The New Jersey Generals are off to a quick start in free agency, which is no surprise. Mike Riley, Billy DeVaney, and the entire organization did the same thing a year ago, signing free agents and former players right after the USFL season ended.
After re-signing TE Wes Saxton a couple of days ago, the New Jersey Generals have now re-signed five players from season two, including star RB Darius Victor.
RB Darius Victor
The Bowling Ball is officially coming back to the Generals for another season. Darius Victor needs no introduction, having been one of the top performers in the USFL for the last two years. He won Offensive Player Of The Year in 2022, leading the USFL with nine rushing touchdowns.
With @yungvitov re-signing with the @USFLGenerals, that means we all get to enjoy another season of Mr. Bowling Ball himself.
Thick thighs really do save lives. #USFLpic.twitter.com/tFVQntQKNP
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 13, 2023
His production was impressive in 2023 as well, posting 554 rushing yards alongside four touchdowns – averaging 5.5 YPC. In addition, he even threw a touchdown pass in week nine.
There's merit to Matt's @yungvitov GOAT comment:
The 2022 USFL Offensive Player of the Year, "Vito" is the modern USFL career leader in:
– Scrimmage (rush + rec) yds with 1,433
– Rush yds with 1,131
– (Tied) Total TDs (incl 1 pass TD!) with 18Proud to have him in @USFL!
— Darryn James (@DarrynJames) July 12, 2023
Victor is already a USFL legend, leading the league in multiple categories after two seasons. Thick thighs save lives, as Darius has proven time and time again in the USFL.
RB Kingston Davis
While Kingston Davis only played for half the season, he made the most of his limited opportunities in 2023. Davis finished the year with 89 yards on 21 carries, averaging 4.2YPC. Down the stretch, OC Steve Smith seemed to prefer using Davis over RB Trey Williams, with Kingston typically seeing RB2 minutes.
4 years ago, I was watching Kingston Davis on @LastChanceU
This past month, I’ve had the privilege to work at 4 USFL games and work with Kingston, creating this video for him 🫶
God is good pic.twitter.com/shPgFViFJC
— Will Persiani (@Will_Persiani) July 3, 2023
Now that Davis is officially back for season three, expect him to make an even bigger impact in 2024.
Offensive Line: Isaiah Battle & Calvin Ashley
The New Jersey Generals have one of the best ground games in the USFL, and that wouldn’t be possible without their offensive line. They have already re-signed two of their linemen: OT Isaiah Battle, and OG Calvin Ashley.
An under appreciated re-signing for the @USFLGenerals is OT Calvin Ashley.
The 2023 All-USFL offensive tackle has been a major piece to New Jersey's dominant ground game the past two years. Excellent news to see him back with the team for another season. #USFL | @ca70_ pic.twitter.com/fpuOSlci2r
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 13, 2023
Both played major roles for the Generals in 2023, as starters for Mike Riley’s offense. Calvin Ashley, in particular, has been excellent, earning All-USFL honors this past season. He’s an important re-signing and will continue to be an integral piece for New Jersey moving forward.
S Dravon Askew-Henry
The spring football veteran is back with the Generals for another season. Dravon Askew-Henry has been a reliable safety for New Jersey’s secondary, especially when fully healthy. In 2022, he posted 39 tackles and two interceptions. His production was down a bit in 2023 (32 tackles), but this was due to less playing time (only two starts).
Final Thoughts
It’s excellent to see the USFL and its teams making an effort to re-sign important pieces from the last two seasons. We are heading into uncharted waters in modern spring football history, with the USFL now approaching a third season.
The New Jersey Generals took a step back in 2023. After going 9-1 in the inaugural season, they dropped to 3-7 in what was an injury-riddled year. Now, it’s time to rebound to make a playoff push in season three.
What are your thoughts on these USFL re-signings for the New Jersey Generals? Which players should they pursue moving forward? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!