The Michigan Panthers re-signed running back Matthew Colburn II, wide receiver Siaosi Mariner, and offensive lineman James Walker. The Panthers released running back Nate McCrary on Tuesday according to the UFL Transactions page. McCrary is expected to sign with the Green Bay Packers according to Bill Huber.
Matt Colburn II is five foot ten and weighs 201 pounds. The 27-year-old from Irmo, South Carolina, was drafted by the Michigan Panthers in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft. In 2024, Colburn II had 90 carries for 401 yards, four touchdowns, and 15 catches for 74 yards in eight games.
Matt Colburn II played for the Blues in 2020 of the TSL. He also had a stint with the Toronto Argonauts and Los Angeles Rams.
The Philadelphia Stars drafted Colburn II in the 28th round (223rd pick) in the 2022 USFL Draft. In 2022, Colburn II had 102 carries for 457 yards and eight touchdowns, and three punt returns for 53 yards in ten games.
In the North Division semifinals, Colburn had seven carries for 29 yards against New Jersey before injuring his knee and he missed the rest of the playoffs. In 2023, Colburn II had 77 carries for 264 yards, four touchdowns, 15 catches for 98 yards, one touchdown, and three kick returns for 47 yards in 10 games.
Collegiately, Colburn II played four seasons at Wake Forest (2015-18) with 542 carries for 2,550 yards, 15 touchdowns, 34 catches for 306 yards, and four kick returns for 65 yards in 47 games for the Demon Deacons.
Siaosi Mariner is six foot two and weighs 190 pounds. The 27-year-old from Tustin, California, signed with the Michigan Panthers on April 4, 2024. In 2024, Mariner made 27 catches for 346 yards, and two touchdowns in 7 games.
Mariner signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ottawa Redblacks signed Mariner as a free agent on January 21, 2022. In 2022, Mariner made eight catches for 98 yards, and one touchdown in three games. A year later, he made 18 catches for 219 yards, and one touchdown in 13 games for the Ottawa Redblacks in 2023.
Collegiately, Mariner played three seasons at Utah (2016-18) making 52 catches for 785 yards, and four touchdowns in 36 games for the Utes.
Then, he transferred to Utah State in 2019 making 63 catches for 987 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three tackles (3 solo) in 13 games for the Aggies. In the 2019 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl, Mariner caught two touchdowns against Kent State.
James Walker is six foot four and weighs 310 pounds. The 25-year-old from Red Oak, Texas, signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2023. The Michigan Panthers signed Walker on May 3, 2023. He played two games for the Panthers in 2023.
In 2024, Walker did not play for the Panthers. Michigan’s offense was ranked third in total yards (3,007), second in rushing yards (1,252), sixth in passing yards (1,755), third in yards per game (300.7), and tied third in touchdowns (27).
Collegiately, Walker played three seasons for Navarro College Bulldogs (2017-19) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (2021-22) playing 18 games for the Savage Storm. He was named Second Team All-GAC in 2022.
Nate McCrary is six foot two and weighs 213 pounds. The 24-year-old from Muskegon, Michigan, signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
McCrary has had stops with the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns. He was released from the Browns practice squad on October 31, 2023. McCrary has played one regular-season game for the Ravens in 2021 with one carry for -1 yard.
The Michigan Panthers signed McCrary on December 8, 2023. In 2024, McCrary had 16 carries for 60 yards, one touchdown, and two catches for 26 yards in four games. In the USFL Conference Championship Game against the Birmingham Stallions, McCrary had 11 carries for 62 yards.
Collegiately, McCrary played four seasons at Saginaw Valley State (2016-19) with 377 carries for 1,889 yards, 28 touchdowns, 12 catches for 150 yards, one touchdown, and nine kick returns for 123 yards in 33 games for the Cardinals. He was named First Team All-GLIAC in 2019.
