Birmingham Stallions' Roster Cuts Include Two Former All-USFL Selections
Sunday was a tough day for many players in the UFL, with over 100 players cut as part of the first round of roster cutdowns. The Birmingham Stallions released 16 players to get down to a 58-man roster entering the back half of training camp.
Here is the list of players who were let go from the Stallions:
- FB Bobby Holly
- DT Caleb Sampson
- G Calvin Ashley
- CB Channing Stribling
- WR Chris Lacy
- DE Curtis Weaver
- DE Hercules Mata’Afa
- QB Jalen Morton
- FS James Wiggins
- C Josh Sokol
- OT Larnel Coleman
- CB Mark Milton
- DE Owen Carney
- S T.J. Carter
- CB Terrell Bonds
- LB Travin Howard
One of the biggest names on this list is Stribling. The 2022 All-USFL corner has been regarded as one of the top pass defenders in the USFL the past two seasons, hauling in eight interceptions during that span with the Philadelphia Stars.
Bonds was let go as well after playing significant time in the USFL in 2022 and the XFL last year. Bonds combined for 32 tackles and one interception for the Pittsburgh Maulers and the San Antonio Brahmas.
Today, the Birmingham Stallions set their roster to 58 players, as they prepare for the upcoming inaugural UFL season. pic.twitter.com/ZAKS5Ljy4Z
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) March 10, 2024
Other noteworthy defenders who didn’t make the roster were Mata’afa and Howard, both of whom have NFL experience. Mata’afa was a starter for the New Jersey Generals last year, posting 24 tackles and six sacks. Howard was part of the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams, making 44 tackles, six pass deflections and one interception in three seasons.
The offensive line lost some depth players including Ashley and Coleman. Ashley started nine games for the New Jersey Generals in the USFL last year as a guard and was also an All-USFL team selection. Coleman came in with NFL experience following stints with the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers.
Morton, along with and fan favorite fullback Holly were other names on offense that did not make the roster. Morton already had an uphill battle to beat out Matt Corral and J’Mar Smith for roster spots at quarterback. Holly did it all for the Stallions on special teams and offense, leaving Birmingham without a fullback.
More roster cuts are ahead, with UFL teams needing to finalize their 50-man rosters by March 23.
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Anthony Miller has been covering professional spring football since 2019 including XFL, USFL, and CFL. He was a local news reporter in Texas before transitioning to sports. Other sites he writes for includes College Football Network and NTZ Network.