3 Big Names To Watch From Every XFL Team
4. D.C. Defenders
Head Coach: Pep Hamilton
Hamilton was the quarterback for Howard University, and upon graduation in 1996, immediately became their QB coach at the age of 23. In 2003, he moved into the NFL ranks with assistant positions with the NY Jets, 49ers, and Bears. He's known for extensively working with former Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck, having been the offensive coordinator with him at Stanford University and with the Colts. The Defenders will be his first stint at head coaching, having been lured to the XFL from the University of Michigan.
Quarterback: Cardale Jones
Jones was thrust into the starting job at Ohio State when injuries to Braxton Miller and JT Barrett forced him to take over for the Big Ten Championship Game. He would lead the Buckeyes to victory, then go on to win the Allstate Sugar Bowl and ultimately the National Championship title. He spent the next season battling Barrett for the starting job. He was then drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2016. He only played in one game, was traded to the LA Chargers (who released him) and he spent part of last season on the Seahawks' practice squad.
He'll be pushed by former Buffalo quarterback, Tyree Jackson.
Safety: Rahim Moore
Moore was an All-American at UCLA and went into the NFL with big expectations. He'd end up drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. A four year starter with the Broncos, Moore is infamous for failing to properly defend a hail mary pass from Raven QB Joe Flacco in the 2013 playoffs. Despite having his best season in 2014, registering four interceptions, he wasn't re-signed. After failing to make the rosters for the Browns and Giants, Moore played one season with the Arizona Hotshots (AAF).
**Also look for RB Donnel Pumphrey (SDSU), WR Eli Rogers (Steelers), and SS Matt Elam (Ravens).