Five Breakout Stars of the USFL

By Pat Rifino

With every season of pro football in every league, there are always a group of young men that when given an opportunity change their lives and often can solidify themselves as professional athletes. The 2022 USFL season is no exception. This year fans of alternative league football have witnessed hundreds of young men try and extend their professional football careers. Though the USFL did see some familiar faces there were also plenty of players no one expected to stand out as much as they have. Below are 5 breakout stars of the USFL, note to qualify a player must not have experience in a regular-season NFL, XFL, or AAF game.

DeAndre Johnson QB New Jersey Generals 

Mike Riley may have the steal of the USFL draft. The Generals who control the North Division at 4-1 through five weeks are doing it basically on the back of their rushing attack. That rushing attack is anchored by Deandre Johnson. Johnson, who came into camp as the number 2 QB behind Ben Holmes was essentially passed over again when Holmes was released. Regulated to a "platoon" role with Luis Perez, Johnson took over as the full time starter during the Generals Week 5 win over the Breakers. Though not the most proficient passer Johnson has improved the passing attack over the past several weeks, utilizing a series of RPOs and play action passes that maximize his skillset. Johnson has thrown for 548 yards, 1TD and rushed for 272 yards and 4 TDs. In addition with his TSL stats has thrown for over 1,000 yards between the two leagues. Johnson's improvement as a passer and continued dominance in the run game has made the Generals a clear favorite in the North to represent the division in the USFL Championship. Not bad for a rushing QB. 

J’Mar Smith QB Birmingham Stallions

 I'm confident to say only one person in the USFL believed in JMar Smith and that was his Head Coach Skip Holtz. Holtz and Smith go back to their playing and coaching days at Louisiana Tech. After the Stallions opted to pick Alex McGough for their first QB choice, Smith would be drafted in the 12th round of the inaugural 2022 USFL Draft. Smith found himself behind McGough on the opening kickoff but an ankle injury forced Smith into the starting line up. After a come from behind win in week 1 that earned him offensive player of the week honors Smith continued to lead a dominant Stallions team week after week. After missing week 4 due to an illness and being demoted to a backup role for week 5, Smith once again returned mid game to replace a struggling Alex McGough and the Stallions to a come from behind win against the Stars to remain perfect. Smith's performances continue to impress as it is quite clear he has solidified himself as a Top 4 QB in the USFL. So far through five weeks Smith has thrown for 784 yards and 6 touchdowns, while rushing for 103 yards and 2 more on the ground. 

Brandon Aubrey K Birmingham Stallions

If anyone is going to surprise you in the USFL it's gotta be the former MLS Kicker right? Aubrey who essentially came out of nowhere has continued to be as close to perfect as you can especially in the USFL. After surviving "chipgate" of week 1 Aubrey has continued to impress, not missing a kick until week 5. Aubrey's consistent performance has allowed the Stallions to dominate the special teams aspect of football. With so many teams in the USFL losing out on points Aubrey has provided the Stallions an option that so many teams lack. Throughout the first five weeks Aubrey is 8/9 on Field Goals and 13/14 on Extra Points totaling a league best 37 points.

Jonathan Adams WR New Orleans Breakers 

Jonathan was relatively unknown before joining the USFL. Unlike his teammate Johnnie Dixon, Adams has never been through an NFL camp and outside of his time in college wasn’t really a “star”. Adams would get cut before breaking camp with the Lions in 2021, and then received a six game “suspension” by the NFL as a UDFA. While his pro career has started a bit rocky, that's beginning to change over the past five weeks, with Adams making a play each week. The leading receiver at the USFL, has continued to turn heads and has been a human highlight reel since linking up with Kyle Sloter and the Breakers. Adam’s game winning touchdown grab has spring-boarded him as a top 5 receiver in the USFL and at 6’2 210 lbs he definitely fits the ideal size of a number one Wide Receiver.  

KaVontae Turpin WR New Jersey Generals

Turpin is another tool in Mike Riley’s explosive Offensive monster. The Generals gadget offensive weapon returns punts, kicks, rushes, and catches passes. Turpin, whose prior pro experience comes via The Spring League, is another USFL gem as despite going undrafted in 2018 was passed over by the AAF, and XFL. Turpin’s skillset has been utilized wonderfully by the Generals as he is Top 5 in receiving yards and Top 5 in all purpose yards. Recently, Turpin has been utilized in the Generals rushing attack adding another weapon to the Generals backfield. With the Generals getting ready to make a dominant run at the Northern Division Turpin is in prime position to continue to establish himself as a premier USFL Flex/Slot receiver. 

As the USFL continues to bless us for the spring of 2022, I do expect more new faces for us fans to begin to root for. As the season matures and we get to the playoffs many of these players listed will be relied upon to lead their teams throughout the final stretch. Now is there time to show the league that these first five weeks were no fluke and that their star power is here to stay!