The Panthers were once again improving the Offensive Line by signing D-II All-American Corey Hoelck out of Nebraska-Kearney. This comes a week after the Michigan Panthers brought in Api Mane a center out of FIU/Kansas in an effort to legitimize and strengthen an Offensive Line that left much to be desired for in the 2022 USFL season.
Hoelck was a standout Tackle in Division II, during his collegiate career. The Lopers went 27-22 including a 10-3 2021 record and a deep playoff run with the program in 2021. Hoelck was also a part of 2020 Lopers team, that in two rushed for 828 yards and 9 touchdowns. Despite a promising pro day, Hoelck went undrafted in 2022, and his signing by the Panthers is his first stint as a professional football player.
Other USFL News:
Stallions Punter Colby Wadman received a workout with the Raiders this week. Wadman spent two seasons as the Broncos Punter before bouncing around with the Raiders in 2018 but was cut. Most recently he was with the 49ers practice squad in 2022, before joining the Stallions for their championship season. Wadman has earned $998,067, throughout his NFL career.
Former Houston Gamblers LB Tegray Scales was cut by the Bengals earlier this week. Scales has spent time with the Browns, Steelers, Rams, and Bengals in his NFL career appearing in Five games in the NFL. Scales was also a member of the XFL 2.0 playing with the Dallas Renegades playing in all Five games. He’s earned $443,718 during his NFL career with $126,500 coming in the 2022 NFL season.
Despite, the recent influx of talent drafted by the XFL, USFL DPP’s and Scouts continue to dig and find players yearning for an opportunity. With players line Mane, and Hoelck, the Panthers continue to find diamonds in the rough with little NFL experience. For a league that is now competing with the XFL, it does appear a signing like Hoelck, a lesser-known prospect who was a D-II All-American and All-Conference player seems like a steal moving forward in creating a long-term product for NFL caliber players looking for a chance to showcase their abilities.
