With Emory Jones signing a future contract with the Atlanta Falcons, Mike DiLiello steps into the spotlight as the DC Defenders’ primary quarterback option for the 2025 UFL season. Let’s dive into the impressive statistics that make DiLiello an intriguing prospect for UFL fans.

Coming off a stellar collegiate career at Austin Peay, DiLiello’s numbers speak volumes about his potential impact in professional football. In the 2022-2023 seasons combined, he completed 442 of 690 passes for 5,611 yards with 49 touchdowns against just 21 interceptions, showcasing both efficiency and ball security.

His 2023 campaign was particularly noteworthy, as he set multiple program records including:

• 3,164 passing yards
• 28 passing touchdowns
• 66.9% completion percentage
• 160.3 pass efficiency rating
• 263.7 passing yards per game
• 280.6 total offense per game

What makes DiLiello especially valuable for the UFL is his dual-threat capability. Beyond his passing prowess, he demonstrated significant rushing ability with 203 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground in 2023. His career rushing statistics include 13 touchdowns, the second-most by a quarterback in Austin Peay history.

DiLiello’s ability to perform in big moments was evident in several signature games during the 2023 season:

• A 441-yard, 5-touchdown performance against ETSU
• A 353-yard, 6-touchdown showing versus North Alabama
• Multiple game-winning drives, including overtime victories

His consistently high level of play earned him numerous accolades in 2023:

• Stats Perform Walter Payton Award Finalist (8th place)
• Stats Perform FCS Third Team All-America
• UAC Offensive Player of the Year
• First Team All-UAC
• Multiple FCS National and Conference Player of the Week honors

As the DC Defenders build their roster for the 2025 UFL season, DiLiello’s proven track record of both statistical excellence and leadership could make him a cornerstone piece for the franchise. His experience across multiple collegiate programs (Florida Tech, Middle Tennessee, Austin Peay) demonstrates adaptability that could prove valuable in the professional ranks.

The 2025 UFL season will provide DiLiello with his first opportunity to showcase his talents at the professional level, and his comprehensive skill set suggests he could be one of the league’s most interesting players to watch.

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