Quarterbacks
Cardale Jones – The NFL 4th round pick and collegiate National Champion is arguably the biggest name in the XFL. Cardale hasn’t been able to lock down a consistent home in the NFL, but certainly has the expectation that he’ll be back in the league if he has a great season leading the Defenders.
Tyree Jackson – Tyree, the giant 6 ft 7 Quarterback from the University of Buffalo, was one of the biggest undrafted free agent prospects following the 2019 NFL draft. After spending the preseason with the Buffalo Bills, Jackson was unable to find a home on an NFL Practice Squad. Jackson is looking to embrace the opportunity to develop and compete under Jones, under the Coach that played a big role in the development of Andrew Luck.
Running Backs
Jhurell Pressley – The University of New Mexico legend comes with a 3 year NFL pedigree and the AAF league rushing yard title. Pressley had 431 yards in the short AAF season.
Donnel Pumphrey Jr. – The all-time NCAA leading rusher and NFL 4th round pick looks to make an impact with the DC Defenders.
Nick Brossette – The LSU Running Back who broke out his senior season with 14 touchdowns, is looking to get back to the NFL after stints with both the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions.
Khalid Abdullah – The FCS Champion from regional Division 1-AA powerhouse James Madison University owns the University record for total touchdowns and rushing touchdowns. The Running Back is looking to get some film as he tries to continue his professional career.
Wide Receivers
Rashad Ross – The former Washington Redskin returns to Washington, DC after dominating AAF Defensive Backs.
Jalen Rowell – The Air Force Academy Graduate was an accomplished Receiver at a Triple Option heavy program. The Receiver compiled 2,697 yards and 18 touchdowns with the program, both records for the Air Force Academy. Rowell was projected to be a mid-round NFL draft pick, with his rare size (6 ft 4) and athleticism. However, that year, the Department of Defense changed it’s policy allowing athletes to pursue professional athletics straight out of their service academies. Rowell had to serve his 2-year commitment, taking a commission as a Flight Logistics Officer at Nellis Air Force Base. After serving our country honorably, Rowell is ready to once again pursue his professional football dreams.
Eli Rogers – After a rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers that saw him with about 600 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns, Rogers seemed to be a rising star. Unfortunately, he had some down seasons following and now hopes his performance with the DC Defenders can get him back to the NFL.
Tyler Palka – The Wide Receiver was a swiss-army knife at Division II Gannon. He was a Quarterback, who also saw significant time at Wide Receiver.
Simmie Cobbs – The 6 ft 3 Wide Receiver was a strong receiver at the University of Indiana, compiling about 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cobbs is a recognizable player to Redskins fans, standing out in the 2018 preseason and latching on with the teams Practice Squad. Eventually, Cobbs was signed to the New Orleans Saints active roster. The receiver seemingly had a great camp with the Dallas Renegades before being acquired on waivers by the Defenders.
Malachi Dupre – Dupre has been working to get a permanent home in the NFL for 3 seasons, spending some time on the regular-season roster of the Arizona Cardinals.
DeAndre Thompkins – A speed guy, Thompkins established himself as a successful return-man at Penn State. Thompkins will look to take advantage of the XFL’s exciting new kickoff rules.
Tight Ends
Khari Lee – The NFL veteran of 34 games is looking to establish himself as a receiver in the XFL, as he was primarily a blocking tight end in the NFL.
Donnie Ernsberger – After a very strong senior season at Western Michigan, Ernsberger has spent the past 2 seasons on NFL teams.
Derrick Hayward – With good size at 6 ft 5, Hayward represents himself as one of the stronger blockers on the team. Expect Hayward to play a significant role with the rushing offense.
Center
Jon Toth – Toth started 35 consecutive games at Center for the University of Kentucky. Following college, Toth had a brief stint with the New York Jets.
James O’Hagan – Started 3 straight seasons at Center for the University of Buffalo. Following college, O’Hagan had a brief stint with the New York Giants.
Guard
Dorian Johnson – Johnson was a 4-year starter at the University of Pittsburgh. Johnson was a 4th round NFL Draft Pick, heading to the Arizona Cardinals. Due to injuries and other circumstances, Johnson was unable to secure his placement on the regular-season roster of the team, heading to the Texans and Panthers for the next 2 seasons.
Rishard Cook – The Guard transferred from Junior College to UAB, establishing himself as a contributor his Senior Season.
Chris Brown – At the University of Southern California, Brown played 41 games and started 17 of them. Brown joined the LA Chargers as an undrafted free agent and was unable to establish himself with the team.
Offensive Tackle
Cole Boozer – Boozer is an athletic Tackle that played his first 2 years of college as a Tight End. Boozer transitioned his Junior year and started every game as a Senior. Boozer had a short stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after his collegiate career.
Logan Tuley-Tillman – Played at 3 colleges, including the University of Michigan, Akron, and UTEP. He started every game when he was at Akron and UTEP. Tuley-Tillman has massive size on the end at 6 ft 7.
Malcolm Bunche – The Offensive Lineman has traveled around the NFL and CFL, following his collegiate career at UCLA. The 6 ft 6 Tackle has parts of 4 seasons in the NFL under his belt.
De’Ondre Wesley – Welsey is a BYU standout who has played 7 regular season NFL games across parts of 4 NFL seasons.
Check back in at XFL News Hub over the rest of the week for wall to wall coverage of the DC Defenders 52 man roster.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Konnor Fulk excelled in the Sports Management Program at Georgia Southern University. He spent several seasons working with the Washington Redskins in fan engagement, strategy, and sales strategy. Additionally, Mr. Fulk continues consulting services across the sport of NASCAR. Konnor has a longstanding obsession with the concept of Spring Football and is looking forward to sharing his expertise and opinions about the XFL relaunch. Connect with Konnor on LinkedIn or give him a follow on Twitter @XFLKonnor
