By: Royce Waxenfelter of Viking Wax Press
The Showboats made drastic changes over the off-season, and for good reason. They ended up with the second worst record in the UFL in 2024 after a hugely under-performing season. They turned over 76% of their roster in hopes that the moves would net them a turn-around from their dismal 2-8 2024 season when they book-ended the season with wins but lost 8 in-a-row in the middle.
Coaching Changes
The Showboats also overhauled the coaching staff. They initially hired Ken Whisenhunt as Head Coach but he had to step down for personal reasons on March 24th, just days before the season is due to start. Jim Turner will be the acting Head Coach until Coach Whisenhunt returns, if he is able. Coach Turner has coached offensive lines and been a run game coordinator in the past so he will lead the offensive charge. Pittsburgh Steeler disciple and proven UFL defensive guru Jarren Horton is the Defensive Coordinator. His solid understanding of situational football and ability to relate to and motivate players automatically puts the Showboats in the running for best defensive team.
In 2023, Jarren, as Defensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Maulers, led them all the way to the championship game. He brought in several of those Mauler hammers to help instill a similar dominance over opponents in Memphis this season.
Incoming Maulers
Ex-Maulers like Nasir Player, Boogie Roberts, Izayah Green-May, Eli Walker and Mark Gilbert join together with veteran Showboats John Atkins, Nehemiah Shelton, and Kyree Woods. Another Showboats newcomer but spring veteran, Tenny Adewusi, comes over from the Renegades to bolster the defensive backfield. Cornerback Lance Boykin had a great training camp and should start in one of the Cornerback spots. When Cam Danztler returns from Injured Reserve he will likely jump right into a starting role at Cornerback.
Linebackers Yvandy Rigby and Zeke Vanderburgh get a chance to prove themselves as more than just college stand-outs / NFL practice squad players, respectively.
Other key defensive role players include D-linemen Jaylon Allen, Josiah Bronson, P.J. Hall, and DaMarcus Mitchell, Linebackers Obi Melifonwu and Steele Chambers, and DBs Eric Garror, Ja’Quan Sheppard, Keaton Ellis, and Amir Reip.
The Defense is undoubtedly the strength of this team going in, but the offense could surprise some naysayers.
Quarterbacks
UFL veteran QBs E.J. Perry and Troy Williams will likely share the majority of the snaps with Dresser Winn backing them up. Both E.J. and Troy have shown they can manage the game in a pinch; the question is, can they put the team on their shoulders and will them to win like we’ve seen Alex McGough and Luis Perez do. We may find out as soon as week 1 when the Showboats take on the Michigan Panthers in Memphis.
Wide Receivers
Showboats wide receiver Daewood Davis is a top-3 pass catcher in the UFL but he starts the season on medical leave due to an injury sustained during NFL training camp this past fall. Jonathan Adams steps into the WR1 roll capably, netting 441 yards receiving for the Boats in 2024. Kai Locksley and Isaiah Washington are wide receiver additions with huge upside and Dee Anderson proved last year that he can fill the support role well, averaging 18 yards per catch in 2024 for the Showboats.
Kwamie Lassiter II replaces the slot receiver spot Vinny Papale had last year. You may recognize the name since his dad, Kwamie Lassiter I played Safety for the Arizona Cardinals for 8 years. Veterans Eli Stove and Isaiah Hennie should also see some time in the slot position. Hennie is an expert punt returner and Stove is an experienced kick returner, making the Showboats an immediate threat.
Running Backs
At running back, the Showboats have an entirely new crew, led by Deneric Prince and supported by Jacob Kibodi and Jalen Jackson. The fact that these 3 beat out college superstar DeWayne McBride for limited spots on the roster means they are loaded with running talent, albeit unproven at this point. Coach Jim Turner is well-known for his ability to craft running schemes. Memphis is hoping these 3 running backs can maximize their potential within his offense.
Offensive Line
The offensive line was the group that needed the most change after allowing a whopping 39 sacks in 2024. Only the best 3 O-linemen remain from last year and that is a good thing. Alec Lindstrom was one of the few solid performers last year, especially when he played in his natural Center position. He will anchor the O-line with guards Jared Thomas and Nash Jensen. Tackles James Tunstall and JD DiRenzo complete the front 5 starters. Veteran O’Shea Dugas and newcomer Noah Henderson will rotate into the line as needed.
Special Teams
The special teams for the Showboats could be the best in the UFL this year. Kicker Matt Coghlin had better numbers than current Detroit Lions Kicker Jake Bates did last year for the Michigan Panthers. Matt booted a 70-yard field goal in practice last week… unmatched range. He is my bet to jump to the NFL this fall and become the next UFL success story. Punter Matt Mengel joins the grip of ex-Maulers on this team; he should fit in with this experienced, tight-knit team. Turner Bernard continues this year at Long Snapper after proving himself in the same spot with the Showboats last season.
When all is said and done, the true capability of this team is a wild card. High potential? Certainly! Potential to flop miserably? Not as high, but possible. It will come down to how well the team faces adversity and negotiates injury. I, for one, am pulling for the long shot: a playoff spot.
Showboats vs. Panthers Week 1 Prediction
The Showboats will hang tough in a back-and-forth defensive struggle through 3 quarters, but the Panthers eek out a win with a strong fourth quarter, outlasting the Showboats 23-16.
