We have discussed at length the merits of the Stallions’ approach to the draft class when selecting 10 players currently in NFL camps. They are expecting most if not all of these players will not immediately be looking to the UFL, even if released soon. With that in mind, they have added some depth at defensive tackle and defensive back to make sure they have plenty of depth across the board.
Stallions Attract Premier UFL Talent
In a league where players make the same amount of money per game, there are only a few ways of increasing your income, while also doing your best to put yourself in the best situation possible. In the UFL, the Stallions are the class of the league, and over the last three years, players on their roster have earned as much as possible from the league. In some cases nearly $20,000 per season more than teams that did not make the playoffs between extra game checks and championship bonuses.
When you can recruit players and point to this fact it certainly doesn’t hurt in your chances of landing players who might otherwise consider other teams. It’s not quite as cut and dry as that given playing time, and other factors come into play, but make no mistake this is certainly a large advantage and one I don’t see ending anytime soon.
Demetrius Taylor, DT Appalachian State
Demetrius Taylor is an interesting prospect attending a small school at Appalachian State, he was a force. Playing in 65 games he collected 137 tackles, 46 for a loss, and 26.5 sacks from his defensive tackle position. He also disrupted the passing game with 10 pass deflections and 1 interception he returned 19 yards. As if all that wasn’t enough he had a knack for forcing fumbles with 6 in 3 seasons, recovering 2. He also blocked two kicks.
At 6’1 289 pounds he had a solid pro-day ultimately catching the attention of the Detroit Lions. Running a 4.96 40-yard dash you likely wouldn’t expect that he had a 1.69 10-yard split. To put this into perspective this would have tied him for fifth at his position during the 2024 NFL Combine. He put up the position average of 27 reps in the bench press, leaped just over the average with a 30-inch vertical, and ran a 4.50 20-yard shuttle. He managed an 8 foot 10-inch broad jump and 8.03 3-cone drill both less than ideal numbers.
He would also attend the Dolphins local combine, and meet with the Lions, Ravens, and Jets. Projected as a potential 6th-7th round pick he ended up signing with the Lions as a priority free agent. He would make the 53-man roster sticking until late October before depth concerns caused the Lions to relegate him to the practice squad. He finished 2022 playing in all 3 preseason games and being activated for 6 regular season games.
He finished the season on the practice squad signing a futures deal, That’s when Taylor’s decisions caught up to him. The Lions opted to release Taylor in early May, just over a month later an announcement came out removing him from NFL boards across the league.
He was one of many players suspended for gambling. His suspension was among the worst, he would miss the entire 2023 season. On April 14th, 2024 he was reinstated by the NFL but has not found interest as another class of rookie free agents has come in. With this in mind, he turned to alternative options first signing with the “other” Lions, who reside in British Columbia and play in the CFL, about a month after his NFL reinstatement. He lasted less than a week being released on June 2nd.
He has remained available trying to find NFL or CFL interest to avoid sitting out another season, with none coming to this point he has decided to sign with the Stallions for 2025. There is still a chance an NFL team swoops in before then, but the Stallions have shown they aren’t afraid to gamble in their pursuit of the top players available.
Rachad Wildgoose, CB Wisconsin
Wildgoose is yet another player who has spent time on NFL active rosters. Drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills, he was relegated to the practice squad out of camp. That was until their division rival the New York Jets signed Wildgoose to their active roster. He went on to play in 5 games logging 3 tackles before being released in final cuts the following season.
His time on the open market didn’t last as he was claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders. He would play in 15 games, starting 3. During this stretch, he collected 16 tackles and 3 pass deflections. He signed a one-year contract extension during the 2023 offseason only to be released in final cuts.
That’s when things got interesting. Wildgoose chose to step away to pursue a career..on YouTube..not typically the reason we see players step away. After watching the impact Deestroying had in 2024 for the league, he must have realized he didn’t have to choose one or the other and could play football 3-4 months out of the year, while continuing to create content, further growing his following, and potentially bring his YouTube subscribers with him to help grow the UFL audience in return. Safe to say this is on a much smaller scale than Deestroying…in fact, his channel isn’t even monetized yet. Regardless this is another sign of the freedom the UFL provides to players while giving them a chance to showcase their talents and grow their brand. Something I have advocated for since day one.
https://m.youtube.com/@MotionGoose
Stallions Search High and Low
The Stallions have made a habit of seeking out the best talent on the market, even if sometimes it comes with a caveat such as these two players. When you’ve proven to be the best team in your league three years in a row you can take chances on high upside players like this.
