The Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League (USFL) announced the signing of two promising free agent players to bolster their roster. Running back Ezra Gray from Alabama State and offensive tackle Darta Lee from UTEP have been added to the team, while cornerback Josh Nurse and offensive guard Malik Clark have been released. Gray was recently released by the New Orleans Breakers.
Ezra Gray, a solid running back from Alabama State, boasts impressive college stats with 100 carries, 401 yards, two touchdowns, and an average of 4.0 yards per carry. Gray is expected to bring a new level of speed and agility to the Showboats’ running game. However, it should be noted that Gray has been transferred to the inactive roster along with Darta Lee.
Darta Lee, a versatile offensive tackle, brings a wealth of experience from his time at UTEP. In his redshirt senior year, Lee started five of the six games he appeared in and was instrumental in UTEP’s rushing attack, which scored 16 touchdowns and surpassed 1,000 yards on the season. Lee’s presence on the field contributed to a rushing offense that averaged 138.9 yards per game.
Lee’s redshirt junior year saw him start five games at left tackle, playing in nine games overall. He played a crucial role in helping Treyvon Hughes score 12 rushing touchdowns, as the Miners averaged 138.2 yards per game on the ground. During Lee’s junior year, he played in two games before a season-ending injury led to his redshirting for the season.
Before joining UTEP, Lee played on the offensive line at Kilgore College in 2017 and at the University of Illinois in 2016. As a three-star recruit at Hightower High School in Missouri City, Texas, Lee was ranked among the top 55 offensive guards nationally by 247 Sports (No. 45) and ESPN.com (No. 52). He was named First Team All-State by the Texas Associated Press sports editors and played for Team USA U-19 National Football team in the 2016 International Bowl.
The Memphis Showboats are undoubtedly excited to have these two talented players on their roster, and fans can expect a more dynamic and competitive team as a result. With the new season on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how these signings impact the Showboats’ overall performance.
