Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, what’s been the offseason plan for you so far?

I’ve been training consistently since the Hub last year – that was the last big event I did. I wake up at four a.m. every day and train from 4:45 to 7:30 or so every day except weekends. I have a life insurance business during the day.

How did you get involved with the USFL? Were you surprised the Maulers drafted you?

My agent told me about the USFL in November. The details slowly rolled out and I submitted my name and they told me I qualified fore the draft. The rest is history.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Maulers Defensive Back Arnold Tarpley III”

First, can you talk about what brought you to the USFL?

I just wanted an opportunity to play. For the most part I was waiting on and off again for calls from NFL teams and this was a guaranteed opportunity to play and put some good tape out there of my play.

Were you surprised the Maulers took you?

I didn’t have any contact with them before the draft. New Orleans was really the only team that contacted me – they texted me a couple of times. I’m grateful to the Maulers for picking me up. It was a surprise though to be taken by them.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Maulers Defensive Tackle Olive Sagapolu”

First of all, what brought you to the USFL – why did you choose to play in the league?

In actually tried out for the IFL too – I heard of the USFL and did my application  – I did it twice actually because I got not feedback from them until the week before the draft. I felt like I had no chance though to get drafted. But now I’m here.

Did you talk to the staff about your role there yet? I know you were a playmaker at corner at Tarleton but also played receiver before – and were a standout return man on special teams.

I had a brief conversation with them. They said they loved my film – that I stood out a lot on film. I think any ballhawk skills stood out to them – how aggressive I played. I think that stood out the most and that they think that can be a big help for the team.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Maulers Linebacker Defensive Back Prince Robinson”

First, can you let me know how you got started with the USFL?

I played in the Spring League – just looking for a shot to get back in the NFL. I thought that would be the best idea at the time. When that was done I heard rumors about the USFL. It seemed like a similar thing as  the Spring Leagues – another opportunity to play football.

The NFL isn’t always promised to everybody. This was a chance to play more football and get some revenue and more film on me. So it was a no-brainer.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Maulers Linebacker E.J. Ejiyah”

First off, what brought you to the USFL?

Well, when I came out of college from San Diego State as a free agent, I signed with the Patriots for guaranteed money – me and my agent thought it would be a good place to go. I thought I’d make the practice squad at least but with Covid, it was just hard to handle that year. It was all virtual and that was new to me and to them. It was tough – when it came to the day to report to camp I was cut the day before I reported. I had no chance to show what I could do.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Maulers Linebacker Kyahva Tezino”

First, can you let me know how you got included in the USFL draft and what you’re hoping to achieve this season?

A former coach of mine told me about it – and then my agent told me as well.  I read up on it and I felt like it was a good way to get back to continuing my career. I have a lot left in the tank – so I applied and got a contract from them.

Were you surprised to get drafted by the Maulers?

I landed on the team that my old coach from the Alliance Football League coached for – Coach Horton. So I feel like it was a connection thing – that helped. I feel like I had my best years playing for Coach Horton so it was a bit surprising but not very.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Maulers Outside Linebacker Tyson Graham Jr”