UFL Draft sees South Carolina football star drafted despite being on NFL roster

South Carolina football wide receiver Ahmarean Brown had a great showing at the Gamecocks' Pro Day this spring, earning himself a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns thanks in large part to running a 4.30 in the 40-yard dash.

The speedy wideout is still with the Browns and figures to play a large role on special teams as a rookie while fighting to crack the rotation at the receiver position. His speed, acceleration, and quickness are rare commodities, even at the NFL level, so even if things don't work out with the Browns, it seems reasonable to expect him to catch on with another team.

However, on Wednesday, Ahmarean Brown heard his name called as part of the UFL Draft as the Birmingham Stallions selected the former Gamecock with their 8th-round selection (64th overall).

What this pick means for Brown is that if things don't go well for him in the NFL and he decides to pursue a career in the UFL, he will report to the Birmingham Stallions. UFL contracts have an "NFL out" that allows players to report to the NFL, but with rosters being extremely limited in the National Football League, UFL franchises often will draft the rights to players who were not taken in the NFL Draft as undrafted free agents are UFL Draft-eligible. If it becomes clear Brown (or any other NFL athlete) has no intention of swapping leagues, a UFL team can renounce the drafted player's rights.

The UFL just finished its first season after the merger of the USFL and XFL. The Stallions have won the last three championships (one in the UFL and two in the USFL) and are coached by Skip Holtz, former Gamecock offensive coordinator and son of former Gamecock head coach Lou Holtz.

During his South Carolina football career, Ahmarean Brown battled a lot of minor injuries, limiting his statistical output. Even so, he caught 557 yards worth of passes as a Gamecock and scored a touchdown. He also was a valuable contributor on special teams, both as a return man and as a coverage player on punts and kickoffs.