The United Soccer League has named former HBCU quarterback Shannon Harris, now head coach of the DC Defenders, because the 2025 UFL Buddy Teevens Coach of the 12 months. As a former quarterback at Tennessee State, Harris made his mark in 2001. That 12 months, he set a faculty document for complete offense in a season with 3,137 yards.
Harris Took Over in March
Harris turned interim head coach of the Defenders on March 23. He changed Reggie Barlow, who left to teach at Tennessee State College.
Underneath Harris, the Defenders posted a 6-4 regular-season document. They earned a spot within the XFL Convention Championship Sport, then beat the St. Louis Battlehawks 36-18 to advance to the UFL Championship Sport.
Robust Begin to the Season
DC opened the season with an 18-11 win over the defending champions, the Birmingham Stallions. In that sport, the staff recorded a franchise-high eight sacks.
The Defenders went 4-1 of their first 5 video games. Notable victories included wins over:
Memphis Showboats (17-12)
St. Louis Battlehawks (27-15)
Arlington Renegades (37-33)
They clinched a playoff spot in Week 8 with a 33-30 win over Arlington at Audi Area in Washington, D.C.
HBCU standout Chris Rowland reveals versatility
Former HBCU standout Chris Rowland was named to the 2025 All-UFL Workforce as a large receiver and return specialist for the DC Defenders. It’s a well-deserved honor for probably the most electrifying gamers in spring soccer this season. Rowland additionally performed collegiately at Tennessee State.
Rowland made his presence felt all 12 months lengthy, persistently flipping discipline place and creating massive performs for the Defenders. As a return specialist, he was a prime ten performer in each punt return yardage and kickoff returns. Rowland averaged 21.9 yards on kickoff returns and 10.9 yards for punt returns.
However Rowland wasn’t simply harmful on particular groups—he additionally proved to be a dependable goal on offense. As a large receiver, he’s rated because the second-best cross catcher within the league with 42 receptions for 522 yards and three touchdowns within the common season. His means to get open in area and make defenders miss added one other dynamic layer to the Defenders’ offensive assault.
Jordan Ta’amu Shines
Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu had a standout season. He’s a finalist for the 2025 UFL MVP award.
Ta’amu led the UFL in:
Passing yards (2,294)
Passing touchdowns (17)
He ranked 2nd in complete yards (2,333) whereas taking part in 9 out of ten video games. Underneath his lead, DC completed No. 1 in complete offense with 3,454 yards.
DC’s Dominant Protection
DC additionally stood out on protection. The staff ranked among the many greatest within the UFL in a number of key classes:
1st in tackles for loss (59)
Tied 1st in takeaways (17)
Tied 2nd in compelled fumbles (9)
third in sacks (22)
Tied third in interceptions (7)
What’s Subsequent
The 2025 UFL season wraps up with the Championship Sport on Saturday, June 14, at 8 p.m. ET. The sport takes place at The Dome at America’s Heart in St. Louis and can air stay on ABC. A win by the Defenders would make Harris the primary coach who graduated from an HBCU to win a sports activities championship on the skilled stage.
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