With week three of the USFL now over and week four quickly approaching, it’s it’s time to recognize the top performers from the previous week of games. Similar to week two, the overall results were pleasing, and TV viewership actually went up for one of the first times in Spring football history. In this article, though, the players are the main focus. Without further ado, here are your week three USFL standouts.
Offense
QB:
Jordan Ta’amu (Bandits)
Clayton Thorson (Gamblers)
RB:
Reggie Corbin (Panthers)
Mark Thompson (Gamblers)
WR:
Derrick Dillon (Bandits)
Johnnie Dixon (Breakers)
TE:
Cary Angeline (Stallions)
Sal Cannella (Breakers)
OL (unit):
Generals
Panthers
Defense
CB:
Micah Abernathy (Gamblers)
Jameson Houston (Panthers)
S:
Arnold Tarpley III (Maulers)
Jojo Tillery (Stallions)
LB:
Demarquis Gates (Stallions)
Scooby Wright III (Stallions)
DE/DT:
Chris Odom (Gamblers)
Dondrea Tillman (Stallions)
Special Teams
Tyler Rausa (K, Bandits)
Colby Wadman (P, Stallions)
Honorable Mentions
Victor Bolden Jr (WR/RET, Stallions)
Jerod Fernandez (LB, Breakers)
Alijah Holder (S, Gamblers)
Darius Victor (RB, Generals)
Headlines
Bandits Squeeze By Gamblers 27-26
In what ended up being the best matchup of week three, the Tampa Bay Bandits took on the Houston Gamblers in a South division rivalry. Both teams benefited from stable quarterback play, and Jordan Ta’amu of the Bandits had nearly 300 all-purpose yards to go with 3 touchdowns. Ultimately, kicker Tyler Rausa gave Tampa the win, drilling a 46-yard field goal with just 13 seconds remaining on the clock.
Stars QB Suffers Injury, Will Miss Significant Time
During the last game of the week between the New Jersey Generals and Philadelphia Stars, quarterback Bryan Scott went down with a non-contact leg injury. A few days later, Scott announced he would be leaving Birmingham to get a further evaluation by doctors. Backup Case Cookus took over and had a respectable performance, completing 13 of 20 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. Although Cookus may be leading the Stars down the stretch, it’s an unfortunate situation for Scott, who was considered an MVP candidate through the first two weeks of the season (and featured in the previous two All-USFL teams).
Panthers Pitch First USFL Shutout, Score 24 on Maulers
The Michigan Panthers defense came to play in week three, giving up zero points and guiding the team to their first win of the season. On offense, head coach Jeff Fisher gave Paxton Lynch the start at quarterback, but Shea Patterson finished the game after Lynch suffered an ankle injury. Reggie Corbin was the team’s best player, rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. On the other hand, Kirby Wilson and the Pittsburgh Maulers fell to 0-3, becoming the only winless USFL team up to this point.
