University of Delaware Athletics
UD Alum Papale Selected in USFL Draft
2/23/2022 3:16:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware football alum Vinny Papale was selected by the Tampa Bay Bandits in the inaugural United States Football League (USFL) Draft on Wednesday. Papale was drafted with the ninth pick of the 17th round.
Papale appeared in 34 career games for the Blue & Gold from 2015-18, finishing with 55 catches for 866 yards and six touchdowns. He enjoyed a breakout season as a senior in 2018, hauling in 36 catches and six touchdowns while amassing 618 yards. Nearly half (17) of his catches came on third down and he proved critical in the punt return game for the Blue Hens. He had two 100-yard performances on the year, including going for eight catches, 142 yards and two scores in a thrilling win over then-No. 10 Towson.
The Cherry Hill, New Jersey native signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and spent time in mini-camp with the Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. Papale signed with the Montreal Alouettes in May 2020 but saw the Canadian Football League cancel its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He most recently played for the Conquerers in 2021 during The Spring League season.
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About the USFL
The USFL is entering its first season in 2022. The league's eight teams will each play a 10-game schedule, with all games being played in Birmingham, Alabama. The regular season will begin April 16 and run through mid-June, followed by the playoffs which will consist of semifinals between the top two teams in each division to crown the division winners. The championship will be played between those two winners.
The North Division of the USFL will have the Michigan Panthers, New Jersey Generals, Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers. The South Division will consist of the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Gamblers, New Orleans Breakers and Tampa Bay Bandits.
Each team will feature a roster of 38 active players, plus a seven-man practice squad. Players will receive base compensation and be eligible for victory bonuses. Teams are being drafted from a pool of 450-500 players who have already signed contracts to play in the league. Only players who have signed contracts are eligible for selection.
