DC Defenders General Manager Von Hutchins recently sat down with Neil Stratton on the “Scouting the League” podcast to discuss his unique approach to building a championship-caliber UFL roster. The wide-ranging interview provided exclusive insights into Hutchins’ one-man GM operation, his strategic focus on offensive line development, player evaluation philosophy, and his vision for the future of spring football.
Hutchins also shared behind-the-scenes details about coaching transitions this season, roster construction decisions, and what NFL teams are telling him about UFL talent.
On Building the Right Cultural Fit
Hutchins emphasized that talent alone isn’t enough when constructing a UFL roster, particularly when working with demanding coaching personalities.
“There’s certain guys that, for whatever reason, they may not fit within our squad. That’s not saying they’re not bad players whatsoever. I’m just saying if we were to start from scratch, we wouldn’t take him. You know what I mean? And they’re still very good, but can’t he work with a Greg Williams? Because Greg is going to snap on him because he’s a little bit lazy. He’s a very good football guy. In fact, this football character is phenomenal, but he’s routinely late. You know what I’m saying? Or he doesn’t respect authority in that type of way. Well, Greg’s not going to put up with that.”
This quote reveals the delicate balance UFL GMs must strike between acquiring talent and ensuring personality fits. Greg Williams left the team to join Reggie Barlow at Tennessee State University while the team’s defense was the top in the UFL. His son Blake Williams took over in the role with DC still one of the top defenses.
On Offensive Line as Foundation
The DC Defenders GM detailed his emphasis on building from the trenches, sharing specific player evaluations that showcase his scouting eye.
“King Doss, we’re talking about a guy that’s 6’5, 364 pounds, 35-inch arms with a 10 and three-quarter-inch hand. You know what I mean? You see five, six, nine beside his name or whatnot, and you’re like, he can’t move. He’s never on the ground. He’s never on the ground. You see a Durant. He’s the best left tackle in this game, and he’s young. There’s going to be some concerns, potentially with medical or whatever, but teams to decide that.”
Hutchins’ detailed breakdown demonstrates the level of evaluation that goes into UFL roster construction. The Defenders have always been a good running team.
On the UFL’s Long-term Viability
When asked about spring football’s future, Hutchins provided a realistic assessment of both opportunities and challenges facing the league.
“Yes, I do think we can have legs, and I do think it’s something that’s warranted and needed, the players need it because they still have a desire to play. I know what it was like to have the game taken away from you for whatever reason, injury or nobody liked you at that time. Well, if you still have that energy in the burn, come and play ball. I think what we do need to do a better job of or just continue to expand on is getting the optics of the people in the stands, getting the people. This is an NFL game that fans can come and watch, a legit NFL game that fans can watch, and it’s very reasonably priced.”
This candid assessment highlights both the UFL’s strength as a player development platform and its ongoing challenge with attendance. We heard this also earlier this week with RedBird Capital’s and UFL CO-Owner Gerry Cardinale.
On Player Age Limits and Roster Turnover
Hutchins revealed his philosophy on managing player careers within the UFL system, showing a business-minded approach to roster construction.
“I tell our guys, man, guys, if there’s two seasons that you go and you don’t have an NFL transaction, that third season, I’m going to try to cut you. Or if you’re already at 26, that was 26, 27, now you’re going into 28 years old and nobody’s called you in the past two years, you don’t have NFL film except from 2021, ’22. I think it’s that time to everybody makes a change. It’s time to move on because the next group of guys need the same chance and opportunity that you get.”
This quote provides rare insight into UFL roster management strategy. Hutchins’ approach demonstrates how spring leagues must balance player development with realistic career timelines, ensuring opportunities for new talent while maintaining competitive rosters.
On Operating as a One-Man Front Office
The DC Defenders GM opened up about the unique challenges of running an entire football operation single-handedly.
“Essentially, at this point right now, I’m a one-man show. From a general manager standpoint, the thing that would be the biggest difference is that working with the coaches. College side, you write your reports, you send them in, and then you let the higher-ups decide what’s going on. Well, with myself, I don’t want to be a dictator. So the constant communication with the coaches to understand what type of scheme we’re running, what type of players best fit that scheme, and then making sure they have those types of ingredients so that they can cook up what they need.”
This behind-the-scenes look at UFL operations reveals the massive scope of responsibility facing league executives. Currently UFL GM’s are on the only full time position on the football side of the house.
Von Hutchins’ interview provided UFL fans with unprecedented access to the decision-making processes that drive one of the league’s most successful franchises. His insights into player evaluation, roster construction, and league operations demonstrate the professional standards and strategic thinking that define modern spring football.
The DC Defenders’ continued success under Hutchins’ leadership validates his approach to team building and cultural development. Fans can listen to the complete interview on the “Scouting the League” podcast for additional insights into Hutchins’ background and philosophy.
