The former UCF standout showcased his dual-threat mastery, hurdling defenders and racking up 194 total yards to dismantle the Stallions’ defense in a dominant Houston performance.
Former UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee made his first UFL start and led the Houston Gamblers to a 26-13 win over the Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium on Saturday.
Plumlee carried the momentum from his best passing game of the season into Saturday's matchup. He completed 11-for-23 passes for 117 yards and one interception, and added 77 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.
The former Knight kept the Stallions' defense honest with his arm and legs. Plumlee highlighted the chess match between the offense and defense, as they tried to predict what the other would do every snap.
"It's a game within the game," Plumlee said. "Those guys are playing their game, and I'm trying to figure out their game. They got me a couple times, I got them a couple times."
Plumlee had three electrics throughout the game. The 6-foot quarterback ran for 20 yards at the end of the first quarter. It was a wide-open rush, and Plumlee accelerated to pick up the first down.
His next big run came in the red zone off a read option play. He kept the ball, made a Birmingham defender miss and he ran into the end zone to increase Houston's lead to 17.
Plumlee's last and most impressive run happened in the third quarter. He dropped back in the pocket, saw open space, scrambled and hurdled a defender to pick up the first down.
Last week's game displayed his throwing ability, and Saturday's game showcased his rushing ability. Plumlee's dual-threat talents helped land a position in the UFL instead of fighting for a practice camp spot in the NFL.
"It's hard to turn down an opportunity to play football," Plumlee said. "Obviously, getting cut from Pittsburgh stunk, you know, but I've had that conversation, I feel like plenty of times now, and I've trusted God's plan throughout it. Excited to see what the future holds and how this journey will shape out."
Plumlee has spent time on the Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars practice squads. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks active roster as a wide receiver, but was waived with an injury designation as part of the final roster cuts.
For now, it seems like the former Knight has found his footing in the UFL. Plumlee played four games for the Gamblers, tallying 296 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed for 118 yards and one touchdown.
Houston's season is over and it did not qualify for the playoffs. Plumlee's time in the UFL comes to an end, but there could be a future given his small sample size.
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