This is a trial feature tracking news about former East Carolina athletes in the National Football League, Major League Baseball and other professional leagues. Bonesville will publish this feature from time to time until we can judge the reception by readers. If it proves to be popular on a sustained basis we will make it a regular part of our content rotation at certain times of the year. The first edition of “The Next Level: Pirates in the Pros” attracted a big shipload of readers when it was published two weeks ago.

If you are an ex-ECU athlete pursuing a pay-for-play career, you are invited to keep us up to date on your progress by e-mailing Greg Vacek (greg.vacek@bonesville.net). Your communication to us will be kept confidential.

NFL, CFL and MLB players with ECU ties have been in the spotlight of late. Hyperlinked updates from news sources around the web follow:

Falcons Wide Receiver Justin Hardy scores first NFL touchdown versus Oakland On a Crazy Deflection.  …  Cardinals’ Chris Johnson recorded team highs with 16 carries for 54 yards and one touchdown during Sunday’s 40-7 demolition of the Buccaneers.  Johnson stated that the Cardinals need everyone on same page to correct offensive issues and also talks about carries, kids and guns.

Sunday night versus Green Bay, Linval Joseph was, once again, a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line for Minnesota. He was in on six tackles on the evening, including two tackles for loss, and collected one of the Vikings’ five sacks on the evening.  …  Packers’ Josh Hawkins Out for Week 2 with a hamstring injury and didn’t play versus the Vikings.  …  Giants return specialist Dwayne Harris made some questionable decisions on punt returns against the Saints. Harris, who played baseball in high school, commented about Tim Tebow signing with Mets.

From the CFL, Montreal Alouettes add quarterback Shane Carden.  …  Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ Emanuel Davis recorded three takeaways helping the Tiger-Cats Outlast Alouettes in Defensive Duel. His performance helped him pick up Week 16 CFL honours being named a CFL top Performer.

Bullpen wastes Jharel Cottton‘s gorgeous start. Cotton strikes out six in no-decision against Astros. Cotton has been excellent in three starts since coming up to the big leagues, having allowed just three earned runs over 18 innings of work (1.50 ERA).  …  Orioles recall right-handed pitcher Mike Wright from the Norfolk Tides.