While the Memphis Showboats’ season has come to an end, for several of the team’s players, their football season is ongoing. This week, four Memphis players, EDGE DeVere Levelston, RB Deneric Prince, SAF Keaton Ellis, and EDGE Jaylon Allen were invited to try out with NFL teams.
One of the biggest incentives for UFL players is a chance to prove themselves in the NFL, pro football’s biggest stage. Earning a spot on an NFL team’s 53-man roster is the first step. Sometimes just getting a foot in the door is all it takes to launch an NFL career, and potentially become the next KaVontae Turpin or Jake Bates.
While a “tryout” is merely an opportunity to work out with the team during training camp, there are no guarantees the player will be signed to the NFL team. He’ll have to compete against recently drafted rookies, other UDFAs, and veteran NFL players, hoping to impress the coaching staff and secure a spot on the roster.
EDGE -DeVere Levelston
Showboats EDGE DeVere Levelston was the team’s first player to score an invitation for an NFL tryout. Levelston, a Dallas native is trying out with the Cowboys.
A familiar football figure in the area, Levelston was a graduate of the highly-ranked football program at DeSoto High School. After attending Tyler Junior College as a freshman, he transferred to SMU where he recorded 90 tackles, 11.0 sacks, one fumble recovery, and two PBRs.
After graduating from SMU in 2024, Levelston was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. The 6’3” 281 lb. DE spent several months on the Seattle practice squad before he was released the following December. Signing with the Showboats mid-way through the season, Levelston made an immediate impact and led the team in sacks.
Of the four players, Levelston has the greatest likelihood of making the roster because Dallas is the NFL team that has experienced the most success signing former spring football athletes. If signed to the roster, Levelston becomes the fourth player, following in the footsteps of Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey, Pro Bowl return specialist Turpin, and cornerback Josh Butler. But first, Levelston might find himself competing against another fellow UFL player, Birmingham Stallions premier defender, Perrion Winfrey, who is also trying out with Dallas.
Running Back -Deneric Prince
Memphis running back Deneric Prince has an opportunity to prove himself to the New England Patriots this off-season. Like the Cowboys, the Patriots have found success in signing former spring football players. Former Pittsburgh Maulers DT Jeremiah Pharms has been a strong contributor to their defense, compiling 42 tackles (16 solo), two sacks, and a fumble recovery, Pharms is paving the way for New England to sign other spring talents.
The 24-year-old Prince began his college football career at Texas A&M. Transferring to Tulsa, he finished his two years there with 314 rushes for 1,728 yards and 14 touchdowns. He added 17 catches for 162 yards with one touchdown.
Following the 2023 draft, Prince signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a UDFA. He earned a Super Bowl ring as the result of being on the Chiefs practice squad when they beat the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. Released from Kansas City the following August, Prince spent a few weeks on the Miami Dolphins practice squad before signing with the Showboats in February of 2025.
The leading rusher for Memphis, Prince was the Showboats’ workhorse this season, recording 380 yards on 107 carries with two touchdowns. He added another 110 yards on 18 receptions. He faces stiff competition from second-round draft pick, TreVeyon Henderson. The former Ohio State standout recorded a total of 590 carries for 3,761 yards and 42 touchdowns. He added 77 receptions for 853 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Prince will compete for a roster spot with Antonio Gibson, who started three games last year. UDFA rookie Lan Larison (UC-Davis) also figures to be in the mix.
Safety-Keaton Ellis
Memphis safety Keaton Ellis has been one of the most consistent players on Jarren Horton’s defense this season. Frequently leading the team in tackles per game, Ellis recorded 46 tackles and a forced fumble. His best outing was in week nine where he recorded eight tackles against the Arlington Renegades.
Before joining the Tennessee Titans as a UDFA in 2024, Ellis played college ball at Penn State. Now, Ellis has an opportunity to make the roster for the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland is another team that has found success rostering a spring football alum. Following stints with other NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins, former San Antonio Bahamas long snapper Rex Sunahara played in 12 games for the Browns last year. Will Ellis be the next UFL player to join the Browns roster?
EDGE-Jaylon Allen
It’s been a terrific week for Memphis DE Jaylon Allen. In addition to an invitation to try out for the Patriots, Allen is the Showboats’ nominee for the 2025 UFL Sportsman of the Year. The prestigious honor is given to the UFL athlete who best exemplifies a sports role model whose contribution to the community goes beyond the football field.
A native of Texas, Allen attended the University of Memphis where he became a standout athlete. The 6’3″ 240 lb. defensive lineman received All-ACC honors throughout his collegiate career. In addition to being nominated for the All-ACC Academic team, Allen led his team in sacks and TFLs in his redshirt senior year.
Recording 40 tackles, seven TFLs, 2.0 sacks, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble as a fifth-year senior, Allen closed out his college career. Making the postseason with a 10-3 season, the Memphis Tigers defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 36-26 in the 2023 Liberty Bowl.
Allen signed with the Denver Broncos in 2024 as a UDFA but was later waived with an injury settlement. He signed with the Memphis Showboats in December 2024. Along with Levelston and fellow Showboats’ defender Andrew Dowell, Allen led the team in sacks this season. In addition, he finished the season with 23 tackles and a forced fumble. Now, he has an opportunity to take his talent to the next level with New England.
In the upcoming weeks, expect to see more UFL players get the opportunity to impress NFL teams. Check back here for the latest Memphis Showboats UFL to NFL player news.
