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ALAMEDA, Calif. - When George Atkinson IIIs name went uncalled through seven rounds of the NFL draft, there was no doubt where he would end up signing as an undrafted free agent. Despite offers from several teams, Atkinson ultimately signed with the team he was always destined to join, following his famous fathers footsteps to the Oakland Raiders. Now more than a quarter century after George Atkinson Jr. terrorized Lynn Swann and dozens of other NFL wide receivers as a hard-hitting safety with the Raiders, his son is trying to make the team as a backup running back and special teams contributor. "I had to turn a lot of teams down," the younger Atkinson said. "Right out of the gate, they were like, Dont go to the Raiders. I know you want to follow your heart but, weve got a spot for you here. But I know without a doubt this is the spot for me." Father and son knew this was a distinct possibility as the fifth round of the draft ended and no team had called. With two rounds remaining, they believed it might be better if the younger Atkinson wasnt drafted so he could make sure he could sign with the Raiders. While some sons might prefer to blaze their own trail in an organization with no connection to their father, the younger Atkinson had been waiting to put on a Raiders uniform ever since he was a kid. "Ive looked up to this organization and this club for a long time and there was no part of that going on with me," he said. "Ive looked up to my dad and wanted to follow in his footsteps but also lead my own trail at the same time. Youve got to find that balance and thats what Im trying to do right now." The elder Atkinson is a beloved member of the organization for his hard-hitting play that epitomized Oaklands style of play in the 1970s. He had 30 career interceptions and helped Oakland win its first Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He was most famous for his hits on Swann, which led former Steelers coach Chuck Noll to refer to him as part of the "criminal element" in football. He is now a broadcaster for the team but made a point of staying away from rookie minicamp last weekend. "He doesnt need that added pressure," the elder Atkinson said. "Hes learning a new game altogether. The pro ranks are a little bit different from high school and college. He needs time to focus on getting adjusted to the NFL. I dont need to be around. Its his time. I dont want to be a distraction to him and the team." The opportunity to play with the Raiders took out much of the sting of going undrafted after skipping his senior season at Notre Dame. In three years in college, the younger Atkinson rushed for 943 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also returned two kickoffs for scores as a freshman. "Its not all about how you come in, but how you leave," he said. "How you set your mark here in the league. You still have to make a team, drafted or undrafted." Atkinson is part of a crowded group of running backs that includes free-agent acquisition Maurice Jones-Drew, returning starter Darren McFadden and last years sixth-round pick, Latavius Murray. But Oakland is searching for a returner and Atkinson III brings one attribute none of the other players competing for a roster spot have. "I think hes a talented athlete and hes got a lot of speed," coach Dennis Allen said. "He has the ability to help us on special teams also. So, I think anytime a chance to get a legacy, somebody who has the Raider blood lines, ... those guys understand what it means to be a Raider. We were pleased that we were able to bring him in here." NOTES: The Raiders signed seventh-round S Jonathan Dowling and CB T.J. Carrie to four-year contracts. ... Oakland also signed free agent DE Denico Autry and waived DT David Carter. ___ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL DeMarcus Ware Jersey . 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The All Blacks, the defending World Series champions, won their third tournament this season in style, running four tries past England to claim their 11th Cup championship in Hong Kong and first since 2011.Michael Carrick has proved he deserves to be an automatic starter for Manchester United for the rest of the season, according to Ray Wilkins. The 35-year-old started in Uniteds 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday, playing at the base of a midfield three which also included Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.Carrick, who had been behind Marouane Fellaini in the pecking order for much of the season, impressed in his holding role as United got the best of the midfield exchanges for much of the game against the Gunners. His presence in front of the back four afforded Pogba and Herrera more licence to venture forward to join in attacks and Wilkins believes Mourinho has found a formula for success, even though United conceded a late equaliser on Saturday. Sky Sports Black Friday sale Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price! Wilkins told Sky Sports News HQ: Mourinho will be extremely upset. I think when you saw his press conference he said it felt like a defeat. I thought United played exceptionally well.I think the inclusion of Michael Carrick has to be a permanent for Jose because it allows Herrera - who is finally becoming a Manchester United player in the middle of the field - and Pogba to go and do their work in advanced areas. How unlucky are Man Utd? Jose Mourinho insists Man Utd are the Premier Leagues unluckiest team, but what do the stats say? Carrick just gives them that little bit of serenity in the middle of the field when they need to control a game. His passing is fantastic.Also, Phil Jones is starting to look a player once again after a long lay-off. Thats an absolute bonus for Jose.Mourinho rued his sides bad luck after the game as United were consigned to a third straight league draw at home after frustrating outings against Burnley and Stoke. Juan Mata says it is extremely frustrating to have conceded a late goal in Manchester Uniteds 1-1 draw with Arsenal Wilkins believes Uniteds fortunes will improve over the course of the season if they can play with the same level of intensity as they did on Saturday.Everybody has their good luck and everybody has their bad luck, Wilkins said. I wouldnt say they have been the unluckiest team. Jose Mourinho hailed Man Uniteds phenomenal defensive display in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal and insists they were the best team by far What I did see on Saturday was an energy that I havent seen from them before.dddddddddddd They put Arsenal under a huge amount of pressure and, for once, the Arsenal players couldnt cope with that pressure.They were flustered in possession of the ball and they did not play the way Im sure Arsene [Wenger] would have liked them to play. Wayne Rooney warms up on the touchline at Old Trafford I was very impressed with Manchester United. I thought they looked a good side.I personally would have played [Wayne] Rooney through the middle from the start and had [Marcus] Rashford out on the left-hand side. [Anthony] Martial is not having such a good time at the moment.But nevertheless it was a good performance. I think before the game if you had offered Jose a point he probably would have taken it. Sign in to watch highlights: Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal Saturdays draw leaves United six points behind Arsenal - who sit fourth in the table - and nine points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.Wilkins believes Mourinhos men are too far off the pace to mount a serious title challenge but says qualifying for the Champions League is a must for the club after missing out last season.I dont think the championship is in their capabilities to be perfectly honest but they certainly have to finish in the top four, Wilkins said.The Champions League needs Manchester United and Manchester United are desperate for it.They have to get into that top four.Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4! Also See: Jose: Why I left Rooney out WATCH: Premier League goals Dont panic urges Phil Jones Carrick: No problems to solve