The 2021 UTSA football team garnered national attention with its undefeated record through 11 games, landing the team as high as No.22 in the College Football Playoff Poll. Capping off its historic season with the program’s first-ever conference title, let’s take a look at where those key contributors ended up.
Sincere McCormick, running back
McCormick was the heart of the Roadrunners’ offense in 2021. Posting an impressive 1,479 rushing yards along with 22 rushing touchdowns, Mccormick left UTSA after his junior season to pursue the NFL Draft. After going undrafted, McCormick signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. His Raiders debut was delayed due to a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. In the 2023 preseason, McCormick had a three-game stretch where he totaled 15 rushes for 57 yards and two touchdowns. With Josh Jacobs out of Las Vegas, 2024 could be the year McCormick gets his shot.
Tariq Woolen, defensive back
Arguably the most famous former Roadrunner, Tariq Woolen is one of three UTSA players to receive an NFL Combine invite and be selected in the NFL Draft. Woolen impressed scouts with his blazing 4.26-second 40-yard dash and was selected in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks. Woolen earned a 2022 Pro Bowl nod as a rookie and finished third in the AP-Defensive Rookie of the Year race.
Zakhari Franklin, wide receiver
Once regarded as the best receiver in program history, Franklin was nothing but consistent during his time with the ‘Runners. Before transferring to Ole Miss in 2023, Franklin held program records for receptions and receiving yards; he still holds the record for career receiving touchdowns. His first season with the Rebels was marred by injuries as he totaled just four receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown across four games. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was unsure of Franklin’s future with the team last season after Franklin decided to not play against Louisiana-Monroe. There has been no update since.
Corey Mayfield Jr., defensive back
Another key piece of that star-studded 2021 defensive back unit, Mayfield Jr. has had a busy post-UTSA career. He went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free-agent. His stint with the Ravens was less than ideal and was waived before the regular season began. He described his time in Baltimore as a “humbling experience” in an interview with FOXSA but now looks forward to his next opportunity back in San Antonio with the Brahmas. In his debut, Mayfield played limited but key snaps in the Bahamas win over the D.C Defenders.
Spencer Burford, offensive line
A stalwart on the offensive line for four years, Burford was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a second-team all-conference member for UTSA in 2020 and a first-team all-conference member in 2021. He was a consistent starter in his rookie year and played meaningful snaps for the 49ers in their ill-fated 2023 Super Bowl trip. He is the only UTSA alumnus to reach a Super Bowl.
