On Monday, the Birmingham Stallions made two additions to the roster. They signed WR Shi Smith, and brought back LB Elijah Sullivan – as the first official moves made after former GM Zach Potter left for Sacramento State.
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) January 13, 2025
WR Shi Smith
Joining the wide receiver room is Shi Smith, the former Carolina Panther – who spent time there with QB Matt Corral. Smith is someone that Potter was targeting prior to leaving for Sacramento, and now he officially does join the roster ahead of the UFL season.
BHAM signs WR Shi Smith out of USC. Smith was 2nd-Team All-SEC & had 174 recs for 2,204 yds & 13 TDs in college
Drafted by CAR in the 6th round in 2021. Has 28 recs for 400 yds & 2 TDs in the #NFL. Also a great return man.
Welcome to BHAM, @ShiyunSmith! pic.twitter.com/rkSX85NtfV
— State of the Stallions 🏆🏆🏆 (@SOTStallions) January 13, 2025
Smith played his college football at South Carolina, spending four seasons with the Gamecocks. Smith recorded 2,204 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns during his time there, and earned Second Team All-SEC honors.
This led to Shi Smith being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He saw some legitimate playing time across two seasons, catching 28 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith was let go in 2023, and has since had opportunities with the Titans and Chiefs. After spending the last several months as a free agent, Shi now turns to the UFL to get his professional career back on track.
Matt Corral and Shi Smith are in sync 🤝
📺: #CARvsNYG on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/32Zt5RVOpF— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2023
LB Elijah Sullivan
On the other side, the Stallions also brought back Elijah Sullivan to the linebacker room. Sullivan has been with the Stallions for two seasons, winning back to back Championships with the team in the USFL and UFL.
In both years that Elijah has played in Birmingham, he’s made two starts – and has spent the rest of each season as a rotational piece. Sullivan has posted 43 tackles, a forced fumble, and a PBU across his time with Birmingham.
Stallions re-sign LB Elijah Sullivan. Sullivan has been a key contributor for the Stallions over the past two seasons:
– 43 tackles
– 1 TFL
– 1 FF
– 1 PBU#UFL x #GiddyUp 🐎 https://t.co/tSqxKDm7ls pic.twitter.com/ePTepB6Wpz— State of the Stallions 🏆🏆🏆 (@SOTStallions) January 13, 2025
Considering Kyahva Tezino has yet to re-sign, it makes sense to see Birmingham bring back a familiar face. Sullivan has experience in this system, and is someone who can see his role increase in 2025 if given the opportunity.
What are your thoughts on Shi Smith and Elijah Sullivan signing with the Stallions? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
