The Huntsville Times Original Story

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Each week, we put the spotlight on an NFL player with Alabama ties. This week:

Frank Kearse

Position: Defensive tackle

College: Alabama A&M

Hometown: Savannah, Ga.

NFL Team: Carolina Panthers

Here's the scoop: Two weeks ago, when the Panthers upset the Atlanta Falcons, Kearse helped set the tone by sacking Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan on the game's third play.

It was Kearse's first start of an up-and-down season for the second-year man out of Alabama A&M. Kearse, originally drafted by the Dolphins in 2011, was signed by Carolina last year and played in four games.

He was on the active roster, but not productive, during the first seven games of this season and was moved to the practice squad for four weeks. However, injuries necessitated his being moved back to the active roster.

"He took his game to a whole new level," Panthers coach Ron Rivera recently told Charlotte reporters. "He did some really good things the last couple weeks in practice. I guess when he got demoted, and had the opportunity to come back, he's made the most of it. He's played very well over the last few weeks."

He's had six tackles in the three games since he was moved from the practice rosters.