Two Pirates Invited to Falcons Minicamp, Another Signs with USFL Team
Published on May 6, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Orlando Pirates News Release
WORCESTER, MA - Former Massachusetts Pirates defensive back Lukas Denis and offensive lineman Barry Wesley will attend minicamp with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Current Pirates running back Ricky Person Jr. has signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League.
Denis, (5'11" 185 lbs.) played with the Pirates in 2022 and was named the Indoor Football League's Defensive Player of the Week for his play in a 36-22 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers in week seven. In that game he made a season high 11 tackles, including one for a loss, had two interceptions and broke up one pass.
In 14 regular season games the Everett, MA native had 55 tackles (42 solo) along with one tackle for a loss. He also defended five passes and had three interceptions, including one for a touchdown against the Bismarck Bucks. Denis also appeared in the Pirates playoff game against Quad City where he made one tackle.
This past spring, Denis played in the XFL for the St. Louis Battlehawks, making 37 tackles (16 solo) with two interceptions and a sack.
Denis played collegiately four years for the Boston College Eagles. During his time on Chestnut Hill, he appeared in 40 games. He finished his career with 139 tackles, had one tackle for a loss, one half sack, forced three fumbles and notched nine interceptions.
In 2017 Denis received Second Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and was named a Second Team Walter Camp Foundation All-American. As a senior he scored his only touchdown, a 59-yard "pick-six" in a home game against UMass. Denis was selected and took part in the East-West Shrine Game.
Wesley, who signed with the Pirates for the 2023 season, never played a down for Massachusetts. He was assigned to the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons before the start of the IFL season. Wesley appeared in seven games for the Sea Dragons and made five starts.
The 6'7" 324 lb. native of Morrison, CO. was a four-year starter at Colorado State University. He twice received All-Mountain West post-season honors, and was invited to minicamps with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League this year.
Wesley was a walk-on in 2017 and red-shirted that season. In the fall of 2018 he earned a scholarship and for the next four seasons started all 38 games for the Rams.
The 2018 season saw the Rams ranked 14th in the FBS passing stats averaging 304.9 yards per game. Wesley protected quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuels, who finished the year with 2,261 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.
After starting all 12 games in 2018, Wesley repeated that feat in 2019. That season the Rams went 4-8 but ran off three straight victories over New Mexico, Fresno State and UNLV as they averaged 37.6 points per game during that stretch. That year he was also the recipient of the Albert C. Yates Student Leadership Award, presented annually to a student who displays strong involvement through leadership and a commitment to upholding the university's values, traditions and spirit.
Wesley started all four games in the abbreviated 2020 season, but his efforts were not overlooked as he received All-Mountain West Conference Honorable Mention honors. He was in the starting line up for all ten games in 2021 and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention status for the second consecutive season.
Person Jr. appeared in three games for the Pirates this season. He had nine carries for 24 yards with two rushing touchdowns and averaged 2.7 yards per attempt.
Prior to joining the Pirates, Person Jr. was under contract with the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. Person Jr. joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2022 after an impressive career at North Carolina State University. He was placed on Baltimore's exempt list and remained with the club until February of this year.
The 6'2", 222 lb. running back played four seasons in Raleigh for the Wolfpack. In 40 games he ran the ball 455 times for 1,979 yards with 14 rushing touchdowns and an average of 4.3 yards per carry. He also pulled in 57 receptions for 482 yards and four more scores.
In 2020, the Wake Forest, NC native started every game and was second on the team in rushing with 643 yards. In his final season at N.C. State, he set a personal best scoring five touchdowns, He also had a career day against the University of South Florida where he ran for 105 yards, scored two rushing touchdowns and added one receiving. He also finished that season gaining an average of 4.7 yards per carry.
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 2023 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.
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