Hamburg had to have been one of the most disappointing teams of the year in 2023 finishing 4-8 and missing the playoffs. With a reloaded roster, the Sea Devils look to right the ship and bring this team back to a championship game. Let’s break down their roster to see if they have a shot.
The Sea Devils roster consists of 64 players, 4 American imports, and 6 European Imports.
QuarterBack
The Sea Devils had two quarterbacks running the show last year after injuries, but they hope Javarian Smith can take them the distance this year. Smith played at Division II Lake Erie College in the States before joining various leagues around the world including the Allgau Comets from the GFL where he had 44 touchdowns. With a lot of experience playing overseas, he should blend well into the ELF.
RunningBack
One of the major faults of this Sea Devils team was their rushing attack in 2023. Their running backs mustered barely over 500 yards on the ground last year, making this a critical point of emphasis going into the year. They may need some help however, the Sea Devils decided not to touch the backfield, instead sticking with a trio of Jakob Michaelson, Lucas Harting Candido, and Simon Ajuwon Homadi. If this team is going to do something, I would love to see Harting Candido break out this year.
Wide Receiver
At Wide Receiver, just know two names: Jarvis McClam and Theo Landstrom. The American and European imports are fantastic players and played amazing for the Raiders and Dragons last year. Jarvis was one, if not the best player before an injury hampered his production. If he can repeat the form he had in the beginning of the year in 2023, then this offense is going to boom. A player to watch out for is Noah Bomba, who, at only 23 years old, has already played 3 seasons in the ELF with a championship ring.
Offensive Line
Up front, Austine Igba Ujene and Deon Mutsavanemoto will have to fill in for the departures of Robin Fensch and Gerrit Brandt. A player to watch out for is Shalom Baafi. Baafi played at the New Mexico Military Institute in the States and will need to help out this offensive line after key departures.
Defensive Line
The defensive line lost two all-stars from last year in Evans Yeboah and Jan Philip Bombak. They have signed E-import Michael Keshniro, there are some questions around him after struggling to find a team to play for last year. A player who can truly help this team is Zaire Ugapo. At 6 '3 265 pounds, look for Ugapo to wreak havoc on opposing fronts.
Linebacker
In the linebacker room, the team lost their top tackler last year, Matthias Spiegel. To make up for this loss, the team has signed Toby Naylor as an E-import from England. Naylor played college ball at D-III Brevard College and was even a team captain for them. At 23 years old, Naylor should provide some fire for this team.
DefensiveBack
The Sea Devils lose two great defensive backs in Deion Harris and Kevin Fortes but they have loaded up heading into 2024. Lee Pitts (University of Sioux Falls) and Caleb Mills (New Mexico State) will bring great American talent to this team that desperately needs it. Mills was even a NFL minicamp invitee. Dominic Yaw Aboagye-Duah adds some experience to this defensive backfield as well.
Conclusion
On paper, it looks like it’s going to be another rough season for this Sea Devils team. Unless McClam and Smith have a divine connection, I just don’t see this team being very productive in 2024. Too many questions at running back and on the defensive and offensive line to make them a playoff team.
Offseason grade: C
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