Going In Depth With The Houston Gamblers: Defensive Unit

During the UFL’s media day, Pro Football Newsroom had the opportunity to speak to several members of the Houston Gamblers. With a brand new coaching staff in place, and a mostly new roster – this group is coming together quickly in Training Camp.

We caught up with a few pieces of this defense – including Defensive Coordinator Marvin Sanders, to discuss how things are going so far.

“Our guys are having fun. That’s where it starts. They’re really locked in and focused with what this team needs to do to try and move this team forward early on. We do have some legitimate talent here. I think, league wide, it’s increased from a talent perspective. It’s going to be tough to cut down. It helps that Camp is a week longer, to help guys get quality reps to decide.” – Marvin Sanders

For Sanders, this is his second year being a DC in the UFL. He worked with the Arlington Renegades for a couple of seasons – and was their sole coordinator a year ago, taking the reins from Jay Hayes. Joining his staff is safeties coach Ted Bolin, who also worked with Arlington a year ago.

“I was able to work a little bit with Coach last year, and we kept talking. It was one of those things that came up late in the year, and he gave me the opportunity. I was all aboard to go do it.” – Ted Bolin

Both Bolin and Sanders have been impressed with the defensive unit’s outlook in camp. We defined Houston as one of our “sleeper teams” last week, after attending their joint practice with the Louisville Kings. They’ve got some pieces who can legitimately get after the quarterback.

Coach Sanders specifically highlighted Lonnie Phelps and Carlton Johnson as a couple of contributors who have stepped up early in camp:

“You look at our linebackers, they’re very talented. It all starts up front, though. Big guys like Rashard [Lawrence], and Malik [Fisher]. Lonnie Phelps has really done a good job the last few days, too. On the back end, I think Carlton Johnson has stepped up. He played sparingly for us last year in Arlington.” – Marvin Sanders

In the secondary, Coach Bolin is pleased with the early scene. Houston signed Eli Walker right before camp began – one of the UFL’s top safeties a year ago with Memphis. They also retained Markel Roby, who’s been a staple of this defense for two seasons.

“I think all of our guys are getting better every day. Between Eli, he flies around really well. Roby, he does a great job of seeing the field. Glendon’s a nice young prospect we’re looking at too. Avery’s doing the same thing. Nico, we coached him last year, so we feel good about our safeties.” – Ted Bolin

One player in particular who stood out to us at practice was DT Kyon Barrs. He was with the Arlington Renegades in 2025, so he’s already familiar with Marvin Sanders’ system. Barrs is going to be a leader for Houston this year, fresh off an NFL opportunity with the Cardinals – where he exceeded expectations.

“Kyon is a very talented player. When you talk about a guys who have run my system before, he kind of stabilizes that defensive front. And, he can explain things about me, and be my mouthpiece for the players.” – Marvin Sanders

Speaking of Sanders’ system, we received some insight on what to expect out of Houston this year. The Gamblers will primarily play a 4-3 style of defense, similar to what we saw out of the Renegades in 2025. Arlington’s D-Line was outstanding last year, and that quality play should carry over to the Gamblers.

“I love his [Sanders’] style of defense – I had the chance to play with him last year, with the Renegades. I love that it’s a 4-3 style defense. The defensive ends go loose on third downs. I was hoping I would be in the same defense before the draft, so I got what I wanted…we’re meshing together very well early. As a defense, we’re moving great, making plays, and feeling very confident.” – DL Ikenna Enechukwu

In the secondary, there will certainly be a high usage of press man coverages, according to former LSU corner Kary Vincent Jr.:

“This pedigree is something that I’m used to. A lot of man being played on the backend. Got a lot of tight-knit coverage guys, which is what you’re going to see from us this season. We’re excited to let loose. I can’t say too much of what we’ve got going on, but we’re excited.” – Kary Vincent Jr.

The Houston Gamblers boast some serious talent defensively. Recognizable names include:

• DE Malik Fisher (DC Defenders, ‘23-25)
• DT Rashard Lawrence (LSU, NFL draft pick)
• LB Marvin Moody (All-UFL)
• LB Anthony Hines III (All-UFL)
• CB Keenan Isaac (Alabama State, multiple NFL stops)

“My goal is to get at least 10 TFL’s this year. That’s the bare minimum. The goal is to reach 20, and win Defensive Player of the Year. I feel like I have that potential, and that’s what I’m working towards.” – Ikenna Enechukwu

So far, this team is coming together nicely, especially on the defensive side of the football. With an experienced, veteran coach in Marvin Sanders, there’s no telling what this unit might be capable of in 2026.

“This year in the UFL, as opposed to other years, there’s definitely a big amount of big name receivers. Guys that I’ve played against, or watched. I think this is the most talent the league has seen in the receiver pool since it started up. I’m excited as a DB to go up against these guys.” – Kary Vincent Jr.

To secure your Houston Gamblers season or single game tickets, click here. The Gamblers will kick off their season on the road in Dallas, taking on the Renegades on March 28th.

What are your thoughts on the Houston Gamblers defense and where it stands right now? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!