Keidron Smith – Defensive Back – Kentucky – Orlando Guardians
Keidron Smith, a 24-year-old defensive back, has showcased his skills at the University of Kentucky. Initially undrafted, Smith was picked up by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent but faced the setback of being waived during roster cuts. He spent time with the Washington Commanders’ practice squad before joining the Orlando Guardians.
At Kentucky he achieved 47 tackles (32 solo), two interceptions, four pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His four-year tenure at Ole Miss finished, with 224 tackles (131 solo), five interceptions, 19 pass deflections, eight tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles. He was named Second-Team All-SEC in his final season.
Connor Blumrick – Quarterback – Virginia Tech – Arlington Renegades
During his final season at Virginia Tech, he played as a tight end, where he made eight receptions totaling 88 yards. Before his time at Virginia Tech, Blumrick was part of the Texas A&M program, where he contributed in various capacities, including as an emergency quarterback and on special teams. His versatile background in different positions demonstrates his adaptability and skill set as he transitions to the quarterback role for the Renegades.
Connor Degenhardt – Quarterback – New Haven – Arlington Renegades
Connor Degenhardt showcased his skills at the University of New Haven. During the 2021-2022 seasons, Degenhardt amassed an impressive 4,373 passing yards, 47 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. Standing at 6’6″, his tall frame presents a potential asset for Bob Stoops’ offense. Degenhardt, originally from Westford, Massachusetts, and an alumnus of Westford Academy, distinguished himself as the only quarterback and Division II selection for the Renegades in the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft.
Juwan Manigo – Wide Receiver – Delaware Valley – Arlington Renegades
Juwan Manigo joins the Arlington Renegades after three productive seasons at Delaware Valley University, where he recorded 62 receptions, 960 yards, and eight touchdowns over 35 games. His best season was in 2019, with 33 catches for 492 yards and four touchdowns. Manigo then excelled in Mexico’s LFA league with the Caudillos, leading the league in receiving and total yards, and winning the 2022 Soy-Fam MVP.
Tyler Roberts – Tight End – Merrimack – Arlington Renegades
Tyler Roberts brings versatility to the Arlington Renegades, having played multiple positions during his college career at Merrimack. Initially a linebacker/defensive back hybrid, Roberts recorded 54 tackles and recovered two fumbles in 2018. He transitioned to tight end in 2019, starting all 11 games and recording three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. Roberts’s breakout season came in 2021, catching 52 passes for 535 yards and six touchdowns, earning him NEC First Team All-Conference honors. His post-college journey included an NFL mini-camp stint in Kansas City before signing with the XFL.
CJ Johnson – Wide Receiver – East Carolina – D.C. Defenders
CJ Johnson, now with the D.C. Defenders, proved his mettle at East Carolina as a four-year letter winner. Starting 38 of his 46 career games, Johnson was a two-time All-American Athletic Conference selection in 2019 and 2022. His collegiate achievements include 175 receptions for 2,849 yards, an impressive 16.3 yards per catch. Notably, Johnson set the ECU single-game receiving yards record (283 yards against Cincinnati in 2019) and tied the ECU and AAC single-game records with four touchdown catches against South Florida in 2022. His senior year culminated in a Second-Team All-AAC selection, marking career-highs in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions per game.
Preston Williams – Wide Receiver – Colorado State – D.C. Defenders
Preston Williams, also joining the D.C. Defenders, showcased his talents at Colorado State after transferring from Tennessee. Despite sitting out a year due to NCAA eligibility rules, Williams earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in his junior season. His remarkable stats included 96 receptions for 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns. Opting to forgo his final year of eligibility, Williams entered the 2019 NFL Draft. While his draft prospects were initially high, various factors, including disappointing testing numbers and character concerns, led to him going undrafted. Williams’ college career highlights his capability to make an impact on the field.
Teez Tabor – Defensive Back – Florida – Houston Roughnecks
Tabor played college football at Florida, where he was a standout player. He participated in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2014, recording 31 tackles, an interception, and two sacks. In the following years, he earned first-team All-SEC selections in both 2015 and 2016, showcasing his skill and consistency. Tabor entered the 2017 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the second round by the Detroit Lions. His professional career before joining the XFL included stints with several NFL teams.
Ed Lee – Wide Receiver – Rhode Island – Orlando Guardians
Ed Lee, a wide receiver from Rhode Island, has signed with the Orlando Guardians. He demonstrated consistent improvement throughout his college career. In his senior season, Lee tallied 908 receiving yards and five touchdowns, earning All-CAA Football Honors. His notable achievements include a 63-yard touchdown, showcasing his ability to make significant plays. Lee’s talent caught the attention of the New England Patriots during the preseason, and now he takes his professional aspirations to the XFL with Orlando.
Keidron Smith – Defensive Back – Kentucky – Orlando Guardians
Keidron Smith, formerly of the Miami Dolphins and a standout at Kentucky, has found a new opportunity with the Orlando Guardians. Smith’s college career at Kentucky was noteworthy enough to attract attention from the NFL, despite going undrafted. He joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent and later spent time on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad. His perseverance and skills on the defensive end have now led him to the Orlando Guardians in the XFL, marking a significant step in his professional career.
Roderick Young – Defensive Lineman – North Texas – Orlando Guardians
Roderick Young, a defensive lineman from North Texas, brings a robust collegiate record to the Orlando Guardians. His tenure at North Texas was marked by consistent performance, including 30 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 2018, and starting all 14 games in 2017 with 48 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 2.0 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries, earning all-conference honorable mention. In 2016, he posted 38 total tackles with a half sack and three-and-a-half tackles for loss. Young’s addition to the Guardians adds depth and experience to their defensive line.
Keishawn Bierria- Linebacker – Washington – San Antonio Brahmas
Keishawn Bierria professional journey includes stints in the NFL with Denver and Arizona, as well as a season in the CFL with Edmonton, where he recorded 50 tackles in 2021. Bierria, known for his strong performance at Washington, brings a wealth of professional experience to San Antonio. His return to the United States marks an effort to revitalize his career in the XFL.
Christopher Dunn – Kicker – North Carolina St – San Antonio Brahmas
Christopher Dunn, a standout kicker from North Carolina State and the 2022 Lou Groza Award winner, has signed with the San Antonio team in the XFL. During his college career, he achieved a field goal success rate of over 84%. Despite being undrafted, Dunn briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams, competing for a position but was released in June.
Evan Heim – Offensive Line – Minnesota St-Mankato – San Antonio Brahmas
Evan Heim, an offensive lineman from Minnesota State-Mankato, has signed a letter of intent with the San Antonio team in the XFL. During his college career, Heim was a consistent starter, playing in all 54 games for the Mavericks. He graduated with a finance degree in December 2019. Heim’s signing adds depth and reliability to the offensive line of the San Antonio team, bringing his collegiate experience and consistency to the XFL.
Jamir Jones – Defensive line – Notre Dame- San Antonio Brahmas
Jamir Jones, a defensive lineman from Notre Dame, has joined the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL. During his tenure at Notre Dame, Jones appeared in 55 games over four seasons, making a significant impact in his senior year with 50 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Following his college career, Jones spent time with the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL.
Corey Mayfield – Defensive Back – UTSA – San Antonio Brahmas
Corey Mayfield, a talented defensive back from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), has signed a letter of intent with the San Antonio Brahmas for the 2024 season. Mayfield had an outstanding senior season at UTSA, compiling 63 tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions. After his college career, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent but did not make the final roster cuts. Mayfield’s signing with the Brahmas adds a promising playmaker to their defense.
Boogie Roberts – Defensive Line – San Jose State – San Antonio Brahmas
Boogie Roberts, a defensive lineman from San Jose State, has signed with the San Antonio Brahmas. A notable player in the USFL, Roberts spent the last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Maulers, where he was recognized for his excellent play, finishing the 2023 season with 32 tackles and three sacks. Roberts was also part of the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL in 2020. His return to the XFL with the Brahmas adds a significant boost to their defensive lineup.
Stevie Scott III – Running Back – Indiana – San Antonio Brahmas
Stevie Scott III, a running back from Indiana, has been signed by the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL. Scott played college football at Indiana, where he showcased his skills as a powerful runner. His experience and abilities will be valuable assets for the Brahmas’ offense.
Ja’Marcus Bradley – Wide Receiver – Louisiana – St. Louis Battlehawks
Ja’Marcus Bradley, a wide receiver from Louisiana, has signed a letter of intent with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Bradley made a significant impact at Louisiana, accumulating 2,359 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, particularly excelling in his final two seasons. His performance earned him a stint with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, where he caught nine passes for 124 yards in eight games. Bradley’s addition to the Battlehawks provides a quality rotational option for the team’s receiver corps.
Montrae Braswell – Defensive Back – Missouri State – St. Louis Battlehawks
Montrae Braswell, a defensive back from Missouri State, has signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks. In his college career, Braswell recorded 129 tackles, a sack, and seven interceptions over three seasons at Missouri State, following a two-year stint at Central Michigan. He also brings valuable experience as a return specialist. Braswell’s NFL preseason experience with the Seattle Seahawks further highlights his potential as a key addition to the Battlehawks’ defense.
Prince Charles Iworahl – Defensive Back – Western Kentucky – St. Louis Battlehawks
Prince Charles Iworah, a defensive back from Western Kentucky, has signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Iworah, who has NFL experience with Washington and San Francisco, has been active in spring football for several years, playing with the Conquerors in The Spring League in 2021 and the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL’s 2022 season.
Anthony Witherstone – Defensive Back – Merrimack – St. Louis Battlehawks
Anthony Witherstone, a defensive back from Merrimack, has signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Witherstone had an extended college career, playing for six years at Merrimack, with significant contributions in the latter part of his tenure. He started in 17 of his final 21 games, amassing 48 tackles and three interceptions. After a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs during the preseason, Witherstone now joins the Battlehawks ahead of the 2024 season.
