Ahead of UFL Training Camp, Birmingham Stallions Remain Gold Standard: Part Two
In Part One of this series, we took a look at a few of the elements that have the Birmingham Stallions poised to continue their reign of dominance over the spring pro football landscape.
The back-to-back champs still have a number of hurdles in front of them on the path to another title, however.
Replacing Breakout Star QB Alex McGough
Current Green Bay Packers quarterback Alex McGough will be a tough act to follow this season. The 2023 USFL MVP showed the value of the growth that can be achieved in these leagues by evolving with added experience. McGough had one of the best seasons in the history of spring pro football. That's a testament to Skip Holtz, his staff and the player for dedicating himself on and off the field to achieving his potential as a pro.
On the surface, it appears that J'Mar Smith is poised for a breakout. It would be an emergence that seemed to be in the cards last year before a finger injury landed Smith on injured reserve, as the quarterback already has a firm grasp on Skip Holtz's offense that dates back to their days together at Louisiana Tech.
The year before, Smith helped lead Birmingham on their way to a championship in 2022, with Alex McGough playing the role of caddy.
Smith amassed over 1,700 yards of offense and twelve scores in seven starts but had an uneven effort, completing only 54 percent of his passes and throwing six interceptions.
Lost in the haze of Birmingham's claiming of the crown in 2022 is that it was Alex McGough who led the Stallions to a late come-from-behind victory over Philadelphia.
It's now or never for J'Mar Smith. The Stallions' signal-caller job is his to lose, but with a deep quarterback room that includes new arrival Matt Corral, he will have to prove his value.
Next up: Replacing other 2023 Stallion Standouts
Ahead of UFL Training Camp, Birmingham Stallions Remain Gold Standard: Part One
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Mike Mitchell is a pro football writer/insider with decades of experience covering and following multiple leagues. He covers the New York Jets for TheJetPress.com at FanSided. He has also written for XFL Board and at Hub Publishing covering the CFL, XFL and USFL.