17 Year-Old Marist Veres Royal Continues to Make History at UFL Orlando Showcase

Marist Veres Royal after the UFL Orlando Showcase poses with his Halo Protective Helmet Mask

Veres Royal's quest to go pro while just 17, provides valuable experience in preparing for the 2028 NFL Draft

The BeBop Channel Corporation (OTCMKTS:BBOP)

ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The United Football League (UFL) Orlando Showcase held on November 8th attracted about 193 players, many with Power 4 and NFL camp experience, for the pre-UFL Draft event. Competing in the presence of that elite talent was the NCAA Age Record Holder, who, at age 16, became the youngest football player in the NCAA while at Buffalo State. Now at 17, Marist Veres Royal has made the historic move to go pro. His bold move commenced in July with a petition to the UFL to waive its eligibility requirements for the then UFL draft pool, and now the UFL protected free agent pool--following the league's October 15 draft eligibility changes.

The UFL ultimately approved the petition with its granting of Veres Royal's admission to the Orlando and upcoming Arlington, TX Showcases making him the youngest player in modern American history to try out for a professional football league.

Marist says, "I am really thankful to the UFL for the opportunity, and I feel my film at the showcase speaks for itself; that I competed very strongly with guys that have big time college and NFL minicamp experience. The competition is so crowded, though, that I feel I am in a unique position to join the professional ranks by starting now.  I mean, you have 27-year-old seasoned players that are still trying to make it, and I have a 10-year runway. It can make you rethink the college plan if the pros is your goal. And the stuff I learned just yesterday, like catching pro caliber passes, or how you have to do drills a certain way, or how they make you stand when measuring height that can affect your best measurement - things I hadn’t gotten the chance to learn in college."

At 6'3 275lbs, the fullback/jumbo tight end sees a real advantage with his size and hopes teams will see that value to go along with his blocking and pass catching skills. 

After a slight delay in finalizing his paperwork, Marist joined the camp and was really encouraged by league and Orlando Storm personnel.  In a text message Jen Bolden with UFL Social Media, said, she was "excited to be a small part of his journey" while Patrick Austin, UFL Senior Director of Football Operations and a Regional Scout, said that Marist "has a bright future".

While most 17-year-olds are thinking about the 11th grade, Marist is thinking about his professional options --whether he signs with a team this cycle or next year when he is 18-- and his side gig: the patent pending Halo Protective Helmet Mask currently in the final stages of USPTO examination, lowering concussion risk in the sport he loves. 

Follow Marist's Journey and view UFL Showcase clips on X at MaristVRoyal

GREGORY CHARLES ROYAL
The BeBop Channel
+1 917-721-7421