The first few weeks of the Memphis Showboats’ second season under former head coach Ken Whisenhunt were a time filled with disruption, uncertainty, and chaos. First, presumed starting quarterback Quinten Dormady was abruptly released during training camp. Then, just before the season opener, Whisenhunt left the team for personal reasons, leaving offensive line coach Jim Turner as his temporary replacement.
When Whisenhunt returned a week later, he resumed head coaching duties. But while the team was preparing for their Week 4 game, Whisenhunt submitted his resignation. Citing personal reasons once again, his timing couldn’t have been worse. The date was April 16th, and in two days, the Showboats were scheduled to play their division rival, the Michigan Panthers. Once again, Turner took over as the (interim) head coach, bringing in experienced OC Noel Mazzone as his coordinator.
Memphis Showboats’ Second Season Off To A Rougher Than Expected Start
The following week, once the dust had settled, Turner took stock of the situation. With over 30 years of coaching experience, the former marine is, at his core, a “players’ coach.” He champions his guys and wants to see them succeed. Working with the Showboats’ offensive line over the past two months, he’d begun to build a close relationship with his players, inspiring them to work hard and make the most of the opportunity they’d been given. The players knew Turner had their backs and respected his leadership.
However, Turner was also a realist. The 0-4 Showboats were at the bottom of a very competitive USFL division. For all practical purposes, the team was already eliminated from playoff contention.
Turner Finding A Different Path To Success
However, perhaps there was another way Turner could achieve success with Memphis. The ultimate dream for a talented young gridiron athlete was to play in the NFL. There were several highly skilled individuals on the team who Turner realized had the talent to attract the attention of NFL scouts. His job as a coach was to get them ready to compete at the NFL level.
Turner’s goal was to provide as many of his players as possible with the opportunity to showcase their talent on the field and get it on film. But in order to do that, Turner sacrificed putting together the best team roster to win an upcoming game. Instead, priority was given to ensuring individual players received their time in the spotlight on a national platform. While it wasn’t conducive to winning football games, Turner achieved his vision of getting many more players on the field.
Now, as NFL teams enter the second week of preseason football, Turner’s strategy appears to be working. As of Saturday, August 3rd, 35 UFL players had been signed to NFL teams, with every one of the eight teams featuring multiple player signings. Ironically, the reigning UFL Champion D.C. Defenders are in a tie with the Michigan Panthers for the fewest number of player signings, at four. The Birmingham Stallions are currently in the lead with six, while the 2-8 Showboats are keeping pace with the rest of the league, with five of their players signed to NFL teams.
Two of the players came from Jarren Horton’s defense. This week, DL Josiah Bronson signed with the Tennessee Titans, joining fellow Showboats defensive teammate, EDGE Jaylon Allen (San Francisco 49ers). Center Alec Lindstrom signed with the UFL-friendly New England Patriots, who found success previously with spring footballers DT Jeremiah Pharms and kicker John Parker Romo. In addition to Lindstrom, the Pats signed Panthers’ linebacker RJ. Moten and offensive tackle Yasir Durant from the Defenders.
Memphis’ quarterback Dresser Winn is back with the Los Angeles Rams, where he played backup quarterback before his stint with the Showboats. Wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter is now with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Although they haven’t been signed yet, three other players scored tryouts with the NFL in the preseason. Running back Deneric Prince worked out with the Patriots, EDGE DeVere Levelston had a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys, and SAF Keaton Ellis tried out with the Cleveland Browns.
A 2-8 season record isn’t what anyone would see as a sign of success. However, Turner had a different idea of what constituted a successful season for his players. That was putting them in the best possible spotlight to succeed and get an opportunity in the NFL. He set out to accomplish that goal, and it looks like his plan succeeded.
