Battlehawks Sign Upper Iowa University OLB Erik Hansen

With the monumental challenge of stopping the four-headed rushing attack of the DC Defenders, the St. Louis Battlehawks decided to bring in some reinforcements. The Battlehawks decided late Tuesday, to bring in Erik Hansen OLB out of Upper Iowa University, in an effort to bolster the team’s versatile Linebacker room.

Hansen went undrafted in 2021, despite working out for NFL scouts in Atlanta, Georgia and at the University of Northern Iowa. He was selected by the Seattle Sea Dragons in the 7th round of the November XFL Draft, allowing him the opportunity to work with former All-Pro Linebacker and NFL Coach Jim Haslett. He was cut by Seattle during their first wave of cuts in February, but remained optimistic that an XFL opportunity would present itself. While at Upper Iowa, Hansen earned Division ll-NSIC South Division First Team Defense selection and in 2019, Hansen was named to the Don Hansen All-America Third Team honors.

The addition of Hansen gives the Battlehawks coaching staff, another versatile linebacker who can fill-in on the EDGE, in addition to playing a more traditional outside linebacker role. With the Defenders passing game improving, it is possible Hansen could be utilized to track down two athletic quarterbacks and assist in keeping the pass rush “fresh” in the Battlehawks week 5 matchup this weekend.