Former USFL wide receiver Cam Echols-Luper is heading north to play professional football, signing with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders.
USFL Background
Echols-Luper was brought on board by the New Jersey Generals of the USFL midway through training camp in 2022.
During his first season with New Jersey, Echols-Luper was primarily utilized as a return specialist on special teams. He averaged 28.8 yards on 26 returns – good for second-best in the league. On offense, he saw limited action – compiling just three catches for 38 yards during the season. This low offensive usage changed in the following season.
Amidst significant turnaround in New Jersey’s receiving corps, Echols-Luper became a starter for the Generals in 2023. He ended the season second team-wide in both receptions (23) and receiving yardage (294). He also caught two touchdowns, including this one for 62 yards versus New Orleans during week four:
Cam Echols-Luper hit a max speed of 20.4 mph on this 62-yard TD pass from De’Andre Johnson. #ReelSpeed
Overall, Echols-Luper’s 2023 performance represented a massive increase in offensive production from the previous year. He also continued to shine as a part-time return specialist in 2023 – averaging 31.8 yards on eight returns, including this 85-yard kick-return touchdown:
After two seasons with the Generals, Echols-Luper signed with the New Orleans Breakers during USFL Free Agency last year. However, he went unclaimed through the Player Allocation Process after the Breakers dissolved with the XFL-USFL Merger – opening the door for him to join the Stampeders.
Collegiate Career
Echols-Luper spent his collegiate career at three different schools – beginning at TCU in 2013. While his offensive production over two seasons with the Horned Frogs was limited, he earned Second-Team Freshman All-American Honors as a punt returner in 2013 and then an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention as a return specialist in 2014. The dual athlete was also a sprinter and jumper at TCU – boasting career-best marks of 6.89 in the 60-meter, 20.38 in the 200-meter, and 18.13m (26.7 ft) in the long jump.
In 2015, Echols-Luper moved to Arkansas State, where he redshirted his first season due to NCAA transfer rules. The following year, he recorded 26 receptions for 407 yards and one touchdown in 13 games with the Red Wolves. Sporting News deemed the former track star the “Fastest Receiver” in the Sun Belt Conference, while NFL.com regarded him as one of College Football’s “Most Freakish Athletes.”
For his final year of eligibility, Echols-Luper transferred again to Western Kentucky, where he made his most significant impact – recording 42 catches for 473 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games. He was among the many threats on the Hilltoppers’ offense, along with All-XFL receivers Lucky Jackson and Jahcour Pearson.
Other Professional Experience
Echols-Luper attended Indianapolis Colts rookie minicamp after going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He also spent time on the Hamilton Ti-Cats and B.C. Lions practice squads in 2019.
In 2021, he had a stint with the Sea Lions of the TSL– recording 13 receptions for 193 yards.
Wrap-Up
At 28 years old, Echols-Luper has a great blend of speed and shiftiness. He proved he could be effective on both offense and special teams during his time with the Generals. Now, he brings his dynamic playmaking ability to Calgary and will rely on it to obtain a roster spot.
