UFL Racks Up on Established NFL Football Talent

Maybe you have caught a game on Versus, maybe not. Regardless, the UFL is now well into its inaugural season and as expected, reviews are definitely mixed. This start-up organization appears to be content with its "minor-league" status and has opted not to stray to far from its much bigger brother regarding the rules either - smart moves considering the abrupt failure of the seriously modified XFL.

The big question being posed now is whether or not this league can actually turn a profit. It is hard to give an answer one way or another at this point, but one quick glance at any of the four UFL rosters (yes, there are only four teams...) will likely reveal a name or two you may be familiar with.

Among these recognizable names is that of a "Losman", and I think it is safe to say that without the signing of this guy the UFL may not have been hyped up half as much as it would have been without him. His name and former draft status alone carried much of the press attention in the leagues earliest days, and along with the acquisition of a number of other relatively "high profile" players, the UFL has managed to earn a sliver of respect from NFL fans. Now, UFL executives hope that this name recognition and "respect" can lead to the appearance of those often-elusive dollar signs.

Lets take a look at a few of these "top shelf" UFL athletes...

Brooks Bollinger - Florida Tuskers QB
A career NFL backup who posted solid numbers during his college career at Wisconsin. Not exactly an impact player at the professional level, he seems to have found a perfect spot with the Florida Tuskers who boast not one, not two but three former legitimate NFL contributors at running back. The less Bollinger throws, the better off he will be.

Teddy Lehman - Las Vegas Locomotives LB
Butkis winner... Bednarik winner... All-American... These awards don't just get handed out; you have to crack some serious skulls just to earn a spot as a finalist for these individual college trophies. Lehman not only racked up some metal in college, he ended up being drafted as one of the top linebackers early in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft. I don't care if this guy didn't thrive with the big boys, he will absolutely dominate in this new league.

Tim Rattay - Las Vegas Locomotives QB
One of the best college passers of all time (I know this may sound ridiculous but check the stats, surprised me too), Rattay earned a spot as an NFL starter on more than one occasion. He is not exactly someone you could refer to as a "big guy", but he has the passing ability and a good enough stable of receivers to be successful in the UFL.

Michael Pittman - Florida Tuskers RB
Super Bowl winning former NFL running back; what more could you ask for right? Well, that was in 2002 and things have changed a bit since then. While he may not have the ability to suit up in the NFL anymore, this guy is still a big punishing back with a few good UFL years left. Look for him to put up good numbers despite his running style and age.

J.P. Losman - Las Vegas Locomotives QB / Headliner / Superman
Losman is the UFL's golden boy as well as a former first round draft choice in the NFL. After a few bumpy years in Buffalo, Losman has moved on in hopes he can help lead this league and his new team to success. Considering how many picks he threw in the NFL, don't expect him to blow anyone out of the water. Then again, he only has three other teams to study tape on. Makes me wonder though, after forking out the big bucks for Losman, can the Locos even afford to stock a film room?

Ricky Manning Jr. - Florida Tuskers DB / Brawler
This former third round NFL draft pick is less known for his coverage ability and more for his well-publicized assault incidents. Hopefully this guy can keep himself in check long enough to finish out a season without being suspended for hitting someone in a bar. Keep it on the field Ricky, come on.

Ingle Martin - New York Sentinels QB
Finally, someone not playing for the Tuskers. Martin was taken in the fifth round of the NFL draft in 2006 and never really amounted to much in the big league. He bounced around a bit as a back up, but never really found a home. He seems to thrive on taking steps down though; he started his college career at Florida and ended it at Furman... Seems like the NFL to UFL step might be just what the doctor ordered.

DeDe Dorsey - Las Vegas Locomotives RB
Dorsey should be put on this list with an asterisk next his name considering that he is probably best known for being featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks". According to NFL.com, he has only run for a total of 191 yards since 2006 (he did manage to snag up a Super Bowl ring with the Colts though). Good luck getting much love in the running game though DeDe, I have a feeling Losman is going be quite pass happy out there this year.

Shaud Williams - Florida Tuskers RB
Really, another Tusker running back? Shaud Williams had a successful career at Alabama before being signed by the Bills. He played in a few games over the course of his short-lived career in Buffalo and even managed to make it into the painted turf a couple of times. At 5'7" on a good day, Williams may not have been cut out for the NFL, but hopefully he can find a permanent spot hiding behind offensive lineman in Florida.

"DeDe Dorsey" NFL.com