USFL players to watch 1 o clock games: Commanders vs Panthers, Chiefs vs Bears.
Alex Akingbulu OT #62 Commanders
Alex Akingbulu was picked up near halfway through the USFL season and played 5 games for the Philadelphia Stars at left tackle. He is 6-6 and 270+ pounds and played his college ball at Fresno State. He's currently third string RT so he'll be hoping to show out today and get to the #2 spot.
Channing Stribling DB #40 Commanders
Channing Stribling was the USFL league leader in interceptions(7) and he only played in 7 of 10 possible regular season games. Some have said he's more of an opportunistic player as opposed to skillful but 7 picks and 11 pass deflections might say otherwise. Commanders have Stribling with the 3rd team DB's so most likely see him late 2nd quarter and hopefully all of the second half. Haven't heard much about Stribling from camp good or bad so can't wait to see what he looks like.
Dejuan Neal DB #37 Commanders
Dejuan Neal was dealing with injuries most of the season but the times he was healthy he was top 2 corner for the Generals in my opinion. He finished his season with 16 tackles. Dejuan Neal has turned some heads in training camp, having an interception or two in some practices. He's currently listed with the 4th team DBs so gonna be tough for him unless he can show out tremendously when his time is called today.
De'Vante Bausby DB #32 Commanders
De'Vante Bausby is another Generals DB the Commanders seemed to like enough to bring into camp. He had an injury that kept him out of 1-2 games but otherwise played alright. He finished his season with 1 pick and 17 tackles. He's at the end of the depth chart behind his USFL DB buddies so it is gonna be very tough for Bausby to make the team it seems like. Two of these USFL DBs the Commanders have has to go, maybe even 3 so hopefully one can stick around.
Devin Gray WR #80 Chiefs
Devin Gray was a solid receiver for the Philadelphia Stars bringing in 25 receptions for 212 yards for an average of 8 yards per catch and 2 TDs. He also had 9 catches for 75 yards and a TD through the two postseason games they played. Some fans think that Gray will be competing for a 6th receiver position and/or possible special teamer. Couldn't find much from camp about him so let us see what he can do with his chance today.
DeMarquis Gates LB #43 Bears
DeMarquis Gates was a problem for opposing offenses all USFL season. He led the league in TFL(11), had 6.5 sacks, had 2 forced fumbles, had an interception, and 3 passes defended earning him All-USFL honors. With the dysfunction in Chicago over Roquan Smith's contract we could see Gates get some good chunks of playing time today. I have a feeling he will be all around the ball today around the 2nd quarter till the end of the game.
Tae Hayes DB #32 Panthers
Tae Hayes played for the USFL champion Stallions where he would have 1 interception and 37 tackles. He is 5-9 and 190 lbs out of Appalachian State. He made a play that garnered some attention on Twitter from his first few days in Panthers training camp. Hayes is currently on the 5th string on the Panthers unofficial depth chart but I wouldn't be surprised if we see him early in the nickel position.
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