The USFL 2023 season opener is set. Brady White has been confirmed as the Memphis Showboats starting quarterback, as the team hosts the Philadelphia Stars this Saturday to kickoff the season.
Brady White will serve as the @USFLShowboats starting quarterback in week one against the @USFLStars, per HC Todd Haley.
Due to White's familiarity with Haley's system, White gets the nod. With that in mind, Willis & Kelley will likely see playing time as well. #USFL pic.twitter.com/B77UqxbPNO
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 11, 2023
To state the obvious here: Case Cookus is clearly the starter in Philadelphia. With that in mind, it means that the USFL’s opening game this weekend will feature Brady White and Case Cookus as the two starting quarterbacks.
USFL & College Experience
Part of the reason why White gets the nod, is simply because he’s had experience with Todd Haley. Brady played for the Tampa Bay Bandits in 2022, but saw limited minutes due to Jordan Ta’amu serving as the starter.
Now, he will lead the Memphis Showboats as they make their USFL debut in 2023. This is an excellent story for the league, because White is a hometown hero in the city.
Brady White taking over as the potential starting QB for @USFLShowboats would be a match made in heaven.@BradyWhite223 was a star in Memphis already. Certainly could be a figure similar to Bo in Birmingham. Another fantastic development for the #USFL. pic.twitter.com/c9alXVawbU
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) November 18, 2022
In three years with the University of Memphis, Brady threw for over 10,000 yards alongside 90 touchdowns. In 2020, he won the William V. Campbell Trophy; which is presented to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance.
OMG look at this absolute beauty of a ball by Brady White to Ryan McDaniel from @NCCU during their scrimmage with the Breakers!! 😍😍#GoBoats #USFL #Showtime #Showboats #MEMPHIS #USFLNetwork
(🎥 Via @USFLShowboats IG) pic.twitter.com/j0VU3KrCJ9— The Captain #GoBoats 10-0 coming 🔜 (@USFL_ShowBoats) April 1, 2023
The Memphis Showboats feature a ton of talent offensively. Rashard Davis, Derrick Dillon, Alex Collins, and plenty of others make up a star-studded offense. With all of this talent at his fingertips, Brady should perform quite well in 2023.
Memphis Competition
Now, White isn’t guaranteed to hold the starting position. The team signed both Cole Kelley and Ryan Willis in the offseason, who are exceptional QB’s in their own regard.
Ryan Willis is a name plenty of spring football fans are familiar with. He won The Spring League’s Mega Bowl in 2021, leading the Linemen to the top. Since then, he’s spent time with the Chicago Bears, before signing with the XFL’s Battlehawks. He’s proven himself as a solid quarterback on this stage before, so expect big things from Willis if his name is called upon.
BREAKING: QB Cole Kelley has signed with the @USFLShowboats. @ColeKelley10 was outstanding at both Arkansas and Southeastern Louisiana.
Now, he has an opportunity to pursue a professional career in the #USFL. Memphis got themselves a star.pic.twitter.com/PSlsvQ4ztP
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 25, 2023
Cole Kelley is also an intriguing prospect. He played fantastic football at Southeastern Louisiana, and is the type of signal caller who can push the ball down the field frequently. It’s pretty remarkable to see the Showboats retain so much depth in their quarterback room.
Final Thoughts
Heading into the 2023 season, the Memphis Showboats have a lot to prove. After missing the playoffs at 4-6 last season (as Tampa Bay), Memphis will look to rewrite their future in the USFL in a new city.
Brady White will make his Showboats debut this Saturday. The Memphis Showboats host the Philadelphia Stars at 4:30pm ET on FOX, to kick off the USFL season.
Is Brady White the right choice as a starter? Will the Memphis Showboats see success with him in the USFL? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
