Following the earlier wave of 53 XFL players earning invites to NFL training camps, another set of four players have now joined the ranks. The updated list includes Jalan McClendon, Jordan Williams, Jaryd Jones-Smith, and Michael Bandy. This brings the total count to 57, and with the XFL Championship game set for May 13th in San Antonio, this figure is expected to increase even further.
Jalan McClendon (VGS to BUF)
Jalan McClendon, the notable quarterback from the Vegas Vipers, is among the latest batch to receive an invite. McClendon displayed impressive skill on the field, completing 67 out of his 112 passing attempts, accumulating a total of 873 yards. He also demonstrated an outstanding touchdown-to-interception ratio, with five touchdowns against just one interception. His performance has garnered the attention of the Buffalo Bills, who are now offering him a shot at their training camp.
Jordan Williams (SA to CAR)
Linebacker Jordan Williams, from the San Antonio Brahmas, has also been invited to an NFL training camp, specifically by the Carolina Panthers. Williams’ statistics clearly demonstrate his defensive expertise: he racked up a total of 89 tackles, with 38 of these being solo and 51 assists. His 89 tackles led the XFL. This invitation to the Panthers’ training camp is a testament to his impressive performance.
Jaryd Jones-Smith (STL to WAS)
Jaryd Jones-Smith, an offensive tackle with the St. Louis Battlehawks, has received an invite from the Washington Commanders. Jones-Smith’s proficiency in safeguarding the quarterback and enabling a robust running game will be tested and honed further in the NFL training camp.
Michael Bandy (HOU to KC)
Michael Bandy, a wide receiver who played for the Houston Roughnecks, is the final player in this group to receive an NFL training camp invite. He came in later to the Roughnecks during the season. He has a shot with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bandy was targeted 12 times in the XFL, making 5 receptions for a total of 35 yards. Though he did not score any touchdowns in these games, his potential as a wide receiver has not gone unnoticed by the Chiefs.
These four players, along with the 53 others before them, represent the growing interest and recognition of the XFL’s talent pool by the NFL. Their performance in the upcoming training camps will be closely watched, not just by the teams that invited them, but by the entire NFL fraternity.
As the XFL Championship game nears, it is expected that more names will be added to this list, further cementing the XFL’s role as a strong talent feeder to the NFL.
