USFL midseason review: Thompson highlights ex-Jet standouts

The USFL is now at its midpoint and more attention will now shift towards this league with the XFL season now over. Are there any players that might be worth a camp invitation from the Jets once the season is over - or any ex-Jets making a case to get back into the league?

Ex-Jets review

Perhaps the biggest Jets-related story is 2020 draft pick James Morgan, who never got to play in an NFL game, getting a chance to prove himself at quarterback. This hasn't gone well for Morgan, who started twice but posted stats of just 14-of-29 for 112 yards with an interception so far.

At running back, Mark Thompson has had more success as he's averaging 5.8 yards per carry and tied for the league lead with eight rushing touchdowns. Thompson spent several weeks on the Jets' practice squad back in 2018.

There are several pass catchers in the league who were once with the Jets but the biggest impact has been tight end Braedon Bowman. While he only has nine catches, he's averaging over 16 yards per catch. Wide receiver Rashard Davis, who was in camp with the Jets last season, hasn't made an impact as a wideout, but is averaging 25.6 yards per kickoff return.

On defense, Noah Dawkins has made some plays at linebacker. He has 18 tackles and an interception.

Finally, on special teams, Alex Kessman has made seven of nine field goals and four of six extra points.

First half standouts

From the list of non-ex-Jets, there have been some standout performances so far. One has a link to the 2023 Jets, as Sage Surratt is leading the league in receiving yards and receptions. His brother, Chazz, in current on the Jets' roster.

Perhaps the biggest winner so far has been former 2018 second round pick Breeland Speaks, who has 6.5 sacks at the midway point. Speaks was suspended after his rookie year and hasn't seen action in the NFL since then.

At quarterback, McLeod Bethel-Thompson leads the league in passing yards, but Alex McGough leads the league with 10 touchdown passes. The leading rusher is Wes Hills with 427 yards and eight scores.

Other standouts on defense include linebacker Chris Orr (51 tackles), defensive tackle Olive Sagapolu (four sacks) and defensive back Mark Gilbert (10 passes defensed, two interceptions). Gilbert's cousin is Jets' legend Darrelle Revis.

On special teams, kicker Luis Aguilar drew some headlines after going 6-for-6 with a 55-yard game winner last weekend. However, he's missed two kicks, whereas three other kickers have combined to go 26-for-26.

Finally, in the return game, Deon Cain has been a standout with two kickoff return touchdowns. Isaiah Hennie is the only player with a punt return touchdown.

We'll report back again at the end of the season to see if there's anyone else who emerges as a possible signing.