During the off-season following the San Antonio Brahma’s first season in the UFL, the Brahmas are focusing on improving one of the top defenses in the UFL. In 2024, the Brahmas defense played a big part in their journey to an XFL Conference championship and an appearance in the first UFL Championship game. Brahmas head coach Wade Phillips has built his reputation in professional football with a defensive-minded approach to building championship teams.
According to a recent UFL press release, the Brahmas have re-signed outside linebacker Garrett Nelson and cornerback William Hooper.
Outside linebacker Garrett Nelson returns to the San Antonio Brahmas after contributing to the defense in 2024. The 6’4″, 245-pound Nelson recorded 12 total tackles and 2.5 quarterback sacks in 2024. During the UFL season, Nelson began to build a reputation as one of the top-edge rushers in the UFL.
Before coming to the Brahmas and the UFL, Nelson spent the 2023 NFL season with the Miami Dolphins. Nelson played college football at the University of Nebraska from 2019 until 2022. While playing for the Cornhuskers, Nelson played in 43 games and recorded 167 total tackles, 12 quarterback sacks, forced two fumbles, and recovered two fumbles.
The Brahma’s latest addition to their strong defensive backfield is Cornerback William Hooper. The 6’0″, 185-pound Hooper joins the Brahmas after spending the 2023 NFL season with the Green Bay Packers and the 2024 NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons. Hooper played college football at Northwestern State University from 2018 until 2022. While at Northwestern State, Hooper played in 46 games for the Demons, intercepting three passes, recording 105 total tackles, and two quarterback sacks.
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