DC Defenders Training Camp: Defensive Transaction Report

Defensive Line

Pre Minicamp Roster: Jake Ceresna, KeShun Freeman, Elijah Qualls, Kristjan Sokoli, Tracy Sprinkle, Sam Montgomery, Siupeli Anau, Josh Augusta, Du’vonta Lampkin, Charles Harris

Listed Training Camp Roster: Siupeli Anau, Daryle Banfield, Kenny Bigelow Jr., Jay Bromley, Elijah Qualls, Kristjan Sokoli, Tracy Sprinkle

What’s Changed: Jake Ceresna spurned the Defenders to sign a futures deal with the Edmonton Eskimos. Sam Montgomery and KeShun Freeman are now listed as Outside Linebackers. The Defenders took the opportunity to draft Jay Bromley in the Supplemental Draft, taking one of the most experienced NFL players, not only on defensive line, but any position in the league. Daryle Banfield got added from Brown. The 6 ft 3, 300 pound, Kenny Bigelow Jr. has been added after a collegiate career at WVU. Josh Augusta is no longer listed on the Defenders roster. Du’vonta Lampkin is not listed on the DC Defenders roster and currently active in arena football. Charles Harris is no longer listed on the DC Defenders roster.

Questions: Tavaris Barnes has been featured often on the DC Defenders social media channels and he is currently listed on the listed roster here but is not anywhere to be found on the Training Camp roster released by the team. Kalani Vakameilalo is listed on the roster, but not on the distributed Training Camp roster.

Linebackers

Pre Minicamp Roster: Koa Farmer, AJ Tarpley, Scooby Wright, KeShun Freeman (listed as a defensive end originally), and Sam Montgomery (listed as a defensive end originally), Jordan Jones, James Vaughters

Listed Training Camp Roster: Jesse Aniebonam, Jonathan Celestin, Koa Farmer, KeShun Freeman, Kerron Johnson, Sam Montgomery, AJ Tarpley, Jameer Thurman, Scooby Wright

What’s Changed: Jesse Aniebonam joins the Defenders after a brief stint with the Houston Texans. Jonathan Celestin has joined the Defenders after receiving an injury settlement from the Carolina Panthers. Kerron Johnson joins the Defenders after a collegiate career at Coastal Carolina University where he also started at Safety. Johnson along with Farmer shows a defensive interest in the Linebacker/Safety hybrid. Jameer Thurman is on the roster after an illustrious two years in the Canadian Football League where he had 134 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 interceptions. James Vaughters was picked up by the Chicago Bears after a very impactful stint in the Canadian Football League. That loss likely hurt for the Defenders staff, as he had premier pass-rushing potential. Jordan Jones is no longer listed on the Defenders roster.

Questions: Antwione Williams is listed on the team roster here, but absent on the training camp roster. I’ve tried to reach out to Williams over Twitter, with no luck. Williams is notable as a 5th round NFL draft pick that saw significant action with the Lions in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, he spent significant time on the practice squads of the Vikings, Seahawks, and the Panthers. Williams has impressive size at 6 ft 3 and 240 pounds. If he is involved with the organization, it’s a big boost to the team’s defensive talent pool. Williams has the potential to be one of the most dominant linebackers in the league.

Cornerbacks

Pre Minicamp Roster: Reggie Cole, Doran Grant, Jaylen Myrick, Bradley Sylve, Desmond Lawrence, Ladarius Gunter, Elijah Campbell

Listed Training Camp Roster: Elijah Campbell, Reggie Cole, Doran Grant, Deion Harris, Desmond Lawrence, Jalen Myrick, Bradley Sylve

What’s Changed: The Defenders added Deion Harris for some competition after he received a lot of preseason action with the Washington Redskins. Ladarius Gunter was released at the conclusion of Training Camp. Otherwise, they kept consistent with their talent pool at Cornerback.

Questions: So, we know that Will Likely has signed with the Defenders after two seasons in the CFL. He is listed on the official roster, but not the training camp roster, for whatever reason.

Safety

Pre Minicamp Roster: Matt Elam, Rahim Moore, Tyree Kinnel, Carlos Merritt, Tre Sullivan

Listed Training Camp Roster: Matt Elam, Tyree Kinnel, Carlos Merritt, Rahim Moore

What’s Changed: Tre Sullivan is no longer listed with the DC Defenders. Otherwise, the Defenders are standing pat with their extremely experienced safety core.

Special Teams

Pre Minicamp Roster: Brian Khoury (Long Snapper) and Hunter Niswander (P/K)

Listed Training Camp Roster: Brian Khoury and Hunter Niswander

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