© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Former G5 Stars Shine On First UFL Saturday
The inaugural season of the UFL kicked off on Saturday, putting the spotlight on college football standouts of yesteryear who haven't stuck in the NFL or CFL just yet. Each of the four squads that played had a healthy number of Group of Five alums on their respective rosters.
In the first matchup of the day, the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions, led by longtime Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz, defeated the 2023 XFL champion Arlington Renegades 27-14.
In the Renegades' losing effort, former East Carolina receiver Isaiah Winstead caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from former Texas A&M-Commerce QB Luis Perez. Winstead also caught the two-point conversion pass.Former Liberty and UTEP cornerback Duron Lowe had a first half interception for Arlington.
On the winning side of the first game, former Coastal Carolina running back C.J. Marable had a seven-yard touchdown run, capping his 67-yard performance. Former San Diego State linebacker Kyahva Tezino was Birmingham's leading tackler with six.
In the second game of the day, the St. Louis Battlehawks were the road team against the Michigan Panthers. It came down to the final moments in a 18-16 win for Michigan.
For Michigan, G5 contributions came primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Former North Texas cornerback Nate Brooks racked up six tackles and had a tackle for a loss. Former UAB defensive tackle Garrett Marino also deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage in addition to three tackles. Former James Madison defensive end Ron'Dell Carter also had a tackle for a one-yard loss.
For St. Louis, former Louisiana receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley caught two passes for ten yards. Another former Aztec defender with cornerback Kameron Kelly picking up three tackles. Former Charlotte safety Ben DeLuca picked up a start as well, but made just one tackle.
The opening weekend of UFL action continues Sunday at Noon ET with the DC Defenders against the San Antonio Brahmas and the Memphis Showboats at the Memphis Roughnecks.
