Gunnar Oakes to make pro debut with UFL's Michigan Panthers

Volume 3 Issue 12

(Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Swanton native Gunnar Oakes is set to make his pro football debut this season with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League. Oakes was originally signed by the Panthers last year before the USFL and XFL merger.

Oakes orignially played for Swanton high school before staring at Eastern Michigan. Oakes played 50 career games for the Eagles where he had 621 yards receiving and averaged 11.1 yards per catch. In his final game of his collegiate career he helped Eastern Michigan win their first bowl game since 1987.

Oakes was drafted in the 7th round of the USFL draft last year by the Michigan Panthers and has been a part of their organization since. Oakes is one of four tight ends on the roster.

Once Oakes enters the game, he will be the fifth Swanton graduate to play professional football. The others being Emerson Cole (NFL; 1950-52), Karl Koepfer (NFL; 1958), Fred Sturt (NFL; 1974-81) and Nate Bolling (NFLE; 2003).

The Panthers open their season Saturday, March 30th at 4pm on FOX.

Leading Updates

• Jamiya Neal (Toledo/Rogers) enters transfer portal.

Notable Game Updates

• On March 23rd Demajeo Wiggins (Toledo/Springfield) had 14 points and 11 rebounds in a Szolnok win over NKA Pecs.

• On March 23rd Zavier Simpson (Lima/Lima Senior) had 25 points and 11 rebounds in a Motor City win over Grand Rapids.

• On March 23rd Amanda Cahill (Clyde) had 28 points and 14 rebounds in a Grengewald win over Amicale.

• On March 23rd Caterrion Thompson (Lima/Lima Senior) had 28 points in a Oaklands win over Durham.

Interesting Reads

• Bryan native Wisler steps away from professional baseball

• Dallas Gant boosts NFL draft stock at Toledo pro day

• Whitmer's four state appearances made from four different leagues

• Otsego's Simon overcomes serious injury to become record-setting track and field thrower

• Toledo native Bell scores 1st round KO of Romero with vicious right hook

• High school softball: Toledo-area players to watch in 2024

• High school baseball: Toledo-area players to watch in 2024

• Longtime basketball coach Keith Diebler announces retirement

• For new Ohio State coach Jake Diebler, a 'dream' day rooted in 'the 419'

• Harkelroad hurdling toward state goals

• New-look Lady Red aim to uphold standard

• Ryan Lozier named head football coach at Lakota

• DeLuca's personality led to a 47 year coaching career

• Part 1: The numbers game — Girls basketball participation has taken a hit

• Part 2: The numbers game — Girls basketball participation struggles to keep up

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