Love, Atkins and Dillon Named OurSports Central USFL Players of the Week
by Fran Stuchbury
May 30, 2023 - United States Football League (USFL)
Memphis Showboats
Michigan Panthers quarterback Josh Love, Memphis Showboats defensive tackle John Atkins, and Memphis wide receiver Derrick Dillon were named the OurSports Central United States Football League Offensive Player, Defensive Player and Unsung Hero of the Week, respectively, for week seven of the USFL season.
Love earned the offensive honor for the second time this season by completing 16 of 29 passes for three touchdowns in the Panthers' 25-22 victory over the New Jersey Generals that snapped a four-game Michigan losing streak. His favorite target, Joe Walker, caught five of those throws for 121 yards and one touchdown that went for 68 yards.
Honorable mention goes to Birmingham Stallions running back C.J. Marable who amassed 17 carries for 86 yards and added six catches for another 52 yards in the Stallions' 24-20 win over the New Orleans Breakers.
Defensively, Atkins finished with four tackles, two sacks, and five passes defensed in the Showboats' 23-20 decision over the Houston Gamblers. Memphis has now won four games in a row after starting the season 0-3.
Atkins competed in college at Georgia and later played with the Detroit Lions from 2018 until 2020 before landing with the USFL's Tampa Bay Bandits last season.
Atkins and the Showboats defense paved the way to victory.
Birmingham Stallions linebacker Quentin Poling earned honorable mention with eleven total tackles and two sacks in the Birmingham's win over New Orleans.
Showboats wide receiver Dillon caught the game-winning, 64-yard touchdown reception from Cole Kelley with 1:32 left in the fourth quarter to top the Gamblers.
Dillon played college football at LSU and won a national championship there in 2019. He joined the Tampa Bay Bandits last season.
Dillon's game-winning reception kept the Showboats' winning streak alive at four games, improving Memphis to 4-3 on the year.
Previous Winners
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United States Football League Stories from May 30, 2023
- USFL Players of the Week: Josh Love, Josh Simmons Earn Week 7 Honors - USFL
- Top 10 Plays from Week 7 of 2023 USFL Season - USFL
- USFL Week 7 Power Rankings: Showboats, Stars Streaking - USFL
- Love, Atkins and Dillon Named OurSports Central USFL Players of the Week - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Love, Atkins and Dillon Named OurSports Central USFL Players of the Week - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Love, Atkins and Dillon Named OurSports Central USFL Players of the Week - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
