The XFL, set to start on March 30th, has seen some new players signing up. These players, coming from different colleges, are getting ready for the upcoming season. This is a normal part of getting the teams ready and shows the XFL’s plan to bring in new players. It’s an important step for the league as they prepare for the games ahead.
Here is a breakdown of each player.
Nate Meadors – DB – UCLA – STL
- Background: Nathan Malik Meadors, born February 13, 1997, is a safety who has recently signed with St. Louis BattleHawks. A UCLA alumnus, Meadors showcased his skills as a formidable defender during his college tenure.
- College Highlights: At UCLA, Meadors played for four seasons, demonstrating exceptional defensive capabilities. In his junior year, he led the Bruins with nine passes broken up and achieved 55 tackles and an interception, which was notably returned for a touchdown. His senior year saw him recording 37 tackles, three passes defended, and one interception across 10 games.
- Career Overview: Meadors’ collegiate career statistics are impressive, with 149 tackles, 22 passes broken up, and three interceptions in 42 games (30 starts). This performance highlights his consistent defensive presence on the field.
- Professional Prospects: Joining the St. Louis BattleHawks in 2023 he finshed the season with 30 tackles. Meadors brings a robust defensive skill set, promising to be a significant contributor to the team’s defensive strategies.
B.J. Wilson – OL – Quincy – HOU
- Background: B.J. Wilson, an offensive lineman from Quincy University, signed with the Carolina Panthers before graduating with his MBA. His signing marked a milestone as Quincy University’s first NFL signee.
- College Achievements: Wilson’s career at Quincy was marked by consistent excellence. He received All-GLVC honors in his last three seasons, including two first-team honors. His performance significantly contributed to the Hawks’ offensive successes.
- Leadership and Recognition: Known for his leadership qualities and character, Wilson was a five-year starter due to a COVID extension and holds the record for the most starts (45) at Quincy University. His abilities on the field and his leadership have been highly praised.
- Professional Potential: With spots on three watchlists, including the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 and Reese’s Senior Bowl, Wilson’s potential for professional success is evident. His selection for the Shrine Bowl 1000 as the sole representative from his conference further underscores his capabilities.
Kade Warner – WR – Kansas State – HOU
- Background: Born on September 29, 1998, Kade Warner is a wide receiver who played college football at Nebraska and Kansas State. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.
- Early Life and High School: Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona, Warner was a multi-sport athlete at Desert Mountain High School. In football, he earned all-state honors twice and broke the state record for career receptions. Despite his high school success, he received no scholarship offers for college football.
- College Career: Warner’s college career faced challenges, including an injury in his first year. He showed resilience, eventually earning a starting role at Nebraska and transferring to Kansas State for his final year. At Kansas State, Warner was a team captain and posted a career-high 46 receptions for 456 yards with five touchdowns in his final year.
- Professional Outlook: Warner’s journey has been marked by determination and skill development. His experiences at both Nebraska and Kansas State have prepared him for a promising future in professional football.
Jaylen Samuels – RB – North Carolina State – HOU
- Background: Jaylen Samuels, born July 20, 1996, is a versatile running back/slotback who played college football at North Carolina State University.
- College Achievements: During his time at North Carolina State, Samuels showcased his adaptability by playing various positions including running back, fullback, wide receiver, and tight end. He set a record for career receptions at NC State with 201, and finished his college career with 1,851 receiving yards, 1,107 rushing yards, and 47 total touchdowns.
- Professional Journey: Samuels was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the 14th running back drafted that year.
- Recent Development: In 2021, Samuels signed with the Houston Texans’ practice squad and made appearances in three games during the season.
Seth Green – WR – Houston
- Profile: Seth Green is a wide receiver who played college football at the University of Houston. Hailing from Woodbury, MN, he stands at 6-4 and weighs 240 pounds.
- College Performance: While at Houston, Green demonstrated his capabilities as a receiver, recording 13 receptions for 157 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns.
- Player Rating and Rank: Green received a player rating of 53.0/100 and was ranked 75th in his position as a wide receiver.
Tom Flacco – QB – Towson – HOU
- Background: Tom Patrick Flacco, born November 2, 1994, is a former quarterback and current assistant coach for the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens. He attended Western Michigan, Rutgers, and Towson, showcasing his talent in both football and baseball. He is the brother of NFL QB Joe Flacco.
- College Highlights: Flacco’s starting college career began in 2018 with Towson Tigers, where he excelled in multiple FCS categories, tying the Towson single season record with 28 passing touchdowns. He was named CAA Offensive Player of the Year and earned HERO Sports Third Team honors.
- Notable Achievements: In 2019, Flacco finished 13th in voting for the Walter Payton award and was a finalist in two separate seasons – a first for a Towson player. In his two seasons with Towson, he ranked third in their history for passing touchdowns with 50.
Jean Delance – OL – Florida – HOU
- Profile: Jean Delance, standing at 6-5 and weighing 296 pounds, is an offensive tackle (OT) from the University of Florida.
- College Performance: During his time at Florida, Delance established himself as a notable player in his position. His draft profile in 2022 included a 40-yard dash time of 5.26 seconds.
- Outlook: Delance’s size and speed suggest he has the potential to be an effective player for Houston, offering solid protection on the offensive line.
Rashaad Coward – DL – Old Dominion – HOU
- Background: Rashaad Coward, born November 6, 1994, is an offensive tackle who previously played as a defensive end at Old Dominion.
- Professional Journey: Coward signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He was later moved to the offensive line in 2018. Coward has also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Atlanta Falcons.
- Recent Development: On August 8, 2023, Coward signed with the Houston Texans but was released later that month, on August 29, 2023.
Christian Sam – LB – Arizona State – ARL
- Background: Christian Sam, born June 7, 1996, is a linebacker who played college football at Arizona State. In 2017, he led the Pac-12 with 127 tackles and 87 solo tackles.
- Early Life: Sam grew up in Allen, Texas, and played high school football at Allen High School. He was named the Defensive MVP of the 2013 Texas state championship game.
- College Highlights: As a redshirt junior in 2017, Sam not only led the Pac-12 in tackles but was also named First Team All-League by the Associated Press and Honorable Mention All-Pac-12. He declared for the 2018 NFL Draft following his impressive season.
- Professional Experience: Sam was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was placed on the injured reserve list at the end of the preseason during the team’s Super Bowl LIII season and was part of the team when they won the Super Bowl.
Jake Lacina – OL – Augustana – ARL
- Profile: Jake Lacina, a 2019 senior from Augustana University, played as an offensive lineman. He stands 6’4″ tall and weighs 300 lbs.
- College Achievements: Lacina was recognized as a Consensus All-America selection and won the 2019 Rimington Award Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top center.
- Career Progression: Lacina was drafted into the new United States Football League, initially joining the New Jersey Generals. His performance at Augustana, particularly during his senior year, highlighted his skills as a leading center.
Bobby Evans – OL – Oklahoma – ARL
- Background: Bobby Evans Jr., an offensive tackle and free agent, played college football at the University of Oklahoma.
- Professional Career: Evans was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He won his first Super Bowl ring with the Rams in Super Bowl LVI.
- Recent Developments: After being released by the Rams on December 31, 2022, Evans joined the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad in January 2023. He re-signed with the Vikings in July 2023 but was released in August. He then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 13, 2023, but was released later that month.
Player Signing Summary
- Nate Meadors: DB, St. Louis BattleHawks, UCLA
- B.J. Wilson: OL, Houston, Quincy
- Kade Warner: WR, Houston, Kansas State
- Jaylen Samuels: RB, Houston, North Carolina State
- Seth Green: WR, Houston, University of Houston
- Tom Flacco: QB, Houston, Towson
- Jean Delance: OL, Houston, University of Florida
- Rashaad Coward: DL, Houston, Old Dominion
- Christian Sam: LB, Arizona State, Arlington
- Jake Lacina: OL, Arlington, Augustana University
- Bobby Evans: OL, Arlington, University of Oklahoma
