With 49 Players currently on the roster, the Michigan Panthers go into the 2023 season, with an additional roster spot still available, the 2023 roster seems like it’ll have a bit of movement prior to week one when the Panthers take on the Gamblers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Today we go over the Panthers offense, that showcases new players, with a solid foundation from the 2022 season.
**Update: The Panthers signed their 3rd Round Draft Pick Santrell Latham to fill in their final roster spot**
Quarterbacks:
Josh Love
Love returns to the Panthers after being claimed on waivers by the team in May of 2022. The most experienced Quarterback on the team, Love has battled with Carson Strong for the QB1 position and it appears it’ll be coming down to the wire. Love last year 787 Passing Yards coupled with 4 TDs to 4 INTs in 5 starts.
Carson Strong
Strong was a late signing to the USFL, after working out with the XFL, a stint with the Arizona Cardinals, in addition to throwing during the NFL combine. Strong at one point was thought to be a lock for a first round pick in the NFL, however Knee injuries led to him falling out of favor with NFL scouts. Strong did receive a nice signing bonus with the Philadelphia Eagles where he spent the 2022 training camp with the team before getting released in September.
Eric Barriere
Barriere looks to be the teams QB3 going into the 2023 season, the 2nd year pro spent half of the 2022 season with the team, appearing in 2 games. Barriere remains a raw prospect, who will most likely continue to develop behind Love and Strong.
Running Backs
Stevie Scott and Reggie Corbin
The Panthers only have two running backs on the roster going in week one of the 2023 season. Both Corbin and Scott return to the Panthers for their 2nd year in the USFL. The duo combined for 826 rushing yards, with being utilized as a 3rd down back and receiving option for the Panthers Quarterbacks. With a revamped Offensive Line, All-USFL Running Back Reggie Corbin could easily eclipse his 2022 rushing total enroute to another All-League Performance.
Wide Receivers (7):
Ish Hyman, Whop Philyor, Trey Quinn, A.J. Richardson, Devin Ross, Marcus Simms, Joe Walker
The Panthers go into the 2023 season with four returning receivers from the 2022 season, in addition to newcomers, A.J. Richardson, Trey Quinn, and Whop Philyor. The Panthers saw a late season emergence from Ish Hyman, and Joe Walker who look to be WR1/2 for Michigan in 2023. The Panthers also brought back Devin Ross the teams 2nd leading receiver in 2022 who left for the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL for a couple weeks.
The Panthers also bring in Mr. Irrelevant Trey Quinn, along with Whop Philyor and A.J. Richardson. All three have spent time with NFL teams, with Quinn, recording 35 receptions and two touchdowns over his NFL career.
Tight Ends:
Marcus Baugh, Kyle Markway, Cole Hikutini, and Josh Babicz
Marcus Baugh the experienced Alt-League Veteran suits up for his third alt-football season in 2023 (1 yr AAF, 2 yrs USFL), being joined by Markway, Hikutini, and Babicz. While Babicz and Markway, have spent time with NFL teams on their practice squad, Hikutini has recorded 2 receptions for 15 yards in the NFL. Expect a joint attack at the Tight End position which each player receiving similar number of reps, until a front runner emerges as the season progress.
Offensive Line:
Sean Pollard, Joshua Dunlop, Brodarius Hamm, Corey Hoelck, Ryan Nelson, Noah Johnson, Denzel Okafor, Gene Pryor, Keith Williams
It’s a bit of a mixed bag for the Panthers Offensive Line in 2023, with several players leaving for the XFL, the Panthers return Sean Pollard, Joshua Dunlop Brodarius Hamm, and Keith Williams, while bringing in five new pieces to the team. While the Panthers returning lineman do have starting experience from 2022, Gene Pryor, Noah Johnson, Corey Hoelck, Ryan Nelson, and Denzel Okafor all come to the team with limited playing experience with the USFL serving as their first opportunity to play in a regular season professional football game.
Closing Thoughts:
With the Panthers revamping the team and retaining many key players from 2022, the Panthers are primed to improve on their 2-8 record from the season before. With more continuity at Quarterback, returning Reggie Corbin, in addition to key additions at Receiver and Offensive Line, Michigan’s Offense looks to improve on its top passing offense, with hopefully the ability to finish and score points enroute to playoff appearance, in the upcoming season.
