8 Newly Signed USFL Players We’re Excited to See in USFL Season 2
By Pat Rifino
Now USFL free agency is on its way and we've seen a lot of notable names come through the transactions report, here are 8 newly signed USFL players we’re excited to see in USFL season 2.
1. James Morgan - Quarterback Pittsburgh Maulers
Morgan is definitely an intriguing choice. A 4th round pick in 2020, Morgan joins his fifth team in his pro career. Joining the Maulers Morgan is one of five quarterbacks on their roster right now. For a team run by Kirby Wilson no quarterback is safe from a benching, as the 2022 Maulers had four passers take meaningful snaps. Right now Morgan will fight with Chase Fourcade, Trey Williams with incumbents Vad Lee, and Roland Rivers III, for playing time and the chance to extend and solidify his career as a pro.
2. Samuel Wright II - Defensive Line New Orleans Breakers
Always have to give a shoutout to Ivy League players as the ability to balance school and football is always an intangible that can’t be matched. Wright had cups of tea with the Seahawks and the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and now will begin to be a part of a defensive front with Devin Bellamy and Shareef Miller. Wright II earned All-Ivy honors Twice during his time with Princeton and recorded 20 sacks over 37 games in college. Though slightly undersized at 6’0 Wright is a prime candidate to make waves for the Breakers
3. Cohl Cabral - Offensive Line Birmingham Stallions
Coming from Arizona State Cabral started 38 games in college before bouncing around the NFL practice squad wire. Cabral has already been apart of five NFL franchises already and looks to garner his first taste of pro-football regular-season snaps with the Stallions. Joining Skip Holtz and J’Mar Smith, Cabral is a Power-5 alumni who with great size looks to make the champion Birmingham Stallions even more competitive in 2023.
4. D.J. Myers - Wide Receiver Memphis Showboats
D.J. Myers is an intriguing player who has also been playing in the arena league for the past couple of seasons. Most recently the NAL Ironman of the year, Myers looks to be the next Arena star to join the USFL. With multiple awards to his name and a plethora of experience from the past couple of seasons (he was also a college coach for a season), Myers looks to fill the void at wide receiver for (previously Tampa Bay Bandits) left by Derrick Dillon and Rashard Davis.
5. Samuel Akem - Wide Receiver Philadelphia Stars
Akem was a part of a dynamic receiving duo that included Samori Toure (2022 7th rd pick) Akem’s college career was hampered by COVID-19 and injuries. In 47 games, Akem recorded 191 receptions 2711 yards, and 29 Touchdowns, which puts him in the Top-5 of Montana receiving history. Akem has all the tools to succeed in pro football however just needs an opportunity. With the Stars, Akem has the ability to showcase a dynamic skill set under Bart Andrus whose explosive offense was dynamic no matter what QB was under center.
6. Tyler Dressler - Linebacker Houston Gamblers
It was a toss-up for me with Keke Chism, and Clint Sigg, however, seeing Dressler get signed in the last 24 hours diverted my potential to him. Dressler was a tackling machine in Richmond, becoming an all-conference linebacker three times, and leaving the school with Top-5 statistics. A true rookie for 2022-23, whose only pro experience comes from attending the Jets mini-camp, Dressler joins the Gamblers talented defense that saw, Domenique Davis, Tegray Scales, Chris Odom, Tomasi Laulie, and Micah Abernathy all leave due to NFL contracts. With Reggie Northrup, Donald Payne, Will Likely, Ahmad Gooden, and Jamar Summers all slated to come back, Dressler has an amazing opportunity to thrive in a star-studded defense in 2023.
7. Tyrone Truesdell - Defensive Linemen New Jersey Generals
I’m a sucker for the Power-5 conference players the Alt-Leagues are able to bring and develop. Truesdell has spent time with Auburn and Florida and appeared in 41 games over his college career. At 6’2 335 Truesdell, who recently was with the Giants, is in prime position to be a dominant run stuffer in the USFL.
8. Garrett Marino - Defensive Line Michigan Panthers
How can we not talk about new players in the USFL and not mention Garrett Marino. An average rotational Defensive Linemen was ousted out of the CFL by the Saskatchewan Roughriders after multiple fines and suspensions. With Marino this is probably his final shot at maintaining a pro contract. Personally, I think many who know Marino could care less if he is successful however if he happens to succeed and improve his character it will definitely be a fun redemption story to watch.
