With the updates to the UFL rosters this morning, it appears that the Michigan Panthers have made two more additions to the team: TE Derrick Deese Jr., and OL Denzel Okafor.
TE Derrick Deese Jr.
The @USFLPanthers appear to have signed someone who’s familiar with Detroit and Ford Field. 👀
TE Derrick Deese from SJSU went undrafted in ’22 but spent the past 2 seasons with the Lions practice squad.
Welcome back to Michigan, @DERRICK_DEESE!#UFL #LetsHunt pic.twitter.com/xljgE8pwJW
— Panthers Shadow (@UFLShadow) February 15, 2024
Derrick Deese Jr. brings more depth to a tight end room that is already loaded with talent in Michigan. UFL PR had reported that Deese had signed with the Houston Roughnecks weeks ago, but he apparently is now making his way to the Panthers.
Derrick began his college career at Golden West Juco College, racking up 813 yards and nine touchdowns there.
Derrick Deese JR adds to a talented TE group. He’s got the hands and athleticism that’ll translate well at the next level, but most importantly, he’s a good run blockers. I expect more buzz about him as we get closer to the Draft. @DDeese87 #NFL #NFLDraft2022 #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/eK20bmwUIj
— ScoutVision (@ScoutVision_) February 21, 2022
Then, he moved to San Jose State, and worked his way up to being a starter down the stretch. In 2021, Deese posted 730 receiving yards and four scores.
This led to a stint with the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Deese was even featured on “Hard Knocks”, but ultimately did not make the roster. Now, he’ll look to kick start his professional career with the Michigan Panthers.
OL Denzel Okafor
Also peeping the roster, the @USFLPanthers have re-signed a familiar face in OT Denzel Okafor.
Okafor signed with the Panthers for the ’23 season then went unprotected post-merger in a bit of a surprising move to a lot of us.
See also
Welcome back to Michigan, Denzel!#UFL #LetsHunt pic.twitter.com/fvfqrcvEuy
— Panthers…