Still Building: Get to Know the Seven Newest Battlehawks from the XFL Combine

The Battlehawks personnel department continues work even in the off-season as on August 9th, the league announced an additional 28 players added to XFL rosters. After several showcases ran by ANC Combines with the culmination of the XFL Combine in Arlington at Choctaw Stadium St. Louis acquired the rights of Seven players moving forward into the 2024 season.

Defensive Lineman Eric Assoua Western Michigan

Assoua comes to the Battlehawks after stints with the Spring League’s Alphas, the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers, and was signed by the B.C. Lions during the cancelled 2020 season. Prior to his pro career, Assoua, spent 2015-2018 with the Western Michigan Broncos totaling 98 tackles and 11 sacks during his college career.

Defensive Lineman Christian Mejia Washington State

Beginning his career in 2017 at Washington State, Mejia was a bit of a late bloomer in college, Mejia appeared in 28 games, (16 as a starter) recording 52 career tackles with 8.5 tackles-for-loss including 3.5 sacks and one career interception. Despite not the most illustrious college career, Mejia earned a mini camp invite with the Broncos in 2022 and joins the Battlehawks for his first professional opportunity.

Linebacker Callahan O’Reilly Montana State

With Mike Rose, Silas Kelly, and Carson Wells all leaving St. Louis, Dave Boller continued to load up on Linebackers with the acquisition of Callahan O’Reilly. O’Reilly was an All-Conference and FCS All-American at Montana State, totaling over 200 tackles during his college career. After a stint with the Bears during their minicamp, O’Reilly now joins the Battlehawks for a chance to compete for a professional football career.

Defensive Back Prince Charles Iworah Western Kentucky

One of the more experienced players from this round of XFL Allocations, Iworah has been in pro football since coming out of Western Kentucky in 2016. After getting drafted by the 49ers in the 7th round, Iworah has spent time with 4 NFL teams, XFL 2020’s “Team 9”, the Spring League’s Conquerors, the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes, the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers, and now the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Offensive Lineman Cedrice Paillant Marshall

Paillant was a workout warrior gaining a lot of momentum from the XFL Combine, after his time at Rutgers and Marshall. At 6’4 320 pounds, Paillant brings versatility and experience after leaving college with 28 games played at the FBS level. Per his twitter, Paillant has yet to have a proffessional opportunity or workout.

Offensive Lineman Jake Brammer Vanderbilt

After spending 2017 to 2022 at North Texas and Vanderbilt, Brammer comes to the Battlehawks with 47 starts over his college career. Brammer earned All-Conference Honors while in college and looks to be a quality depth piece for the Battlehawks experienced Offensive Line.

Wide Receiver Aaron Nelson Delaware Valley

With a depleted Wide Receiver corps, Aaron Nelson joins St. Louis in hopes of bringing in the next wave of XFL to NFL talent for Ricky Proehl’s group. Nelson comes to the Battlehawks from Division III Delaware Valley, before earning an opportunity with the Houston Roughnecks in 2023. Nelson would appear in 2 games for Houston before being released.

For an in-depth look at how Coach Becht and Dave Boller evaluate talent take a look at the interview below: