The Louisville Kings have officially entered the arena as a brand new franchise in the United Football League (UFL), under the leadership of first-time Head Coach Chris Redman. The Kings have the exciting opportunity to build a fresh identity in the league amid ongoing changes, including key dates approaching in their preparation for the upcoming season.
Tomorrow marks a significant occasion as each coach is set to submit a list of their top five quarterback prospects, paving the way for strategic roster formation as they gear up for competition. Following that, on January 10th, coaches will claim three local collegiate players to further enhance their squad. Additionally, on January 12th, the day before the draft, teams will finalize player protections, a critical step for teams with established rosters; however, the Kings, as a new franchise, have a unique path.
Thanks to the UFL’s restructuring, the Louisville Kings will inherit the roster from the recently relocated Memphis Showboats, allowing them to protect up to 12 players from the previous roster. This unique situation provides a perfect starting point for Redman and his coaching staff to evaluate potential key players.
Several standout talents from the Showboats’ roster are likely to garner attention for protection. Among the top choices are wide receivers Daewood Davis and Jonathan Adams. Davis, who earned All-UFL honors in 2024, showcased explosive speed and dynamic playmaking ability when healthy and is a top candidate for the Kings. Adams also had a commendable season, demonstrating strong hands and a deep understanding of the game, making them both essential to a solid receiving core.
The offensive line will be crucial for any team’s success, and the Kings have standout players to consider. Alec Lindstrom, who proved himself as a competent center, protecting his quarterback effectively last season with a strong pass-blocking grade, is a player that should be protected. Guard Nash Jensen also emerged as a solid performer, showcasing discipline and improvement, making him another candidate worth holding onto.
Defensively, the Kings can also look towards promising talents such as DeVere Levelston on the defensive line, who made an immediate impact after joining the Showboats. Linebackers like Andrew Dowell and edge rusher Jaylon Allen also have shown significant potential, bringing experience and skill to the squad.
The secondary is another area where the Kings can find strength, with notable talents like Cam Dantzler, an ex-NFL draft pick, and the underrated Lance Boykin, both of whom have the capability to secure strong defensive performances. Eli Walker, a tackle machine and formidable safety from last season, is another critical asset the Kings may want to keep on their roster.
While special teams may often find themselves overlooked, the Kings should pay attention to solid performers like kicker Matt Coghlin and punter Matt Mengel. Coghlin’s consistent field-goal performance and Mengel’s punting prowess, even amid challenging circumstances, indicate their potential value as the Kings strive for success.
Overall, the excitement surrounding the UFL and the inception of the Louisville Kings is palpable. With keen evaluations and the protection of key players, Redman has a challenging but rewarding task ahead. Keeping the momentum with fan engagement and competitive spirit will be crucial as the Kings aim to solidify their place in the UFL. The combination of strategic decisions and a well-thought-out approach could pave the way for a promising future for this new franchise.