Last week, we began our look at the Birmingham Stallions 2023 USFL defense by considering the defensive line. Now we turn to the heart of any defense: the linebacker position. Last year, the Stallions typically ran a 4-2-5 defense. Lining up in nickel personnel with a fifth defensive back meant only two linebackers on the field at a time.
Last year, those two linebackers were almost always Scooby Wright and DeMarquis Gates—arguably the best linebacking tandem in the USFL. To understand the Stallions’ linebacking situation heading into 2023, space needs to be dedicated to both these stars.
DeMarquis Gates
If you asked any USFL fan about the Stallions defense last year, one name would likely first come to mind: Scooby Wright. As spectacular as Wright was last year, though, there was only one All-USFL defender on the Stallions roster, and it was not him—it was DeMarquis Gates. Many would say Gates was the best defender on the Stallions roster, if not the best player on the entire team. He certainly was one of the best players in the USFL.
Even after missing one game due to injury, Gates finished the season leading the Stallions in tackles (76), tackles for loss (12), and sacks (7); tied for the most forced fumbles (2), fumbles recovered (1), and defensive touchdowns (1); tied for the second most interceptions (1); and adding six pass deflections. One could make an extended highlight reel from his 2022 season, but if you had to point to a single play that captures his talent and impact, a great example would be his pick-six during the South Division Championship.
PICK. 6. 😤@Y_DGates WITH THE BIG TIME PLAY 🔥
📺: @NBCSports | @PeacockTV pic.twitter.com/FBgv21d6PB
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) June 26, 2022
Like Victor Bolden on the offensive side of the ball, Gates was called up to the NFL after the season and left a massive hole for the Stallions’ defense to fill. It will be hard for whoever plays next to…