Around The UFL: Training Camp News
United Football League coaches and players reported to Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Feb. 24, in preparation for the 2024 UFL season.
Training camp is in full swing, and some league developments are in the early phases.
UFL Team Practices Begin
The first official practices for UFL teams are being held today, Feb. 27.
The eight UFL teams are conducting training camp at four facilities around the DFW Metroplex, with two teams practicing at each of the separate locations.
The Birmingham Stallions and Arlington Renegades are sharing space at Choctaw Stadium, which will be the site of their week one champion-vs-champion showdown on March 30.
The Houston Roughnecks and D.C. Defenders have set up shop at Northwest ISD Stadium.
The Michigan Panthers and San Antonio Brahmas practice at Southlake Carroll Dragon Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Showboats and St. Louis Battlehawks are situated together at Vernon Newsom Stadium.
The UFL has paired teams from its USFL Conference with XFL Conference clubs in the league's inaugural training camp.
The unique setup with XFL and USFL conference teams practicing together could lead to preseason trades between teams. After all, general managers who are near one another can get a first-hand look at each other's teams.
To that end, the first team scrimmages, or half-games, are scheduled for Saturday, March 9. There figure to be at least four exhibitions with the league's broadcast partners on hand as a dress rehearsal for the season.
UFL team rosters are set at a maximum of 75 players for camp, with teams paring down to 50 each before the regular season arrives. The first wave of cuts will come on March 10th. Teams are expected to cut 17 players to get down to 58. The final cut-down date is set for March 23.
There should be plenty of roster movement ahead, with some occurring as soon as camp commenced.
UFL Training Camp Roster News
On Monday, the United Football League released training camp rosters for all eight teams.
There were some noticeable omissions, additions and subtractions, which is a common occurrence in pro football leagues when camps begin. Some players don't show up for various reasons, others are not physically ready, and some decide to call it quits.
On the eve of training camp, league standout Renegades tight end Sal Canella returned. Defenders' slot receiver Josh Hammond officially retired, leading to D.C. announcing the addition of NFL veteran pass catcher Keke Coutee, something that had been in the works for a while.
Two Battlehawk players not listed on St. Louis's initial training camp roster are All-League defensive tackle Austin Faoliu and offensive lineman Jack Snyder. The latter is not ready to join activities due to physical issues. Faoliu, St. Louis's latest defensive upgrade, is tending to personal family matters.
Another player not listed on a training camp roster is global specialist Enrique Yenny for the Defenders. The Mexican LFA All-Star is still working through some issues before he can join his new team in camp.
Late arrivals and departures are commonplace in spring pro football leagues. UFL teams will continue to look to upgrade their rosters as camp progresses.
You can find Mike Mitchell on X @ByMikeMitchell.
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