Memphis Showboats’ Strategic Signings: A Glimpse Into the Future of Football
In a move that has sparked excitement and raised expectations, the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League (UFL) have signed three promising players to their roster: tight end Ryan Izzo, defensive back Eli Walker, and defensive end Izayah Green-May. These signings are more than just an effort to fill spots on the roster; they represent a calculated strategy by the Showboats to build a team that can compete at the highest levels for years to come. Each of these players brings a unique blend of experience, size, and skill that could define the next generation of football in the UFL, positioning the Showboats as a team to watch in the upcoming seasons.
Ryan Izzo: The Athletic Tight End with NFL Experience
Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 235 pounds, Ryan Izzo is a physical presence on the field. A native of Highland Lakes, New Jersey, Izzo’s journey through professional football has been one of perseverance, marked by stints with several NFL teams and a solid collegiate career at Florida State. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Izzo made a mark as a reliable tight end during his two seasons in New England (2019-2020), where he recorded 19 catches for 313 yards and one touchdown.
Izzo’s size and athleticism make him a tough matchup for defenders. His ability to block as well as catch passes in the middle of the field is a skill set that NFL teams often covet, which is why he was able to stick around in the league for a few years. After his time with the Patriots, Izzo bounced around, with short stints at the Houston Texans, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans. His most recent time in the UFL with the Philadelphia Stars in 2023 further solidified his reputation as a reliable tight end with a knack for finding the end zone, as he registered two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown in eight games.
Izzo’s college career at Florida State was equally impressive. Over four seasons (2014-2017), he accumulated 54 receptions for 761 yards and six touchdowns, making him a consistent weapon for the Seminoles. His freshman year performance earned him an honorable mention for Freshman All-America, showcasing his potential early on.
Izzo’s signing by the Memphis Showboats is a testament to his resilience and his ability to contribute at a high level. As a versatile tight end with a mix of blocking and receiving ability, Izzo brings a well-rounded skill set to the Showboats’ offense. His presence could be instrumental in creating mismatches for opposing defenses, especially with his ability to stretch the field vertically and present a large target in the red zone. With his NFL pedigree and substantial experience in different professional football environments, Izzo has the potential to be a key leader for the Showboats as they build a team capable of competing for championships in the years ahead.
Eli Walker: The Defensive Back with Playmaking Ability
At 6’2″ and 202 pounds, Eli Walker is a formidable defensive back with a blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability that makes him a valuable asset for any defense. Originally from Long Beach, California, Walker’s journey through football has been one of consistent improvement and success. After signing with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Walker found his way to the Pittsburgh Maulers, where he truly began to make his name.
In 2022, Walker showed his ability to contribute right away, making 15 tackles (five solo, ten assists) in just seven games. However, it was in 2023 that Walker truly broke out as one of the UFL’s most dynamic defensive players. Over the course of ten games, he made 37 tackles (25 solo, 12 assists), one sack, one interception, two fumble recoveries, two touchdowns, and three pass breakups. His standout performances were pivotal in the Maulers’ deep run into the playoffs, where he played a crucial role in helping his team reach the USFL Championship Game against the Birmingham Stallions.
Walker’s physical attributes make him an ideal fit for the modern NFL-style defense. His ability to cover ground quickly, combined with his knack for creating turnovers, makes him a constant threat to opposing offenses. Walker’s success at both the collegiate and professional levels has been a testament to his work ethic and his understanding of the game. He played two seasons at Cerritos College, where he totaled 117 tackles and four interceptions before transferring to Kansas State, where he continued to improve his game and made 89 tackles in just two seasons.
What makes Walker particularly dangerous as a defensive back is his versatility. His combination of size and speed allows him to cover wide receivers, but also act as a force in run support and even blitz the quarterback when necessary. His ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game, from forcing turnovers to scoring touchdowns, makes him a valuable asset to any defense.
For the Memphis Showboats, Walker’s signing represents a key move to bolster their defensive backfield. His ability to change the course of a game with a big play—whether through an interception, a fumble recovery, or a touchdown—will provide the Showboats with a dynamic force in the secondary. As the UFL continues to develop and evolve, players like Walker, who can make game-changing plays at critical moments, will be vital in helping the Showboats build a defense that can contend with the league’s best.
Izayah Green-May: A Defensive Force with Unmatched Size
Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 242 pounds, Izayah Green-May is an imposing defensive force with the size, strength, and speed to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Hailing from Bolingbrook, Illinois, Green-May’s football journey began at Wisconsin, where he spent five seasons (2017-2021) and made a name for himself as a disruptive force on the defensive line. Although his college career at Wisconsin did not feature eye-popping statistics, his potential was clear. In 31 games, he accumulated eight tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss, and his physical traits stood out to scouts and coaches alike.
In 2022, Green-May transferred to Northern Illinois, where his play truly began to shine. Over 12 games, he registered 34 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks, proving that he could excel at a high level of competition. His ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield made him a coveted asset, and his size and strength make him a difficult player to block.
Green-May’s journey through professional football included a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Maulers, where he recorded one tackle, one tackle for loss, and one sack in three games during the 2023 USFL season. While his time with the Maulers was short, his performances in the USFL playoffs, where he made two tackles, showcased his ability to step up when the pressure is on.
For the Memphis Showboats, signing a player like Green-May is a move that solidifies their defensive line and adds depth to an already talented unit. With his combination of size, power, and pass-rushing ability, Green-May has the potential to be a disruptive force in the trenches. Whether he lines up as a defensive end or plays more inside, his ability to create pressure on the quarterback will be crucial for the Showboats as they seek to establish a dominant defensive front.
Why These Signings Matter
The Memphis Showboats’ decision to sign Ryan Izzo, Eli Walker, and Izayah Green-May is a calculated one that emphasizes size, versatility, and experience. Each player brings a unique skill set that will help the Showboats build a team capable of competing for championships in the years to come. With Izzo’s reliability at tight end, Walker’s playmaking ability in the secondary, and Green-May’s disruptive presence on the defensive line, the Showboats have secured three players who could define the future of the franchise.
In a league that is still growing and developing its identity, the Showboats’ signings represent a forward-thinking approach to team-building. By targeting players who have proven themselves at higher levels of competition, whether in the NFL, USFL, or other professional leagues, the Showboats are positioning themselves to be competitive from day one. These signings not only enhance the Showboats’ chances for success in the short term but also lay the foundation for sustained success in the long run. With these players on board, the Memphis Showboats are well on their way to becoming a team to watch in the UFL for years to come.
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