Scott Bruhn/Nebraska Communications
Freedom Akinmoladun was selected in the 2nd round by the Philadelphia Stars.
Football
NU Athletic Communications
A trio of Husker alumni were selected in the United States Football League Draft, which began on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday. Freedom Akinmoladun, Kieron Williams and Josh Banderas were each drafted by one of the eight USFL teams.
Akinmoladun was taken by the Philadelphia Stars with the sixth pick in the second round. Williams was selected with the sixth pick in the 19th round by the Michigan Panthers and Banderas went to the Stars with the fifth pick in the 21st round.
Akinmoladun played in 48 games on the defensive line for Nebraska from 2015 to 2018. He started 41 career games at defensive end, ending his career with 37 consecutive starts at the position. Akinmoladun started every game of his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He finished his career with 106 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks. Akinmoladun went on to play in five career NFL games with the Cincinnati Bengals (2019 & 2020) and the New York Jets (2021).
Williams was a key part of the Husker secondary from 2014 to 2017. He played in 51 career games with 10 starts. Williams totaled 104 tackles in his career with five TFLs, seven pass breakups and five interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He blocked three kicks in his career, including tying the Nebraska record with two blocked punts in the 2014 Holiday Bowl against USC.
Banderas played in 47 games with 31 starts at linebacker from 2013 to 2016. He finished his career with 232 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three pass breakups. His 232 career tackles ranked 19th in school history at the conclusion of his career. Banderas served as a team captain in 2016, when he led Nebraska with 93 tackles and was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection.
The USFL begins its season on April 16.
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