More workouts and more names, a couple days after the XFL released those who participated in the Nick Novak’s kicking showcase, the XFL has announced, the names of thirteen quarterbacks who will be participating in Jordan Palmer’s Quarterback showcase. This comes several weeks after Palmer was seen on his Instagram working out nine quarterbacks at his facility in laguna beach.
What We Know
A couple weeks ago between social media and XFLNewsHub’s Mike Mitchell we were able to figure the nine original QBs with eight of them allegedly being assigned teams already. A couple weeks later it was confirmed that Davis Cheek and Cole McDonald were training with the NFL Alumni Academy and thus solidifying their roles in the upcoming season. Right now, assuming Drew Plitt, Deondre Francois, and Davis Cheek all still locked in for 2023, it appears there are currently sixteen “favorites” for QBs to be signed by XFL teams. Since the initial release of the Palmer Nine, one quarterback Steven Montez has had a workout with an NFL team.
Louisville/PVA&M QB: Jawon Pass (San Antonio)
Miami QB: D’Eriq King (DC)
Troy QB: Brandon Silvers (Houston)
Colorado QB: Steven Montez (Seattle)
Baylor/NC State QB: Jalan McClendon (Las Vegas)
Ball State QB: Drew Plitt (Arlington)
Virginia Tech QB: Ryan Willis (St. Louis)
FSU/Hampton QB: Deondre Francois (Orlando)
New Faces:
Kaleb Eleby, Jarrett Guarantano, Carson Strong, Anthony Russo, Khalil Tate, are all gracing the official XFL News wire for the first time. While Carson Strong has been linked to the XFL by Mike Mitchell and others, some of the other quarterbacks may come at a bit of a surprise.
Jarrett Guarantano Washington State/Tennessee
The former Tennessee and Washington State signal caller has recently been on and off the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals for the first quarter of the NFL season. Right now, Guarantano comes to the XFL workout with 40 career college starts, 39 touchdowns and 6,478 passing yards. Guarantano like many XFL prospective QBs is a true rookie for the 2022-2023 season.
Kaleb Eleby Western Michigan
A 2021 All-Mac passer, Eleby comes to the XFL workout via Western Michigan. Originally, from Maryland Heights (a St. Louis suburb), Eleby boasts a TD:INT ratio of 45:11 and 6084 yards from his time at Western Michigan. Eleby had cups of tea with the Saints, and Seahawks during their rookie mini-camp however could not transition that into an NFL contract. Eleby was praised by many for his effortless throwing mechanics, footwork, and leadership ability. Also, as a St. Louis native, bringing Eleby to the XFL St. Louis franchise could be a great move to get some local PR for a city that craves football.
Carson Strong Nevada
Maybe one of the more prominent names on this list Strong was thought to be a lock to make the Eagles roster, even as a undrafted free agent. Strong was given a $320,000 guarantee for joining the Eagles however was cut coming out of training camp, as the Eagles elected to sign Ian Book over him and Reid Sinnett. Strong in college was phenomenal with some even thinking he could of been a first-round pick at one point. With major concerns about his knee and mobility Strong can use the XFL to show off his arm-talent in hopes of gaining an opportunity in the NFL.
Anthony Russo Temple/Michigan State
A pro-style QB from Pennsylvania Russo got off to a hot start at Temple, starting in 24 games off the bat. Russo would leave Temple in 2020 and attempt to beat out Michigan State QB Payton Thorne however would lose that battle and finish his college career playing in only two games for the Spartans throwing only nine passes. Despite a major let down, following a strong start, Russo left Temple a Top-5 passer totaling 6,292 yards and 44 Touchdowns which earned him workouts with the Giants and Panthers.
Khalil Tate Arizona
Tate at one point was viewed as a Heisman favorite, as his dynamic play making ability made him a favorite to watch at the University of Arizona. Tate exploded on the scene his sophomore year however, a coaching change from Rich Rodriguez to Kevin Sumlin seemed to de-rail his career slightly. Tate would go undrafted in 2020 and sign with the Eagles as a transitionary wide receiver. Upon being cut a second time, Tate would join the CFL playing with the Elks and the Argos, before getting cut during camp and never appearing in a CFL game. Though he can be limited as a passer Tate’s athletic ability is unmatched and can be a huge asset for any XFL franchise that picks him up.
Final Thoughts
Though it appears some Quarterbacks are missing, and some may be signed by other leagues, it’s extremely heartwarming to know what QBs will be making up the XFL in 2023. Though obviously nothing is official until November 16th, it appears that XFL is going to be procuring much younger talent than its predecessor. With assuming that XFL teams will have 24 Quarterbacks (3 per team) and sixteen have either “signed” or are taking part of official workouts it’s extremely exciting to see the future of this league at the quarterback position. Regardless on November 16th fans of the league have a chance to start cheering on some new faces to represent the 3rd revival of the league.
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