It’s been an exciting offseason for the St. Louis Battlehawks, and Head Coach Anthony Becht couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when asked about two of the team’s new signings: wide receivers Andy Isabella and Denzel Mims. Both players bring solid experience and a real chance to add some firepower to the team’s already strong wide receiver group. As a fan of the team myself I am VERY excited for this season.

“I’m excited about both those guys,” Becht shared. “For me, it’s all about competition. We want the best pieces for our offense, and these are two huge additions for us.”

The Story Behind Andy Isabella

If you’ve followed college football, you probably know Andy Isabella. This guy led the nation back in 2018, racking up 141.5 receiving yards per game while at UMass. Drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals, he spent almost four seasons in the NFL and suited up in 41 games. Becht sees Isabella as a major talent who just needs the right platform to shine.

“He’s still a very good player,” Becht said. “Sometimes players get lost in the NFL shuffle and just need another shot.”

Isabella is currently on the Steelers practice squad, but the Battlehawks hold his rights, so there’s always a chance he could be back in St. Louis soon. Becht seems ready, saying, “We’ll be waiting with open arms if and when he returns.”

A Platform for Talent

This approach of giving players a second chance at the spotlight is core to how Becht and Battlehawks General Manager Dave Boller are building the team. They’re specifically looking for guys who’ve been close to securing an NFL spot but haven’t quite stuck yet. Becht’s pitch to these players? The Battlehawks are the perfect place to showcase your skills and work your way back up.

“We’re here to fill those gaps, to help players improve each week so that they reach their goals,” Becht explained. “Whether they want to stay with us long-term or get back to the NFL, we’re helping them grow.”

A Versatile Offense Inspired by the NFL

The Battlehawks plan to run a hybrid West Coast offense, drawing inspiration from teams like the Bengals, Packers, Chiefs, and Rams. Becht and Offensive Coordinator Bruce Gradkowski are tailoring the playbook to fit their players’ strengths, and it’s worked out well with past players like Hakeem Butler and Darrius Shepherd.

“When we put in the playbook, we’re showing clips from those NFL teams,” Becht said. “But we make it our own. We’ll keep looking for the best players and set them up to shine.”

Denzel Mims Gets His Shot

Denzel Mims, a second-round pick by the Jets in 2020, is another intriguing addition to the Battlehawks. Mims was an All-Big 12 player at Baylor, but his NFL journey has been a bit bumpy, with stops in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville. Becht has known Mims since his college days and is excited to give him the opportunity to reignite his career.

“He’s been working hard to get another chance,” said Becht. “Now that he’s with us, it’s up to him to make the most of it.”

A New Threat on Defense: Kemoko Turay

In addition to the wide receiver signings, the Battlehawks have added outside linebacker Kemoko Turay, a former Freshman All-American from Rutgers. Drafted by the Colts in 2018, Turay has shown he can get to the quarterback, and Becht is thrilled to add his pass-rushing talent to the team.

“He’s a long, stand-up rusher who can really bring the heat,” said Becht. “With him, we add more depth and competition on defense, which only makes us stronger.”

As the 2025 UFL season opener approaches on March 28th, Becht and Boller are hard at work finalizing the Battlehawks roster. They’re building a team hungry to prove themselves, with NFL-level talent and a commitment to improving every week.

For fans ready to see these exciting new signings in action, season tickets are available at UFLBattlehawks.com/tickets starting at just $18 per game. Don’t miss what’s shaping up to be a thrilling season for the Battlehawks!