The San Antonio Brahmas filled their roster with new talent by picking ten players during the XFL Rookie Draft conducted on June 16, 2023. The Brahmas primarily focused on beefing up their offensive line and fortifying their defense through the selection of players in a variety of positions.
San Antonio Brahmas Selections:
1. Jahleel Billingsley (TE, Texas)
- Billingsley transferred from Alabama after appearing in 36 games over three seasons and recording 37 catches for 559 yards. He briefly participated in the Tennessee Titans rookie minicamp.
2. Brendan Bordner (OL, Florida Atlantic)
- Bordner earned second-team All-Conference USA honors in his lone season at FAU. He participated in both Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts rookie minicamp this spring.
3. Carlos Carriere (WR, Central Michigan)
- Carriere led CMU in receptions (45) and receiving yards (520) during the 2022 season. He was invited to the New York Giants rookie minicamp.
4. Darrious Gaines (DB, Western Colorado University)
- Gaines recorded three interceptions, eight pass deflections, and five tackles for loss in 2022. He was named to the RMAC honorable mention team.
5. R.J. Hubert (DB, Utah)
- Hubert was a Pac-12 All-Conference Honorable Mention and a semifinalist for the 2022 William V. Campbell Trophy. He recorded 78 tackles, three interceptions, and was second on the team.
6. Lorenzo McCaskill (LB, Kansas)
- McCaskill appeared in 54 games in his college career at Louisiana and Kansas. He was named Second-Team All-Sun Belt in 2021 and Third Team in 2022.
7. Dylan O’Quinn (OL, Cincinnati)
- O’Quinn was selected to the 2022 preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy. He was also a 2021 All-AAC First Team and 2022 All-AAC Honorable Mention.
8. “JC” Juancarlo Santana (WR, Tulsa)
- Santana recorded 2,325 yards and 15 TDs on 157 receptions. He started 34 of 47 career games and was a five-year letter-winner and three-year starter.
9. Chris Smith (RB, Louisiana-Lafayette)
- Smith ran for 628 yards and three touchdowns on 126 carries in 2022. He was selected First-Team All-Sun Belt as a returner, recording 481 yards on 23 kick returns.
10. Dillon Thomas (DB, Missouri State)
- Thomas had 56 total tackles, a sack, an interception, and four pass break-ups in 2022. He played his first five years (45 games) for the Northern Illinois Huskies.
Breakdown of Positions Taken:
- Offensive Linemen (OL): 2
- Defensive Backs (DB): 3
- Wide Receivers (WR): 2
- Linebacker (LB): 1
- Running Back (RB): 1
- Tight End (TE): 1
Notable Mention:
Arlington Renegades and Seattle Sea Dragons announced a trade, with Arlington receiving Tuzar Skipper, LB, Toledo, and Seattle receiving George Moore, OL, Oregon.
With an emphasis on enhancing their offensive line and augmenting their defense, the San Antonio Brahmas look set to have a competitive 2023 season. The Brahmas’ choices during the XFL Rookie Draft reflect the team’s strategic approach to the game and their commitment to building a strong and robust team. The players selected by the Brahmas will join their new teammates on the field soon, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Please visit the XFL’s official website for more information about the Rookie Draft and upcoming player showcases.
