The Michigan Panthers signed offensive linemen J.D. Duplain and Keith Russell, and punter Simon Laryea on Tuesday according to the UFL Transactions page.
J.D. Duplain is six foot four and weighs 305 pounds. The 24-year-old from Strongsville, Ohio, attended the New York Giants rookie minicamp earlier this year. The Michigan Panthers drafted Duplain in the ninth round (70th pick) of the 2024 UFL College Draft.
Collegiately, Duplain played five seasons at Michigan State (2019-23) playing left guard in 47 games, of which 42 were starts for the Spartans. In 2023, Michigan State’s offense averaged 15.92 points per game, 89.5 rushing yards per game, 199.83 passing yards per game, 289.3 average total yards per game, and 22 touchdowns finishing the season 4-8. He was named a three-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
Keith Russell is six foot six and weighs 308 pounds. A native of Frisco, Texas, Russell attended the Atlanta Falcons rookie minicamp earlier this year.
Collegiately, Russell played three seasons at Missouri Western State University (2021-23) playing 29 games for the Griffons. He was named a two-time Third Team All-MIAA. In 2023, Missouri Western State’s offense averaged 37.42 points per game, 200.2 rushing yards per game, 218.17 passing yards per game, 418.3 average total yards per game, and 58 touchdowns finishing 8-4 in the season.
Simon Laryea is six foot two and weighs 203 pounds. The 28-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 8, 2022. He punted the ball 23 times for 1,020 yards (44.3 AVG) in four games. The Ticats released him on July 10, 2022.
Collegiately, Laryea played two seasons at Mesa Community College (2015-16) punting the ball 55 times for 2,049 yards (37.2 AVG), with a long of 68 yards, 14 from inside the 20-yard line, eight fair catches, and three touchbacks in 10 games for the thunderbirds.
Then, Laryea transferred to Abilene Christian University (2017-19) punting the ball 206 times for 8,108 yards (39,4 AVG), 11 touchbacks, 48 fair catches, 57 from inside the 20-yard line, 29 from 50-plus yards, and three tackles (2 solo, 1 assist) in 34 games for the Wildcats.
