April 19, 2024
By Callum Ng
While the roster evolves in New York, out west, the Salt Lake Shred return for 2024 with a nearly identical reproduction of last season’s runner-up squad.
Jordan Kerr brings back his scoring knack after a season where his completion percentage jumped from 92.9 percent to 94.4 percent. Entering only his fourth UFA season, Kerr has been in the mix for a major award in each of the last two campaigns. He was the runner-up for Most Improved in 2022 and upgraded to MVP finalist last year.
If the parity between the Shred and New York has improved—based on the Empire losing both Jeff Babbitt and Ryan Osgar—then an MVP-quality Kerr season stands as a lever to crank the balance further in Salt Lake’s favour.
Jace Duennebeil’s devilish grin and askew snapback became a fixture in the end zone last season. He rocketed to 50 goals over 15 games vastly improving on 14 goals in eight appearances in 2022. His efforts earned him the Most Improved Player award. Another gear shift, and the Shred could have a leading goal scorer on their hands.
The relative elevation in mountainous Salt Lake provides a physical challenge for visiting teams. We all remember New York’s jersey matching oxygen cans last season. Will Selfridge’s youthful pop also challenges the legs of invaders and his third season is a chance to develop that threat. Starring in all 15 Shred games he turned in 37 scores (goals + assists) in 2023 and that contribution will likely rise this season.
Two of the most talked about games last year included the Shred and Empire. In week 12, both squads were undefeated and New York won “Spikegate” without much trouble. The next meeting was for the UFA title and the Empire cruised to a 19-12 victory. One of the most obvious areas of superiority for New York was their depth. They trotted out almost two full lines on either side of the disc with regularity. It’s clear that any challenger has to match that onslaught of skill.
One measure of an athlete is how much better they make each individual teammate. A coach’s impact rests on how they harness a team of individuals.
Coach of the Year Bryce Merrill has a parade of potential he could use to mimic New York’s now bruised depth. The steady veteran Grant Lindsley has been a 95-plus percent passer in his pro career. Meantime, Luke Yorgason carried the bulk of the throwing yards while connecting with O-line starters Sean Connole, Sean Connole, and 2023 All-UFA selection Jacob Miller. There’s also the triple Yorgason effect, with Chad and McKay also capable of producing scores.
In 2024, the most anticipated regular season game might be held in New Rochelle, NY when the Shred visit the Empire on June 29 in a midseason “Super Series” showdown. After that, who knows, sport is chaos. But if we do get an epic championship rematch in August, the Shred will have a chance to raise the trophy at home in Salt Lake. The rest of the UFA might as well place the oxygen can order now.
