On Monday, two more defensive players signed UFL contracts. DT Brandon Matterson signed with the Memphis Showboats, while LB John Petrishen was added to the St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker room.
DT Brandon Matterson | Memphis Showboats
The Memphis Showboats have also added DT Brandon Matterson, per the wire.
Brandon played his college football at UTSA, totaling 101 tackles & 7.5 sacks. He had NFL opportunities with the Bucs & Broncos. #UFL https://t.co/oqWrBuDje3
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 28, 2025
DT Brandon Matterson joins Memphis as they look to completely revamp this defensive unit ahead of the UFL season. Memphis had, statistically, the worst defense in the UFL a year ago. Under new GM Jim Monos, and a new Defensive Coordinator (soon to be announced), the Showboats are expecting a more cohesive group in 2025.
Brandon Matterson had a lengthy college career at UTSA, which was extended due to COVID. He played there for six years, seeing some time as a starter during the final few seasons. Matterson posted 101 tackles and 7.5 sacks with UTSA. His five sacks as a senior earned him Third-Team All American honors.
Memphis Showboats are signing DT Brandon Matterson from @UTSAFTBL
Matterson started 20 games and played in 59 for UTSA, recording 100 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, three FF's and a PBU during that span, including 5.0 sacks in 2023.
Signed by the Denver Broncos as an UDFA in… pic.twitter.com/QP8YqcVrPo
— The Captain (BRAND NEW BOATS 0-0) (@BrandonUFM) January 28, 2025
In 2024, Brandon signed with the Denver Broncos as an UDFA. He was waived in early August, but was picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – and remained there for a couple of weeks.
Now, Matterson will take his talents to the UFL, signing with the Memphis Showboats. Brandon is the second new DT to join this Showboats roster, with former Maulers DT Boogie Roberts signing a couple of months ago.
LB John Petrishen | St. Louis Battlehawks
The St. Louis Battlehawks have signed LB John Petrishen, per the wire.
In a corresponding move, they've released LB Drew Lewis. #UFL
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 28, 2025
For the St. Louis Battlehawks, they’ve mostly got their roster put together for the upcoming UFL season. As they make their final tweaks, the Battlehawks have made a move at linebacker. They have signed John Petrishen, while releasing Drew Lewis as a corresponding move.
John Petrishen had a long college career of his own. He played at Penn State for a few years, but hardly saw any action at all. In 16 games, Petrishen totaled eight tackles. John was primarily a reserve safety and special teams contributor there.
He then transferred to Pittsburgh, spending three years with the Panthers. Across the first two, John once again remained as a special teams player, with limited time at linebacker. However, during his senior season in 2021, John broke out and had an excellent campaign, with 74 tackles, 8.5 TFL’s, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions. Petrishen impressed at his Pro Day with Pitt, running a 4.57 40 yard dash.
Since then, John has been looking for an opportunity to play pro football. He’s had a bit of interest from some NFL teams, but hasn’t gotten a chance to prove himself in a camp. John also had a short stint in the CFL with Winnipeg. That all changes now, as Dave Boller and the St. Louis Battlehawks are providing John with exactly that.
Week 5 Performance
LB John Petrishen – Pittsburgh
• 5 Tackles
• 1 Tackle for Loss
• 1 Pick Six
• 1 PBU pic.twitter.com/fO3SpkuGQq— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) October 5, 2021
In other news, Drew Lewis has been released by St. Louis. Drew is a spring football veteran, having stints with a few teams across the last several years. Lewis was with the Battlehawks this past season, contributing as a depth piece and special teams starter.
What are your thoughts on the Memphis Showboats signing Brandon Matterson? Will John Petrishen make this Battlehawks roster? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
