The D.C. Defenders have confirmed they are bringing back K Matt McCrane for a third season. #16 McCrane is pictured here celebrating the winning field goal during the fourth quarter against the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium on April 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/UFL/Getty Images)
Several new faces agreed to join the UFL last week as teams stockpile their rosters for training camp, which is rapidly approaching. Six of the eight squads made additions over the last few days. Expect that to continue throughout the next few weeks leading into the holidays. Here are some of the recent signings and where they fit as we stand today:
Arlington Renegades
Concentrating on filling in gaps where they are short numbers, the Renegades added five players at five different positions. K Lucas Havrisik was brought in and will likely be the guy at that position after last year’s mid-season signing, Jonathan Garibay, has not re-upped for 2025. Havrisik has nine games of NFL experience. With no Sal Cannella – at least not yet – the team acquired TE Curtis Hodges. Injuries have cut short Hodges’ NFL opportunities since he entered the league in 2022. He’ll look to show he’s healthy and productive in Arlington.
DT Kyon Barrs joins LaRon Stokes as the only interior defensive linemen currently rostered by the Renegades. A rookie this past year, Barrs tried out with the Tennessee Titans at minicamp then was signed by the Seattle Seahawks for depth purposes later in the summer. From the New York Guardians in XFL 2020 comes WR Damon Sheehy-Giuseppi. Sheehy-Giuseppi made a name for himself with his story, wrangling his way into a tryout with the Cleveland Browns, only to then be signed and return a punt for a touchdown in a preseason game. As of right now, there is room for him to make the Renegades roster.
Arlington hasn’t been afraid to scour the arena ranks to procure its players. After signing LB Vincent DiLeo in November, they signed the Arena Football League’s leader in sacks, DE Marquise Lawson-Greenwood. Unheralded out of Lincoln University in California, Lawson-Greenwood worked his way up to become a First Team All-AFL selection this past season.
Birmingham Stallions
Continuing to fortify its offensive line that has already seen five key players re-sign for 2025, Birmingham added OT Ilm Manning and OT Alex Akingbulu this week. Manning, out of Hawaii, has seen time with four NFL teams since entering the league in 2023 as a free agent, including on practice squads and in-season rosters. Akingbulu is no stranger to spring football, having played for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL in 2022 before moving on to the NFL with the Washington Commanders. The Stallions are flush with offensive tackles, meaning one of these players may be moved inside to guard.
Experienced at the collegiate level having played 45 games at Temple, LB Chapelle Russell comes to Birmingham, likely to play inside linebacker. Russell was invited to work out for scouts at the NFL Combine in 2020 and has gone on to play 27 NFL games since that time. The only kicker competition right now in the UFL belongs to the Stallions, where they signed K Harrison Mevis to apparently compete with Chris Blewitt, last year’s kicker whom they re-signed. Mevis recently worked out at the UFL Specialist Showcase run by Nick Novak.
DE Kyle Phillips is one of six new defensive linemen thus far signed to Birmingham. Phillips spent three seasons with the New York Jets, where he made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He last played with the New Orleans Saints in 2023.
D.C. Defenders
The most active team in the last week, D.C. added 11 players and still have approximately 20 spots to fill before camp begins. One of those signings was a re-signing, as they brought back K Matt McCrane for a third season in the nation’s capital. McCrane has been consistent, earning tryouts with NFL teams based on his spring success.
The Defenders already have a formidable running back room with Abram Smith and Darius Hagans, and now RB Deon Jackson. A Duke Blue Devil with 4.42 speed, Jackson will add a different dimension to pair with the bruising Smith and Hagans. Several 2024 Defenders receivers are now in the NFL and they currently only have one holdover back in Chris Rowland. They added three to the position this week in WR Shaq Davis, WR Jacob Copeland and WR Joshua Matthews.
A tall target at 6’5″, Davis was last with the Pittsburgh Steelers, on their practice squad for a cup of coffee in September. Copeland has been with four NFL teams since breaking into the league in 2023. Prior to the draft, he had a good week of practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl post-season all-star game to put himself firmly on NFL radars.
Matthews, a Louisiana Tech transfer who ended up at McNeese State, didn’t put up eye-popping stats in college. Defenders general manager Von Hutchins has shown he’s not afraid to turn over every stone to find players for head coach Reggie Barlow. D.C. also added to its defense this week, first with DT Devonnsha Maxwell. A rookie out of Chattanooga, Maxwell suffered a knee injury in camp with the Cincinnati Bengals, resulting in an injured reserve stint before he was eventually released.
The edge was also addressed with DE Nelson Ceaser. He had a big final season in college at Houston (9.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss) where he was named First-Team All-Big 12. A slow 40 time (4.91) resulted in undrafted status for the Cougar. He was with the Seattle Seahawks this summer. At the second level, LB Shayne Simon will bring experience from Notre Dame and Pitt, where he played middle linebacker. Simon was invited to Buffalo Bills minicamp as a tryout player, parlaying that into a contract this past spring.
Finally, the Defenders added three defensive backs. One, CB Willie Drew, Jr., is familiar with Barlow: Drew transferred from James Madison to Virginia State while Barlow was head coach there. Drew earned invites to the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. At safety, S Tayler Hawkins and S Josh Proctor will compete for roster spots. Hawkins has spent the last three seasons on-and-off the roster of the San Francisco 49ers, intercepting a pass in his only NFL game. I identified Proctor as a player UFL teams should show interest in back in September after he was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Houston Roughnecks
Houston is very near the training camp roster limit already, having made many of their additions early in the off-season. Therefore, they did not partake in the transaction craze last week.
Memphis Showboats
Expect Memphis to be more active than any other team in terms of adding players in the coming weeks. By numbers, they have the thinnest roster in the league. One addition, CB Jason Maitre, subsequently signed with the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins soon after appearing on the UFL’s transaction page. At the same position, CB Ja’Quan Sheppard became the first Showboats draft pick to sign an LOI. Sheppard, an eighth round pick out of Maryland, was drafted by the previous regime.
Defensive back was a focus this week as CB Lance Boykin and S Keaton Ellis also joined Memphis. A 4.72 40 time doomed Boykin’s chances of getting drafted in 2023. Nevertheless, he signed with the Seahawks as a UDFA and spent the season on the team’s practice squad. On the opposite end of that spectrum is Ellis, who blazed a 4.48 40 at the team’s Pro Day. Ellis latched on with the Tennessee Titans after the 2024 NFL Draft despite not being a starter in his final season in Happy Valley.
Two days after being released from the Jaguars’ practice squad, G Jerome Carvin inked a deal with the Showboats. Memphis can use all the offensive line help it can get. Another former Jaguar, WR Joseph Scates, was one of two receivers brought in to compete with three Showboat hold-overs at the position. Scates had one catch for 14 yards in the preseason. The other receiver, WR Kwamie Lassiter II, also comes from an AFC team in the Cincinnati Bengals. Lassiter’s father played 10 seasons in the NFL.
Michigan Panthers
Despite room to add several more players, Michigan stood pat this past week. They could seek to add more interior offensive line depth, as well as some bodies at linebacker with their next moves.
San Antonio Brahmas
A key pass-rusher last season, LB Garrett Nelson was re-signed as San Antonio continues to accumulate players that can affect the passer. Nelson contributed 2.5 sacks to the cause last year. Two of their other acquisitions this week were cornerbacks, bringing the total number they have on the roster right now at that position to double-digits. It’s hard to believe they’ll take that many to camp given the roster restrictions, but we’ll see.
The first signing was CB William Hooper. Originally signed by the Green Bay Packers out of Northwestern State in 2023, Hooper was on the practice squad of two teams last year and was in camp with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. The second corner to go to San Antonio this week was CB Kalon Barnes. Most famous for his 4.23 40 at the 2022 NFL Combine, that speed earned him a spot in the NFL Draft, taken in the seventh round by the Carolina Panthers. He didn’t make the team and has been an NFL nomad ever since.
St. Louis Battlehawks
The Battlehawks have re-signed a lot of players from 2024 in preparation for 2025; their focus now seems to be supplementing those with additions from the outside. However, they did bring back one player this week – but from the 2023 squad. That would be S Lukas Denis. Finishing tied for third on the team in tackles and with two interceptions, Denis signed with the Atlanta Falcons after that successful XFL season. He gained a lot of experience in NFL preseason action but after spending 2023 on their practice squad, did not make the team this year.
Elsewhere in the defensive backfield, CB Nick Whiteside brings two games of NFL experiences with the Washington Commanders at the end of the 2023 season to the Battlehawks, along with the 12 interceptions in 43 games he played at Saginaw Valley State prior to that. At 305 pounds, DT Isaiah Mack will compete for a spot along the defensive line. He’s played in 23 NFL games since entering the league in 2019, and has suited up for nine NFL teams during that span.
LB Olakunle Fatukasi marks the third Rutgers player the Battlehawks have signed this off-season. St. Louis has a number of pass rushers locked up at the linebacker spot but they could use some more help on the inside, which is likely where Fatukasi will play. After transferring from Syracuse to Alcorn State to finish out his college playing days, RB Jarveon Howard worked out at the HBCU Combine this year and was signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers after the draft. He carried eight times for 44 yards (5.5 avg.) in the team’s first preseason game before eventually being waived with an injury designation. Howard will have to fight with three returnees (Kevon Latulas, Mataeo Durant and Jacob Saylors) for a roster spot.
1 thought on “First week of December brings spate of signings for UFL teams”
With around 70 days before camp starts and around 120 players that have yet to be signed some things are clear. We have many more prospects than spots available. This is one of the reasons for expansion. I have heard from more than one outlet they are looking to get younger. I don’t know about you, but I feel the league just needs to continue to get better. If you look at it from that aspect the league will get younger on its own. As a salary it is clearly good enough to pay the bills and even get a house at a mortgage and if you are signed to a NFL camp, you really have a decent salary while chasing your dream and playing the game you love. However, a player only has a few years of that and since they are not making millions so there is always going to be turnover. We don’t have to say we are trying to get younger. Better is sufficient. This is most important as we remember the product needs to be good on the field. To that point there are so many good football players that will remain free agents when camp begins. Some of the ones that I hope to see in camp are Marcus Simms and Breeland Speaks in Michigan. Jace Sternberger, Deon Cain, Zach Johnson, Matt Corral and/or Alex McGough in Birmingham. Chris Odom in Houston. Vinny Papale and Alex Lindstrom in Memphis. Luis Perez, Sal Cannella, Javonta Payton, Deontay Burnett & Tyler Vaughns in Arlington. The Brahmas are set pretty set but maybe Alex Mollette and Wyatt Ray and Defenders Jordan Ta’amu, Vyncint Smith, Keke Coutee, Malik Fisher, Deandre Baker. So it’s good to have young players and some of these players remain young, but overall they are good players. There are still places for young players, which leads us to the Battlehawks. Even with the list of receivers that are on the team, especially if Andy Isabella finds himself back in the fold, we definitely have room for Darrius Sheppard. If he is not an option Marcell Ateman and Steven Mitchell are all options of where one or two comes back if the other spots are filled. They have all contributed to the team and are still capable if the quarterback is back. I would love for Mike Rose and Elijah Lee to come back, but we shall see on them. I largely live in reality when it comes to sports, but sometimes I like to dream. With Rich Rodriguez getting the West Virginia job, I am hoping this means Anthony Becht will be the head coach in St. Louis for this year and that he won’t be following up on any position positions in the NFL. I have always said I think he needs that experience and he still may. The thing that sets him apart is his ability to recognize football players when he sees them and holds them to the standard of being a football player and his ability to learn. He doesn’t stop learning. Normally you think you should be a more experienced coach before he has this job, but that is not his fault. He was offered the position, ready or not and he took it. Has he lost games due to his inexperience? He has. I have watched him, but he also, often corrects the mistake. He is a quick study. That stated, if he can realize he needs to stay, we can get done to the business of QB. I had already stated I like Reid Sinnett for at least the #2 spot. There were other options. Greg Parks of the UFLBoard mentioned Ben DiNucci and Jacob Eason. I am familiar with DiNucci a little less for Eason, but I know I agree that DiNucci is a strong possibility. You see St. Louis has the continued pressure of sustaining a good offense. Because the fan base has continued to support the Battlehawks, they are showing the league they better provide a good option here or 10,000 fan can come right off the top. There is one player that to me is more accomplished than AJ McCarron who to me would do an even better job. McLeod Bethel-Thompson. I know he is in the CFL. He was just traded from the Edmonton Elks to the Montreal Alouettes. Per Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia, “McLeod is a veteran in the CFL, and he could be a great backup for our team.” I don’t know that he sees himself as a backup. He becomes a free agent in February. I feel he would be THE fit in St. Louis. He throws the ball very well. Maybe he won’t place it as well as McCarron and he will throw more interceptions. McCarron is a master at ball control. However, MBT has 17,009 yards in the CFL and 2,433 in the USFL. He completes passes at 66.7% is gritty when he needs to get the first down, not afraid to put his body in harms way to get it and truly understands and is a football player, much the way I said Anthony Becht is and expects his players to be. MBT will be the sounding board for Bruce Gradowksi, the football players for Anthony Becht, the player who let’s his playmakers make plays and will overall be the star the fans in St. Louis deserve. Please check into the legalities because this is the break you were looking for.
With around 70 days before camp starts and around 120 players that have yet to be signed some things are clear. We have many more prospects than spots available. This is one of the reasons for expansion. I have heard from more than one outlet they are looking to get younger. I don’t know about you, but I feel the league just needs to continue to get better. If you look at it from that aspect the league will get younger on its own. As a salary it is clearly good enough to pay the bills and even get a house at a mortgage and if you are signed to a NFL camp, you really have a decent salary while chasing your dream and playing the game you love. However, a player only has a few years of that and since they are not making millions so there is always going to be turnover. We don’t have to say we are trying to get younger. Better is sufficient. This is most important as we remember the product needs to be good on the field. To that point there are so many good football players that will remain free agents when camp begins. Some of the ones that I hope to see in camp are Marcus Simms and Breeland Speaks in Michigan. Jace Sternberger, Deon Cain, Zach Johnson, Matt Corral and/or Alex McGough in Birmingham. Chris Odom in Houston. Vinny Papale and Alex Lindstrom in Memphis. Luis Perez, Sal Cannella, Javonta Payton, Deontay Burnett & Tyler Vaughns in Arlington. The Brahmas are set pretty set but maybe Alex Mollette and Wyatt Ray and Defenders Jordan Ta’amu, Vyncint Smith, Keke Coutee, Malik Fisher, Deandre Baker. So it’s good to have young players and some of these players remain young, but overall they are good players. There are still places for young players, which leads us to the Battlehawks. Even with the list of receivers that are on the team, especially if Andy Isabella finds himself back in the fold, we definitely have room for Darrius Sheppard. If he is not an option Marcell Ateman and Steven Mitchell are all options of where one or two comes back if the other spots are filled. They have all contributed to the team and are still capable if the quarterback is back. I would love for Mike Rose and Elijah Lee to come back, but we shall see on them. I largely live in reality when it comes to sports, but sometimes I like to dream. With Rich Rodriguez getting the West Virginia job, I am hoping this means Anthony Becht will be the head coach in St. Louis for this year and that he won’t be following up on any position positions in the NFL. I have always said I think he needs that experience and he still may. The thing that sets him apart is his ability to recognize football players when he sees them and holds them to the standard of being a football player and his ability to learn. He doesn’t stop learning. Normally you think you should be a more experienced coach before he has this job, but that is not his fault. He was offered the position, ready or not and he took it. Has he lost games due to his inexperience? He has. I have watched him, but he also, often corrects the mistake. He is a quick study. That stated, if he can realize he needs to stay, we can get done to the business of QB. I had already stated I like Reid Sinnett for at least the #2 spot. There were other options. Greg Parks of the UFLBoard mentioned Ben DiNucci and Jacob Eason. I am familiar with DiNucci a little less for Eason, but I know I agree that DiNucci is a strong possibility. You see St. Louis has the continued pressure of sustaining a good offense. Because the fan base has continued to support the Battlehawks, they are showing the league they better provide a good option here or 10,000 fan can come right off the top. There is one player that to me is more accomplished than AJ McCarron who to me would do an even better job. McLeod Bethel-Thompson. I know he is in the CFL. He was just traded from the Edmonton Elks to the Montreal Alouettes. Per Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia, “McLeod is a veteran in the CFL, and he could be a great backup for our team.” I don’t know that he sees himself as a backup. He becomes a free agent in February. I feel he would be THE fit in St. Louis. He throws the ball very well. Maybe he won’t place it as well as McCarron and he will throw more interceptions. McCarron is a master at ball control. However, MBT has 17,009 yards in the CFL and 2,433 in the USFL. He completes passes at 66.7% is gritty when he needs to get the first down, not afraid to put his body in harms way to get it and truly understands and is a football player, much the way I said Anthony Becht is and expects his players to be. MBT will be the sounding board for Bruce Gradowksi, the football players for Anthony Becht, the player who let’s his playmakers make plays and will overall be the star the fans in St. Louis deserve. Please check into the legalities because this is the break you were looking for.