Tonight is the kickoff to the NFL preseason week 1 with the Titans vs Ravens, and the Patriots vs Giants tonight starting at 7:30 pm EST. These two games have the possibility to feature 5 USFL players, 4 of which are former Pittsburgh Maulers players.
Bailey Gaither WR #87 Ravens
Let's start with Bailey Gaither, the former Pittsburgh Maulers receiver. He went viral in a clip from training camp showing him beating Ravens 1st round draft pick Kyle Hamilton. Unfortunately, shortly after that he left practice early Tuesday and hasn't returned to the field since. No updates on him yet but not looking good for him to play tonight and probably hinders his chances of making the final 53 man roster mightily.
2. Jeremiah Pharms Jr DT #72 Patriots
Pharms was another Pittsburgh Maulers standout on the defensive side of the ball this USFL season. He has spent time in New England before and is back again to try to stake a claim on the final 53 man roster. He has made a solid impression around some of the Patriots beat writers and seems to have a real shot of staying with the team in some capacity. One report from Evan Lazar (@ezlazar on Twitter) said he "Flashed in padded practice" and "Good natural leverage. Wide body."
Hopefully we can see Jeremiah make some plays tonight to really solidify himself a spot with the Patriots.
3. Shakur Brown DB #38 Titans
Shakur Brown is also another Pittsburgh Maulers stud. The DB showed up to Titans camp and started turning heads almost immediately. He's been holding his own by all reports against Titans training camp standout rookie receiver Kyle Phillips. Lots of Titans beat writers are expecting him to be a surprise pick to make the final 53 man roster.
Let's hope we see him showcase some more reasons why he deserves a roster spot under the bright lights tonight with live bullets!!
4. Terrell Bonds DB #47 Titans
Terrell Bonds is the 4th Maulers player we could see on the field tonight. He is most likely a camp body just to fill a roster spot unfortunately. He isn't getting much buzz around Titans camp and I think we may see him cut in the first or second round of cuts. It's unfortunate but it's the business, and I hope he makes it but we know not everyone can.
5. Garrett McGhin OT #63 Giants
Garrett McGhin was part of a New Jersey Generals offensive line that just road graded defenders all season long, clearing the way for Darius Victor to lead the league in rushing TDs with 9. Garrett came into Giants training camp and was almost immediately the backup tackle to 1st round draft pick, Evan Neal.
The Giants desperately need some better offensive line play and it seems like McGhin is set up to be a great depth piece for them.
Being able to see any of these players play tonight just adds to the success of the USFL and its players. Be sure to join in on the conversation with us at the Fan Media Network via the USFL's official discord channel!!
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