Birmingham Stallions Roster: UFL Dispersal Draft Breakdown
The Birmingham Stallions have been the model of success in spring football, winning two straight USFL championships. Stallions coach Skip Holtz plays a big role in the team’s success, adding talent and coaching a disciplined team.
Entering the 2024 season in a new league, the Stallions focused on defense in the UFL Dispersal Draft by drafting seven defensive players out of the 11 taken. The team was able to fill in some key positions on the offensive line and defense.
Below is a breakdown of each of the 11 players added to the Birmingham roster through the Dispersal Draft.
2024 Birmingham Stallions UFL Dispersal Draft Picks
Player Analysis (Former Team):
TE Baugh (New Orleans Breakers)
The Michigan Panthers drafted tight end Marcus Baugh in the USFL Draft in 2022 where he played for two seasons. Baugh finished with 30 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns. He originally was signed by the Breakers in October before the merger. Baugh played for four different NFL teams and was on the San Diego Fleet of the AAF in 2019.
Roster Impact: Jace Sternberger was one of the best tight ends in the USFL last season, leading the league in receiving touchdowns (seven). Baugh adds depth to the position, making for a perfect backup to Sternberger.
OT Calvin Ashley (New Jersey Generals)
The New Jersey Generals were notoriously one of the best rushing attacks in the USFL and Calvin Ashley was a big reason for that. Ashley started nine games, being named to the All-USFL team as a guard. He has a stint in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
Roster Impact: Ashley is listed as an offensive tackle, but can also play guard. Birmingham should be able to find a spot on the line for Ashley, as he will be a favorite to start.
OT Cam Carter (New Jersey Generals)
While Cam Carter did not get the same recognition that Ashley did, Carter was also a big factor on the offensive line helping with the running game. He started nine games for the Generals.
Roster Impact: The Stallions are stacking up on offensive linemen, making training camp interesting for position battles. Carter will challenge for a starting job for Birmingham, opening up running lanes for running back CJ Marable.
K Chris Blewitt (Pittsburgh Maulers)
The USFL featured many talented and accurate kickers, with former Pittsburgh Maulers kicker Chris Blewitt being one of the top ones. Blewitt converted 21-of-25 field goals (84%), with a long of 54 yards. He spent three seasons in the NFL, converting 2-of-5 field goals and a long of 52.
Roster Impact: The Stallions lost Brandon Aubrey, who has become a Pro Bowl kicker for the Dallas Cowboys this season. Blewitt fills in a position that was missing all offseason as it ensures the team won’t take a step back.
DE Hercules Mata’afa (New Jersey Generals)
Hercules Mata’afa was one of the top pass rushers in the USFL for the New Jersey Generals last season. Mata’afa finished tied for third in the league in sacks with six, while adding 25 tackles, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one pass deflection in 10 games. He previously played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Roster Impact: Birmingham still has their two best pass rushers with Dondrea Tillman and Willie Yarbary returning. Mata’afa will get rotational time and will either start or at least get significant playing time.
DE Anree Saint-Amour (New Orleans Breakers)
The rich get richer with another of the USFL’s top pass rushers of 2023 in Anree Saint-Amour. Like Mata’afa, Saint-Amour was also tied for third in the USFL with six sacks as well as 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 10 games. Before two seasons in New Orleans, he also played in the NFL (Minnesota Vikings), CFL (BC Lions) and TSL (Conquerors).
Roster Impact: The Stallions found two of the top five pass rushers in the USFL in the draft, making their defense more dangerous with the combination of Saint-Amour and Mata’afa.
LB Chris Orr (New Jersey Generals)
From his first year with the Generals to his second, linebacker Chris Orr improved to become one of the top defensive players in the USFL last season. In 2023, Orr finished third in the USFL in tackles with 81 adding 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery in nine games. The USFL named him to their All-USFL team last season. He was with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 after being unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Roster Impact: The Stallions’ leading tackler at linebacker was Nate Holley with 48, which was second on the team. Birmingham is getting an aggressive and instinctive linebacker who propels their defense to the next level.
CB Channing Stribling (Philadelphia Stars)
When fans think of players who have thrived in spring football, they should think of cornerback Channing Stribling who has put together quite the resume in the USFL. Stribling has played the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Stars and was All-USFL in 2022 after recording a league-high seven interceptions. He has also recorded interceptions in the XFL for the Seattle Dragons in 2020 and the Memphis Express of the AAF in 2019.
Roster Impact: Stribling should be an instant starter for Birmingham, as he upgrades the cornerback position. He will most likely line up with Lorenzo Burns for a team that does not have two of their top three cornerbacks.
FS Eli Walker (Pittsburgh Maulers)
A two-year member of the Pittsburgh Maulers, Eli Walker played alongside one of the best defenses in the USFL last season. Walker racked up 37 tackles, one sack and one interception. Pro Football Focus had Walker ranked as the fourth-best player on the Maulers with a 78.8 overall grade.
Roster Impact: TJ Carter and JoJo Tillery return to the Stallions from last season with the addition of 2020 St. Louis Battlehawks start safety Kenny Robinson joining the secondary. Walker will get playing time and might even compete for a starting safety job.
SS James Wiggins (New Orleans Breakers)
James Wiggins played for the New Orleans Breakers in 2023, getting in just three games after signing in the last last week of May. He recorded nine tackles and two interceptions. Wiggins played three games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, spending two seasons in the NFL.
Roster Impact: In short playing time, Wiggins showed the USFL that he can compete with the best of them and should get playing time. With a deep safety position, Wiggins will have his work cut out for him.
S Daniel Isom (Philadelphia Stars)
Daniel Isom signed with the Philadelphia Stars in October after working out with the Arizona Cardinals. He also spent the preseason with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. He was a key piece to Washington State’s defense in three seasons, racking up 119 tackles, two sacks and one interception.
Roster Impact: Isom could be a depth player for the Stallions who already have a ton of talent at safety. If he can make an impact on special teams, a roster spot is possible for Isom.
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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.