USFL Star Donald Payne Drafted In XFL Draft
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XFL Supplemental Draft: Multiple USFL Standouts Drafted

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The XFL kicked off the new year by giving their fans more to look forward to. A supplemental draft was held on January 1st, to help fill roster spots on each XFL franchise heading towards training camp.

When the XFL held their draft in November, we saw some USFL alumni get drafted by the league. Yesterday was no different, as dozens of USFL stars were drafted by XFL teams. Let’s take a look at which players were picked up, and what they might bring to their respective organizations.

Bryan Scott | QB, Vegas Vipers

Bryan Scott needs no introduction. The former 2x MVP of The Spring League was breaking out for the Philadelphia Stars in 2022. Scott led the league in most passing categories through two weeks. His efficiency in Bart Andrus’ system set the team up for success. Due to injury, he missed most of the season. Now, Scott will look to win the starting job in training camp with Rod Woodson and the Vegas Vipers.

Note: Bryan Scott was assigned to the Vipers, but was not an official draft pick.

Will Likely | DB, Houston Roughnecks

The Houston Roughnecks picked up a star in Will Likely. Likely was an All-USFL cornerback for the Houston Gamblers in 2022, racking up 63 tackles and four interceptions. Will instantly brings value to any team, proving that he’s excelled on this level before. Expect Likely to do impressive things in the XFL.

Reggie Northrup II | LB, DC Defenders

Reggie Northrup is back in the XFL. He originally played with the Tampa Bay Vipers in 2020, before the league shut down. Northrup ended up in the USFL with the Houston Gamblers, playing phenomenal football. He finished the season with 83 tackles, dominating up front as he always does. DC will not regret selecting Reggie Northrup.

Travis Feeney | LB, St. Louis Battlehawks

Another USFL linebacker is headed to the XFL, as Travis Feeney was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks. Feeney most recently played for the Tampa Bay Bandits in the USFL, serving as a leader on their defense as the team narrowly missed the playoffs. He posted 53 tackles, and 4.5 sacks in 2022. Feeney has plenty of spring football experience, playing in both the AAF and CFL as well.

Donald Payne | LB, Arlington Renegades

The Arlington Renegades snagging Donald Payne is unfair. Payne was ridiculous in the USFL, being an All-USFL linebacker for the Houston Gamblers. The Payne Train finished 2022 with 117 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions. He was in a league of his own, honestly. Clearly, the XFL liked what they saw from USFL linebackers, given the amount that have jumped ship. The Renegades just got a whole lot scarier with Payne in the lineup.

Emmanuel Beal | LB, Vegas Vipers

Emmanuel Beal is another XFL alumni who ended up in the USFL – and now, is headed back. Beal played for the Tampa Bay Vipers in 2020. Then, he was signed by the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL. In 2022, he posted 45 tackles and a sack for the organization. Beal now returns to the XFL to play for the Vegas Vipers.

Shareef Miller | DL, Seattle Sea Dragons

Shareef Miller played for the New Orleans Breakers in 2022. He was a part of the playoff run, racking up 10 tackles and two sacks along the way. Miller now joins the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL for the 2023 season.

Davin Bellamy | DE, DC Defenders

Davin Bellamy is a major grab by the DC Defenders. Bellamy put on a show for the New Orleans Breakers in 2022, racking up 40 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. Bellamy was a foundational piece to the Breakers defense all season long. Now, he joins Reggie Barlow in DC, thanks to the XFL’s supplementary draft.

Aaron Adeoye | DE, Arlington Renegades

Aaron Adeoye played for the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL this year, ultimately winning the Championship with the team. Adeoye posted 12 total tackles on the season, and is now with the Arlington Renegades.

Tomasi Laulile | DL, Arlington Renegades

Arlington snagged another USFL defensive lineman in the XFL supplemental draft. Tomasi Laulile joins the team, after an impressive season with the Houston Gamblers. Laulile compiled over 20 tackles and a couple of recovered fumbles in the USFL this year. Tomasi has been in spring football for years now. He played for the Dallas Renegades in 2020, and also was a part of the Jousters TSL Championship team.

Sean Williams | CB, San Antonio Brahmas

Sean Williams was a standout CB for the Michigan Panthers this season. He racked up 48 tackles and an interception on the season, serving as a leader in Jeff Fisher’s defense. The San Antonio Brahmas are getting themselves a baller in Sean Williams.

De’Veon Smith | RB, Arlington Renegades

While he never played in the USFL, De’Veon Smith was poised to be one of the best running backs in the league. Of course, “pizzagate” happened…and the rest is history. Regardless of that drama, Smith is one of the top prospects heading back to the XFL. Smith led the league in 2020 in rushing yards, putting on a show for the Tampa Bay Vipers. Now, he joins Bob Stoops and the Renegades in Arlington.

Cody Brown | S, San Antonio Brahmas

Cody Brown is back in the XFL. Brown has been a staple in spring football, playing in the AAF, XFL, and USFL. Most recently, he played with the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL Championship.

Brown is a hard hitting safety with resemblance to the likes of Harrison Smith. Brown was phenomenal with the Houston Roughnecks in 2020, and that should be no different in 2023 with the Brahmas.

Reggie Corbin | RB, San Antonio Brahmas

Interestingly enough, one of the USFL’s premier running backs is headed to the XFL. Reggie Corbin, the Michigan Panther phenom, was drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas. Corbin was sensational in the USFL this year, rushing for 519 yards and two touchdowns. He was the sole bright spot for Michigan’s offense during most of the season. Expect Reggie to do big things in the XFL as well.

Devin Ross | WR, San Antonio Brahmas

On queue, another Michigan Panther is headed to the San Antonio Brahmas. Devin Ross was solid in Michigan, posting 312 receiving yards and two scores during the Panthers’ 2-8 season. Ross is a speedy slot receiver with excellent hands, and can shine in the right system. Hines Ward may have found his man in Ross.

Freedom Akinmoladun | DE, St. Louis Battlehawks

Freedom Akinmoladun, the former Cincinnati Bengal, is headed to the XFL. Akinmoladun lived up to expectations in the USFL, being a consistent force for the Philadelphia Stars. Freedom ended up playing in the USFL Championship game, as the stars came up just short in the final minutes. He finished the 2022 season with 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The St. Louis Battlehawks are getting a playmaker in Freedom Akinmoladun.

USFL To XFL Draft List

These USFL athletes were also part of the XFL draft yesterday:

Destiny Vaeao – DL, Vegas Vipers
John Yarbrough – OL, Houston Roughnecks
Jordan McCray – OL, San Antonio Brahmas
Kamilo Tongamoa – DL, San Antonio Brahmas
Ryan Pope – OL, Seattle Sea Dragons
Shakir Soto – DL, St. Louis Battlehawks
Tegray Scales – LB, Orlando Guardians
Tejan Koroma – OL, Seattle Sea Dragons
Terry Poole – OL, San Antonio Brahmas
Tyler Catalina – OL, DC Defenders

Maea Teuhema – OL, Arlington Renegades
Teton Saltes – OL, Arlington Renegades
Jared Thomas – OL, Seattle Sea Dragons
Terrill Hanks – LB, DC Defenders
Vadal Alexander – OL, St. Louis Battlehawks
Chidi Okeke – OL, San Antonio Brahmas
Juwan Bushell-Beatty – OL, St. Louis Battlehawks

Final Thoughts

While it’s easy to jump to conclusions, it is important to realize that players jump from league to league all the time. The USFL and XFL both possess plenty of talent, as the pool is certainly large enough to support both leagues.

In addition, all drafted players have not officially signed yet. That has yet to be determined. With that in mind, it is expected to see most of these athletes sign with their respective organizations.

At the end of the day, the XFL is doing an incredible job when it comes to talent. The league has brought in some incredible athletes over the past few months through the XFL draft, and we can’t wait to see them hit the field in February.

What are your thoughts on these USFL to XFL athletes? Who are you most excited to see play in the XFL next month? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!

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James Larsen
Growing up, football was one of the few things that brought me joy. It's always played a major role in my life, and continues to do so. As I've delved into sports reporting/writing, spring football has become my passion. Covering the XFL & USFL is a dream come true, and I look forward to plenty of excellent seasons in the years to come.
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One Comment

  1. Interesting and informative. Just wondering if there was any word on Jordan Ta’amu? Is the USFL still a possibilty or are they simply trying to determine what team in the XFL he should be on? Wouldn’t he prefer an actual home in Memphis? If he wants to be in the NFL, that is closer to real than training in one place and flying out on gameday. I think Memphis would be a real homefield advantage. Is there any possibility this is making him have second thoughts? Houston needs to get on the phones. The only way I would leave would be is if he feels the coach would hurt his career. AIso, I think Chase Fourcade is going to be good for the Maulers. Just call it a gut thing. I’ve never seen him play. I mean I would rather get someone a little more experienced, but if it falls back to him I think he will do ok. Also, they kind of got hit this off-season. I do like their WR room and RBs are still solid. I would get a good pass receiving and blocking fullback. They need to do some work on the rest if the team as cornerbacks and run stuffers have been taken. Top notch safeties help. Terry Beckner needs to be at his best, but he can’t do it alone. OLine needs help. Remember if you get a more experienced QB they are going to want to shine meaning protection and a balanced attack. James Morgan would have been a good find. Hopefully, the Maulers and he can get back on the same page.

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