Pittsburgh Maulers Add 10 Players in First USFL College Draft

The Pittsburgh Maulers strengthened their roster in Tuesday’s USFL College Draft, adding 10 players before training camp gets underway in Canton next month.

With the second overall pick of the event, the team brought in Incarnate Word quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr., who had arguably the most prolific passing season in Division I this past season. The rest of their picks follow.

Offense

Tre’Quan Dorsey, offensive lineman, St. Francis: A third-round choice, Dorsey spent two go-rounds with the Red Flash. He started 20 games in that time and was an All-Northeast Conference first-teamer in 2022. Dorsey was a pillar for an attack that can call itself the most potent in school history.

Nash Jensen, guard, North Dakota State: Jensen took part in more games for a decorated NDSU program than any other player. He started from the 2019 season, on, and brings a 6-foot-4, 329-pound frame to the Maulers offensive line. His name was announced in the sixth round (41st overall).

Taylor Grimes, wide receiver, Incarnate Word: As Scott’s primary target this past fall, Grimes reeled in 15 aerial scores and posted six contests with over 100 receiving yards. In 28 games with the Cardinals, he totaled 170 grabs, 30 receiving scores, and an average of 84.5 yards per game. Added in the seventh round (49th overall), he could be a steal for the Maulers.

CJ Turner, wide receiver, Southeastern Louisiana: Turner ranks in the top-three in all-time receptions (207), receiving yards (2,761), touchdown grabs (23), and 100-yard receiving games (10) for the Lions. Having been selected in the eighth round (57th overall), he could end up being a major target for whoever gets the nod behind center.

Defense

Malik Hamm, defensive end, Lafayette: The Pittsburgh Maulers took the two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year with their second-round turn. He made the all-conference team in each of his five years with the Leopards. His 32 career sacks are the fourth-most in Patriot League lore.

Ferlando Jordan, cornerback, Southeastern Louisiana: Taken in the fourth round (25th overall), Jordan is one of a dozen two-time All-Americans in his school’s history. He has a nose for the ball and knows what to do when he has it. His five career pick-sixes are the most-ever by a Southland Conference player.

Isaiah Land, edge, Florida A&M: Land’s 2021 campaign presumably stood out to the Maulers. He totaled 43 tackles — an eye-popping 25.5 of them being for a loss — 19 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He also had a sack and a tackle for loss in this year’s Senior Bowl before being scooped up in the fifth round (33rd overall).

Jacob Slade, defensive tackle, Michigan State: Slade pinned up 88 stops, 11.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks in 42 games with the Spartans. Rather than staying in East Lansing for another year, he opted to go pro. He missed four games in 2021 with an injury. He went in the ninth round (65th overall).

Special Teams

Ethan Evans, kicker, Wingate: Kicking and punting for the Bulldogs, Evans was a first-team All-American this past season. He hit the mark on 10 field goals, including two of over 40 yards. The Maulers drafted him in the 10th round (73rd overall).