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XFL 2023 Player Signings: Talent from Iowa State, Georgia, Hawaii, and More

Bubba Bolden – Safety, San Antonio Brahmas, Miami (Fla)

Bubba Bolden, born on May 29, 1999, has recently signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL. He began his collegiate football journey at USC before transferring to Miami (FL). In 2022, Bolden was signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. His journey to the XFL came to fruition on December 22, 2023, when he officially joined the San Antonio Brahmas​​​​.

Noah Taylor – Linebacker, Arlington Renegades, North Carolina

Noah Taylor, a former North Carolina linebacker, brings his talents to the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. Known for his effectiveness against the run, Taylor’s pass-rushing abilities are areas of potential growth. Despite this, he is acknowledged for his proficient tackling and strong on-field awareness. Taylor joins the Renegades, focusing on bolstering their linebacker squad, and will be competing for a spot on the team​​​​.

Tomasi Laulile – Defensive Line, Arlington Renegades, BYU

Tomasi Laulile, a former player from BYU, joins the Arlington Renegades’ defensive line. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 285 lbs, Laulile demonstrated his prowess in football despite only playing two years of the sport before attending BYU. He achieved All-Marmonte League honors and participated in the Canyon vs. Coast Classic all-star game. His high school career included impressive stats like 52 tackles, 10 sacks, and a forced fumble, showcasing his defensive skills and potential for the Renegades​​​​​​.

Steven Jones – Defensive Back, Arlington Renegades, Appalachian St

Steven Sedgewon Jones Jr., born on February 1, 1999, has joined the Arlington Renegades as a cornerback. Originating from Rockingham, North Carolina, Jones played at Richmond Senior High School, where he achieved all-conference honors with 35 tackles and three interceptions in his senior year. At Appalachian State University, he redshirted his first season, then contributed significantly on special teams in 2018, including blocking two punts in one game. In 2021, his senior year, he emerged as a top player with 51 tackles and was nationally recognized for passes defended, interceptions, and interceptions returned for touchdowns, earning him first-team All-American honors by the Football Writers Association of America​​​​.

Parnell Motley – Cornerback, DC Defenders, Oklahoma

Parnell Motley, born on October 28, 1997, is now a cornerback for the DC Defenders. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Motley’s journey in professional football has included stints with several NFL teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Cleveland Browns. His pre-draft measurements include a height of 6 feet, a weight of 183 lbs, and notable stats in the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, and broad jump​​​​.

Derick Roberson – Linebacker, DC Defenders, Sam Houston St

Derick Roberson, born on November 15, 1995, has signed with the DC Defenders. Playing college football at Sam Houston State, Roberson embarked on his professional journey as an undrafted free agent signed by the Tennessee Titans in 2019. During his time with the Titans, he recorded his first two career sacks against Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and added another sack in a game against the Houston Texans. His career in the NFL saw him moving through various teams’ practice squads before joining the XFL​​​​​​.

Prince Emili – Defensive Line, San Antonio Brahmas, Penn

Prince Emili, a standout from Penn, has joined the San Antonio Brahmas as part of their defensive line. Emili was a 2016 Ivy League champion and a two-time First Team All-Ivy selection in 2019 and 2021. His collegiate career was marked by significant achievements, including being named Stats FCS National Defensive Player of the Week Honorable Mention in 2019. In that year, he accumulated 65 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss (TFLs), 4.5 sacks, and led his team with seven quarterback hurries. Emili also earned recognition for his academic achievements, being named to the 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-District team​​​​​​.

Antwuan Jackson – Defensive Line, Seattle Sea Dragons, Ohio St

Antwuan Jackson, a former Ohio State player, has been signed by the Seattle Sea Dragons to fortify their defensive line. Jackson, who hails from Ellenwood, Georgia, had an impressive high school career, including 47 tackles and 18 for loss, along with five sacks and a fumble recovery. He initially committed to Auburn University but transferred to Blinn College before joining Ohio State. At Ohio State, he made significant contributions over three years, with notable performances in his senior year including 23 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks, earning him Honorable Mention All Big-Ten recognition​​​​​​.

Kelle Sanders – Linebacker, Seattle Sea Dragons, Alabama-Birmingham

Kelle Sanders joins the Seattle Sea Dragons as a linebacker, bringing his experience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In his redshirt senior year (2022), Sanders started the first 10 games before suffering a season-ending injury. During this time, he recorded 36 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, and contributed to two fumble recoveries. His efforts were pivotal in UAB leading Conference USA in various defensive categories. In 2021, he played in all 13 games, making 10 starts, and recorded 30 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and two sacks. In his redshirt junior year (2020), he played in seven games, accumulating eight tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and 0.5 sacks​​​​​​.

Mike Rose – Linebacker, St. Louis Battlehawks, Iowa St

Michael Rose Jr., born on May 25, 2000, has been signed by the St. Louis Battlehawks as a linebacker. Rose grew up in Brecksville, Ohio, where he excelled in both basketball and football during his high school years. At Iowa State, he quickly became a starting linebacker, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference and Freshman All-American recognition. His performance continued to improve, culminating in being named the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior​​​​.

Lamont Gaillard – Offensive Line, DC Defenders, Georgia

Lamont Rockarius Gaillard, born February 8, 1996, joins the DC Defenders’ offensive line. He played college football at the University of Georgia and was a sixth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft. Gaillard’s high school career in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was marked by impressive defensive play, and he transitioned from the defensive line to the offensive line during his redshirt year at Georgia. Gaillard started all games for Georgia at center in his final two seasons, showcasing his adaptability and skill on the field​​​​​​.

Calvin Turner – Wide Receiver, San Antonio Brahmas, Hawaii

Calvin Turner Jr., born July 6, 1999, will play as a wide receiver and running back for the San Antonio Brahmas. He initially played at Jacksonville University, transitioning to the University of Hawaii after the Jacksonville program closed. Turner’s high school career in Bloomingdale, Georgia, was distinguished by his versatility as a four-sport athlete and dual-threat quarterback. At Jacksonville, he initially played as a defensive back and return specialist before transitioning to quarterback, where he set program records. His performance at Hawaii further demonstrated his adaptability, contributing significantly as a running back and wide receiver​​​​.

Player List by Name, Position, Team, and School

  • Bubba Bolden – DB, San Antonio Brahmas, Miami (Fla)
  • Noah Taylor – LB, Arlington Renegades, North Carolina
  • Tomasi Laulile – DL, Arlington Renegades, BYU
  • Steven Jones – DB, Arlington Renegades, Appalachian St
  • Parnell Motley – CB, DC Defenders, Oklahoma
  • Derick Roberson – DL, DC Defenders, Sam Houston St
  • Prince Emili – DL, San Antonio Brahmas, Penn
  • Antwuan Jackson – DL, Seattle Sea Dragons, Ohio St
  • Kelle Sanders – LB, Seattle Sea Dragons, Alabama-Birmingham
  • Mike Rose – LB, St. Louis Battlehawks, Iowa St
  • Lamont Gaillard – OL, DC Defenders, Georgia
  • Calvin Turner – WR, San Antonio Brahmas, Hawaii


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Mark Perry, a devoted sports journalist and founder of XFL News Hub, has been a key figure in XFL coverage since its 2018 revival. Launching XFL News Hub soon after the league's return announcement, Mark has established the platform as a primary source for comprehensive XFL updates. Renowned for his in-depth knowledge and commitment to sports journalism, Mark actively engages the XFL community, welcoming interactions at mark.perry@xflnewshub.com.

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