The Michigan Panthers released wide receivers John Hightower and Gavin Holmes on Monday according to the UFL Transactions page.
John Hightower is six foot two and weighs 190 pounds. The 27-year-old from Landover, Maryland, made one catch for 15 yards in two games for the Michigan Panthers in 2024. The Panthers signed Hightower as a free agent on March 14, 2024.
Before Michigan, Hightower was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round (168th pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played two seasons in Philadelphia making 10 catches for 167 yards, one carry for one yard, and one kick return for 17 yards in 14 games.
Next, Hightower signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent on September 28, 2022, and was placed on the practice squad. In 2023, Hightower made one catch for 10 yards, and two punt returns for five yards in three preseason games. Then, Hightower signed with the D.C. Defenders (UFL) on February 15, 2024, but was released on March 10, 2024.
Collegiately, Hightower played two seasons at Hinds Community College (2016-17) making 31 catches for 509 yards, and seven touchdowns in 18 games for the Eagles. In addition, he competed in track and field and was honored by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-American for finishing fourth in the Finals of 400-Meter Hurdles at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Outdoor Nationals.
Then, Hightower transferred to Bosie State (2018-19) making 82 catches for 1,447 yards, 14 touchdowns, 24 carries for 317 yards, two touchdowns, 36 kick returns for 840 yards, one touchdown, and one punt return for two yards in 24 games for the Broncos. He was a two-time Second Team All-Mountain West Conference in 2019 as a wide receiver and kick returner.
Gavin Holmes is five foot ten and weighs 200 pounds. The 25-year-old from Justin, Texas, signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 15, 2023. He Holmes made two catches for 19 yards in three preseason games before he was released on August 27, 2023. The Michigan Panthers signed Holmes as a free agent on April 24, 2024, but he did not play a game for Michigan.
Collegiately, Holmes played six seasons at Baylor (2017-22) making 72 catches for 927 yards, seven touchdowns, two carries for one yard, one touchdown, six kick returns for 93 yards, 12 punt returns for 147 yards, one touchdown, and one tackle (1 solo) in 31 games for the Bears. He was named Third Team All-Big 12 by Phil Steele and a Big-12 Honorable Mention in 2022.
