With all the excitement about the XFL announcing the first quarterbacks to their respective teams, the Arlington Renegades bring on two quarterbacks to the roster.
During the XFL QB selection show Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that Drew Plitt and Kyle Sloter will be the first two players on the Renegades roster.
The news about Plitt joining was not as much of a surprise as he has been linked to the team in rumors for weeks. Arlington Renegades head coach Bob Stoops spoke highly of Plitt and what he brings to the team.
“We are excited to add Drew Plitt to the Arlington Renegades. Drew had an impressive college career at Ball State and performed well in training camp this year with the Cincinnati Bengals. We look forward to seeing what he can do in the XFL.”
Bob Stoops, Arlington Renegades Head Coach
Sloter is a surprise, especially since he is coming off his season with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL. His experience in the NFL is playing a key role in coach Stoops being excited about getting the veteran on his roster.
“Kyle Sloter is a great addition to our team. He has the size and athleticism that we feel can help him succeed in the XFL. Kyle’s experience with NFL teams and time spent playing spring football will serve him well in our league. We can’t wait to hit the field and get to work.”
Bob Stoops, Arlington Renegades Head Coach
Drew Plitt
Plitt’s college career occurred at Ball State, where he found success after several seasons serving as the backup. During his college career, he threw for 9,061 yards and 68 touchdowns in his five seasons in college. During his career, he also recorded 423 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. His best season came in 2019 when he threw for 2,918 yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 171 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Plitt also led Ball State to their first-ever bowl win in 2020, beating San Jose State in the Arizona Bowl. The win earned him an MVP award for the bowl game.
He went undrafted in the NFL and joined the Cincinnati Bengals for the preseason this season. Plitt completed seven passes for 93 yards and one touchdown in two preseason games with the Bengals. The announced his release on August 23rd during the preseason.
What makes Plitt an intriguing quarterback for the Renegades as he can use his athleticism to make plays with his legs. His strength in the passing game is what he can do by throwing the football down the field 20-plus yards. Should he be the starter, the Renegades will utilize his quick release to run slant plays, as he can make quick decisions with the football.
Kyle Sloter
Many spring football fans will know Sloter from his time with the USFL earlier this year, where he was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Before the USFL, he set records in college with Northern Colorado by throwing 438 yards and six touchdowns in a game against Cal Poly. He recorded 2,656 yards and 29 touchdowns in his final season at school before heading to the NFL.
It was an interesting journey for Sloter in the NFL, where he played for seven NFL teams, including Denver, Minnesota, Arizona, Detroit, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville. He played in the NFL from 2017 until 2022, where he was recently cut from the Jaguars this preseason.
Sloter found success with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL back in the spring/summer, where he threw for 1,798 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games. His play earned him All-USFL team honors, and he led the team to the playoffs with a 6-4 record. The Breakers lost in the playoffs to the eventual USFL champion Birmingham Stallions 31-17.
Sloter is another quarterback who can use his legs to make plays, but it wasn’t shown as much in the USFL as he worked through a lower leg injury throughout the season. He’s got a great arm and makes good decisions with the football. There will be times when he can be a gunslinger with the ball, but those types of plays can play off for Arlington, as he has big play potential.
Analyzing QB Battle Between Sloter and Plitt
Regardless of what happens, this fits the MO of what offensive coordinator Jonathan Hayes wants. It appears that Hayes is rebuilding what he had with the St. Louis BattleHawks back in 2020 with a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs. Both Sloter and Plitt are more than capable of making plays on the ground.
Sloter will have the advantage due to his professional experience, as he has been on professional football teams since 2017. He knows what it takes to prepare like a professional quarterback and, on game day, can keep his team in every game. His strong arm and mobility will make him tough to beat in training camp.
It shouldn’t be a clear sign that Plitt doesn’t have a chance to start, as he proved in the preseason in the NFL that he can play at a high level. He is more than capable of making all the pro throws needed. It’s a matter of developing him and getting him more reps on the field. Either way, both quarterbacks are qualified to start and will make for an interesting training camp battle in January.
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