mustang is still trying to secure more playing time during the regular season with the Giants.

Chris Gocong and the Cleveland Browns take on the Chicago Bears on Thursday. The former Carpinteria High and Cal Poly star has all but locked up a starting linebacker spot for the Browns, who also have San Marcos High graduate Alex Mack on their offensive line..