Five former Baylor Bears selected in USFL draft

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The newly launched United States Football League completed its inaugural two-day draft on Wednesday, and a handful of former Bears had their names called and careers revived when the dust settled. 

Despite franchise locations in eight cities, the new USFL will host all of their games this season at two different stadiums in Birmingham, Alabama. The league debut, featuring the New Jersey Generals vs. the Birmingham Stallions, will take place Saturday night, April 16, on NBC and FOX. Training camps open on March 21. 

So, with introductions out of the way, let's take a look at the former Bears who will soon be suiting up in the new USFL. 

OL JAKE BURTON

Round 7, Philadelphia Stars 

The former grad-transfer offensive lineman from UCLA came to Waco in the summer of 2020, joining a roster that needed lineman for new head coach Dave Aranda and shorty-lived line coach Joe Wickline. 

Burton started the final eight games at left guard in his lone season with the Bears. But unfortunately, he was part of an ill-fated and ill-fitted 2020 team, especially for the offensive line. 

After going undrafted last April, Burton caught on with the New York Giants as a free agent and spent time on the practice squad.

CB JAMESON HOUSTON

Round 9, Michigan Panthers 

Former cornerback Jameson Houston was a member of Baylor's 2015 class out of Austin and finished his career in 2019, starting all 14 games at cornerback on his way to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. 

Houston signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent following his time in Waco. Cleveland waived him that August, leading to a couple of weeks of coffee with former head coach Matt Rhule's Panthers, before getting nixed during final roster cuts. 

That led Houston to the Eagles practice squad two months later and ultimately a spot on the active roster for three late 2020 regular-season games. Houston was sent to Jacksonville in a trade last May, then waived by the Jags in August. 

WR CHRIS PLATT 

Round 16, New Jersey Generals 

Since his career ended following Baylor's 2019 season, the speedster has been awaiting a call. Well, the call finally came. Platt was a track star signee, ideally suited for the Briles offense, in the Bears' 25th ranked 2014 class. 

He redshirted that season, played in 26 games the following two years, and was on his way to crushing his career bests when a knee injury ended his redshirt-junior season just four games into Rhule's brutal 1-11 opening campaign. However, the Willis native bounced back, playing in all 27 contests in his final two seasons with 24 starts. 

Following college, Platt didn't generate much NFL interest and went unsigned. So, this is a significant and long-awaited chance to prove his worth. 

S ORION STEWART 

Round 18, Michigan Panthers

On the heels of RGIII's Heisman run, Stewart stayed home and joined a rising Baylor program in 2012 after a strong career down the road at Midway. 

After redshirting, Stewart would certainly outplay his ranking, appearing in 49 games over the next four seasons with 36 starts. He's tied for 7th in school history with 12 career interceptions, with six of those picks occurring as a senior in 2016. 

After an impactful career in green and gold, the Waco original signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2017 but didn't make the 53-man roster. Stewart then bounced around, spending time with the Bills, Washington, Giants, and Buccaneers. Tampa waived him in July 2019. 

P DREW GALITZ 

Round 33, Houston Gamblers 

Specialists don't usually draw the most applause in recruiting. Still, as an Under Armor All-American selection, Galitz was an important get in the 2015 class and hit the field right away as a true freshman. Unfortunately, after suffering a torn ACL during the opening kickoff against Kansas State in 2017, his career was slightly derailed, ending his junior season after five games. 

The boot from Rowlett returned to health and earned a third career all-conference nod during his final run in 2018. 

Galitz went undrafted in 2019 and tried out with several NFL teams following his Baylor career. He ultimately landed with the XFL 2.0's Dallas Renegades and had a solid season before the league abruptly shut down halfway through the season due to COVID in March 2020.