Four Pirates Selected in USFL Draft
Published on February 24, 2022 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Orlando Pirates News Release
WORCESTER, MA - Four players who were members of the Massachusetts Pirates during their 2021 championship season in the Indoor Football League were chosen in the inaugural United States Football League Draft. The four were starters in the Pirates 37-34 overtime victory over the Arizona Rattlers in the United Bowl. In fact, the starting offensive line who secured championship rings for Massachusetts will be playing in the new league which will kickoff in April. The 35-round event was held over a two day period.
The first Pirate selected came on day one as offensive lineman Marquis Lucas, (6'4", 310 lbs. West Virginia) was taken by the New Orleans Breakers with the fourth pick in the seventh round. Lucas was the 54th pick overall and the 20th offensive tackle selected. This will be his fifth professional league.
On day two of the draft, Lucas' linemates were selected in the same round. Center Jordan McCray (6'2", 336 lbs. Central Florida) was chosen with the fifth selection of the 20th round by the Birmingham Stallions with pick number 161. McCray was a First Team All-IFL Offensive selection for Massachusetts this past season. Two picks later, Jared Thomas (6'3", 300 lbs. Northwestern) was tabbed to be the center for the New Orleans Breakers with the 163rd overall pick. Thomas was a Second Team All-IFL selection and a member of the IFL's All-Rookie team last summer. Only nine centers were drafted among the 280 players who were chosen. For McCray this will be his fifth professional stop while Thomas will report for duty in his second pro camp.
The final Pirate selected was defensive lineman Toby Johnson (6'4", 304 lbs. Georgia). Johnson was tabbed as the fifth pick in the 25th round by the New Jersey Generals with the 208th overall choice. Johnson was a First Team All-IFL selection in 2021 and finished the season with 57 tackles. His 10.5 tackles for a loss tied him for sixth in the IFL and his 3.5 sacks ranked him tenth. Johnson also has one pass broken up and one quarterback hurry. During the season Johnson forced three fumbles (tying him with teammate Santos Ramirez and one other for the most in the league) on a defense that caused 33 turnovers and was second in the IFL with 22 sacks. For Johnson, this will be the fifth pro league of his career.
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.
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