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NFL 2019: 3 New England Patriots sleepers to root for ahead of training camp

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 23: Ufomba Kamalu #97 of the New England Patriots attempts to tackle LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 23: Ufomba Kamalu #97 of the New England Patriots attempts to tackle LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Ufomba Kamalu (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Ufomba Kamalu (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. DL Ufomba Kamalu

New England Patriots fans may not know this name, but they will through the preseason.

Twenty-six-year-old defensive lineman Ufomba Kamalu only played a few snaps with the Patriots in 2018, but one of those snaps resulted in a memorable play that shows why the team is high on the University of Miami product who spent most of his time on the team’s practice squad.

In a big 24-12 victory over the Buffalo Bills in December, Kamalu exploded into the backfield and buried running back LeSean McCoy for a 4-yard loss.

It was his first defensive snap with the team and showcased the speed and power he is capable of bringing off the edge.  Following that game, Kamalu felt as though he experienced a release following his long journey in finally breaking the 53-man roster.

"“I saw everything happen, and then it happened,” Kamalu said, as transcribed by NESN.  “I was so excited and so, like…it was a release almost.  Finally playing.  It’s been a long year.  It was a big release.”"

If Ufomba Kamalu makes a habit out of showcasing that type of release in the preseason, he is one longshot who will give the New England Patriots something to think about and fans a player to root for.

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