The conventional notion of the football season has passed, but that doesn’t imply the end of football altogether. Spring football is making a comeback, bringing along some recognizable figures.
The merging of the XFL and USFL, two former spring football leagues, has given rise to a unified spring league called the UFL. Its season kicks off this weekend, promising 40 games over 10 weeks of intense action. Co-founded and co-owned by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, the revamped league seeks to offer both players a developmental platform and fans across the nation a professional football experience.
Lee Morris, WR- Memphis Showboats
Once a walk-on at Oklahoma, wide receiver Lee Morris is transitioning his career to the professional ranks of spring football leagues. During his four-year tenure at OU, Morris participated in 54 games and earned eight starts in his last season. However, it was his standout 2018 performance that left a lasting impression on OU fans, as he gained the nickname ‘TD-Lee’ for his remarkable achievement of scoring eight touchdowns on just 21 receptions that season. Despite going undrafted after the 2019 season, Morris has secured a spot on the roster for the Memphis Showboats.
Dillon Faamatau, DT- Memphis Showboats
Dillon Faamatau, a former Oklahoma defensive tackle who transferred from junior college, dedicated three seasons to the Sooners. Throughout his tenure, he participated in 41 games, amassing 31 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup. Known as a pivotal rotational player for the Crimson and Cream, Faamatau will now take on a significant role on the line of scrimmage for the Memphis Showboats.
DaShaun White, LB- Michigan Panthers
DaShaun White, a former standout linebacker at Oklahoma, was a cornerstone of OU’s defense during his five-year tenure in Norman. With an impressive 63 appearances and 49 starts, he racked up 259 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and eight pass breakups. His performance earned him an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in his final season. Despite going undrafted after the 2022 season, White is poised to take on a leadership role for the defense of the Michigan Panthers.
Bobby Evans, OT- Arlington Renegades
Bobby Evans, a former offensive tackle for Oklahoma, is slated to start at left tackle for the Arlington Renegades on opening day. Throughout his time at Oklahoma from 2015 to the 2018 season, Evans started in all 40 games he played. His standout performance in his final year earned him recognition as a second-team All-Big 12 selection, and he was part of an offensive line that clinched the Joe Moore Award. Evans transitioned to professional football in 2019 after being drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
Dru Samia, OG- Arlington Renegades
Dru Samia, a former offensive lineman for Oklahoma, is anticipated to start at right guard for the Arlington Renegades in the inaugural 2024 season of the UFL. With 48 starts for the Sooners throughout his collegiate career, Samia established himself as a dependable presence on the field. In his final season at Oklahoma, he received recognition as a Second-Team All-American and a First-Team All-Big 12 selection. Samia played a crucial role in Oklahoma’s receipt of the Joe Moore Award for the team’s offensive line excellence, also earning Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year honors alongside Yodny Cajuste and Dalton Risner. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Adrian Ealy, OT- Arlington Renegades
Adrian Ealy, a former offensive tackle for Oklahoma, is slated to start at right tackle for the Arlington Renegades, completing the formidable front five alongside Evans and Samia. Ealy, a two-time All-Big 12 selection, served as a starter for the Sooners at the right tackle position for two years. Despite going undrafted, he embarked on his professional journey by signing as a free agent.
Jalen Redmond, DE- Arlington Renegades
Jalen Redmond, a former defensive lineman from Oklahoma, is set to assume the role of starting defensive end for the Arlington Renegades as they prepare for the season opener. Hailing from the Sooner State, Redmond dedicated five years to OU. Throughout his four active seasons, he compiled impressive stats, including 71 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and 36 pass breakups across 36 games.
LaRon Stokes, DT- Arlington Renegades
LaRon Stokes, a former defensive tackle from Oklahoma, is among the former Sooners on the roster of the Arlington Renegades. During his time at OU, Stokes participated in 32 games, starting 15 of them. Across his college career, he amassed 35 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Despite his contributions, Stokes went undrafted after his tenure in Norman.
