In a recent media session following Memphis Showboats practice, head coach Ken Whisenhunt shared insights on the team’s progress as they prepare for the upcoming UFL season. With the second UFL season set to begin on March 28th, Whisenhunt addressed the quarterback competition, joint practices, and the development of key position groups.
Quarterback Battle Continues Between Perry and Williams
When asked about the current quarterback situation, Whisenhunt provided details on how he’s managing the competition between the team’s signal-callers.
“Between Troy and E.J, both of those guys, we’ve been rotating the reps equally, and we’re trying to prepare them both. We’re going to need them both at some point during the season. So it’s been good. The guys are both working hard. There’s a very good chemistry between both of them. They talk. I mean, even though they know it’s a competition and somebody’s going to have to come out of it that way, they’ve been good.”
The quarterback competition remains open with both players receiving equal practice opportunities. The team did release QB Quinten Dormady under controversial circumstances and added QB Dresser Winn who was recently with the LA Rams.
Joint Practice with St. Louis Provides Measuring Stick
Whisenhunt discussed the value of the team’s recent joint practice with the St. Louis Battlehawks, a playoff team from last season.
“Well, I said in the press conference, after we had that practice, I thought it was good for us to go against a team that was good in the league last year. They went to the playoffs. So that means something. We’re going against a team that has that from last year, and they still got a lot of those guys back. So we felt it would be a good measuring point for us to go against them, and they were very good about structuring the practice so that we’d be able to see things.”
The joint practice gave the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate their team against established competition, providing a benchmark as they approach the regular season. Odds makers of the Battlehawks as the second best team in the UFL behind the Birmingham Stallions.
Team Health Status Remains Positive
With the regular season approaching, Whisenhunt provided an update on the team’s overall health.
“Yeah, we’re in pretty good shape from that standpoint, from an injury standpoint, we’ve had a good blend of working hard and then taking it down a step or two just so we can get the guys more of a walk-through type speed, so we’re not getting them too much on their legs. But the energy with our team is good right now.”
The Showboats have implemented a balanced approach to practice intensity, which has helped keep the roster healthy heading into the season. The squad is a completely different team from what it was last season under former head coach John DeFilippo.
Secondary Showing Promise
When asked about the defensive backfield, Whisenhunt expressed confidence in his secondary unit.
“We feel like we’ve got a good secondary. I think Jim Monis, our GM, has done a great job of bringing these players in, and Jerr and our defensive coordinator, has worked in these leads before. So they’ve done a good job of putting together a strong secondary. We feel like they’ve tested our receivers. Our receivers have tested them.”
The coach’s comments highlight the competitive nature of practices and the mutual benefit for both the defensive backs and receivers as they prepare for the season. Jarren Horton is the Showboats new Defensive Coordinator. He earned USFL Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2023, while serving as the defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Maulers. A team that made it all the way to the USFL Championship game.
Running Back Group Creating Good Chemistry
Regarding the running back situation, Whisenhunt singled out veteran leadership of DeWayne McBride while noting the competition remains open.
“Well, he’s showing me good leadership, obviously. He’s been around. He knows how these things—I think just his up-tempo, his ability to see what’s going on and make those cuts has been good. But I think there’s a good chemistry with those guys. We’re asking them to do a lot in this offense. It’s an important piece of it, whether or not, besides just carrying the ball, and all of them have bought into that.”
The coach emphasized the importance of running backs in multiple facets of the offense beyond simply carrying the ball, suggesting a versatile approach to the position for the upcoming season. In a surprising move Memphis did not bring back running back Darius Victor, a staple in Spring Football. He was the 2024 UFL Sportsman of the Year.
As the UFL’s second season approaches, the Memphis Showboats continue their preparations with training camp set to conclude soon. With the season opener scheduled for March 28th, Whisenhunt and his staff will soon make final roster decisions as they build toward the 2025 campaign.
