wolmerica The Michigan Panthers have made some more moves. They’ve signed LB London Harris, and DE Jesus Gibbs. This is partially due to the loss of Frank Ginda, who is likely done for the year with Michigan.
Breaking: The Michigan Panthers are signing LB London Harris, & DE Jesus Gibbs, per sources.
Harris posted 81 tackles & 2 sacks during as a senior at Texas State.
Gibbs was eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. Totaled 40 tackles & 6 sacks in 2023 with Towson. #UFL | @USFLPanthers pic.twitter.com/LUEyY7KrnW
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 9, 2024
With a couple of new additions to an already stout defense, let’s take a look at what Harris and Gibbs will bring to Michigan.
LB London Harris
Per @JamesLarsenPFN, the @USFLPanthers have signed former TX State Bobcat, LB London Harris.
Undrafted in '23, Harris had camp invites with the Falcons and Colts last year. Now he gets his shot with the Panthers.
Welcome to Michigan, London!#UFL #LetsHunt #EatEmUp pic.twitter.com/f8DvGbhsQP
— Panthers Shadow (@UFLShadow) May 9, 2024
With Frank Ginda headed to the injured reserve list, the Michigan Panthers have signed London Harris, out of Texas State.
Harris began his time at Texas State in 2018, but didn’t see the field much until 2020. As a junior, he posted 41 tackles and 1.5 TFL’s. In 2021, he made seven starts, totaling 41 tackles, 4.5 TFL’s, and 1.5 sacks.
Then, London took his game to the next level during his final season in 2022. He racked up 81 tackles, 3 TFL’s, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles as an 11 game starter.
London Harris (@Londoo_Harris) with a solo sack for a loss of 8. Leads to 3-and-out for #TXST @smdrsports pic.twitter.com/fENErw922c
— Drew King (@drewking0222) November 27, 2021
Harris went undrafted in 2023, and has since looked to kickstart his professional career. He had NFL Mini-Camp invites with the Falcons and Colts last year. Now, Harris will get that opportunity in the UFL, with the Panthers.
DE Jesus Gibbs
It’s becoming a trend for NFL Draft eligible players to join the UFL. The Houston Roughnecks have already signed a few athletes of their own who were eligible, and now the Michigan Panthers follow suit.
Jesus Gibbs will help fill out this defensive line, as the team lost DT Daniel Wise for the season on injured reserve. Gibbs played his college football at Towson. It makes quite a bit of sense for Gibbs to end up in Michigan, given the Towson connections. Defensive Coordinator Collin Bauer, and Linebackers Coach Christian Runza both spent time at Towson during their coaching careers.
Gibbs started his time at Towson in 2019, primarily serving as a backup. He totaled 10 tackles and two sacks that year. The next two seasons were a struggle, as Jesus dealt with COVID – and then injuries.
Jesus Gibbs with a BIG SACK!!
Towson 29 Morgan State 21
: https://t.co/OnUYNLNAYN
: x #UnitedWeRoar x #NCAAFCS pic.twitter.com/V6XuMOFB3y
— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) September 11, 2022
In 2022 and 2023, Jesus made a name for himself. He earned All-CAA Second Team honors in back to back seasons, with 84 tackles, 11 sacks, and 10.5 TFL’s across that span. Gibbs’ six sacks in 2023 is the most by any Towson player since 2018.
Most recently, Jesus just had a rookie mini camp opportunity with the Kansas City Chiefs. It was just a few days ago, in fact. Now, Gibbs reunites with Bauer, who recruited him to Towson years ago.
Frank Ginda To IR
Breaking: @USFLPanthers LB Frank Ginda is expected to be out for the season, per HC Mike Nolan.
Brutal loss for Michigan's defense. Ginda has been a leader for this group the past three years, earning DPOY honors a season ago.
He posted 35 tackles & 3 TFL this year. #UFL pic.twitter.com/w7qaWInZ4Y
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 7, 2024
While the league hasn’t made it official quite yet, it appears that Frank Ginda is done for the season. This week, Head Coach Mike Nolan told the media that he’s likely headed to the injured reserve list.
If he goes on IR, he wouldn’t be eligible to play again until the Championship game the earliest – and that’s if Michigan makes it there. It appears that Frank is dealing with a shoulder injury.
Ginda has been a leader for Michigan’s defense the last three years. He was the USFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, and while he wasn’t on pace for those exact numbers this season, he was still league leader on the starboard. Frank wrapped up his UFL season with 35 tackles, and three TFL’s.
NOOOPEEE 
@KaiNacua @frankginda05 pic.twitter.com/BAyMsWiPYv
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 7, 2024
Mike Nolan and Collin Bauer will need Noah Dawkins, Javin White, and others to step up now with the absence of Frank. Ginda is basically the quarterback of their defensive unit – it’s a major loss. Since he wasn’t listed on the latest injury report from the UFL, it’s safe to say he’s on the IR now.
Final Thoughts
The Michigan Panthers continue to roll with the punches, dealing with quite a few injuries this year. Their starting QB in E.J. Perry went down, alongside multiple offensive and defensive pieces.
General Manager Steve Kazor has done an excellent job of building this roster in 2024, building upon the success the team had in 2023. Kazor is constantly loading up on NFL-caliber talent, which is no different in this latest batch of signings.
With a 4-2 record, the Panthers can clinch a playoff berth this week with a win – and losses from Houston and Memphis. Michigan will hit the road to play the DC Defenders this Sunday, at Audi Field.
What are your thoughts on London Harris and Jesus Gibbs signing with Michigan? Will Frank Ginda be with the team next season? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
The post Panthers Sign London Harris & Jesus Gibbs, Frank Ginda Out appeared first on Pro Football Newsroom.
