XFL head coaches announce quarterback selections to begin XFL Draft Week

XFL | American Football | 11/16/2022

LAS VEGAS (November 15, 2022) – XFL Head Coaches announced their quarterback selections during a live-streamed event on XFL.com, hosted by VSiN and ESPN talent Stormy Buonantony.

Below are the quarterback selections for each team:

ARLINGTON RENEGADES

Drew Plitt (Ball State), Kyle Sloter (Northern Colorado)

ARLINGTON RENEGADES HEAD COACH BOB STOOPS:

“We are excited to add Drew Plitt to the Arlington Renegades,” said head coach Bob Stoops. “Drew had an impressive college career at Ball State and performed well in training camp this year with the Cincinnati Bengals. We look forward to seeing what he can do in the XFL.”

“Kyle Sloter is a great addition to our team,” said Stoops. “He has the size and athleticism that we feel can help him succeed in the XFL. Kyle’s experience with NFL teams and time spent playing spring football will serve him well in our league. We can’t wait to hit the field and get to work.”

D.C. DEFENDERS

Eric Dungey (Syracuse)

D.C. DEFENDERS HEAD COACH REGGIE BARLOW:

“We are very excited to add Eric as a true dual threat for the Defenders,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “Eric has the ability to affect the game not just with his arm, but with his mobility and running ability, which gives us even more options on offense.”

HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS

Kaleb Eleby (Western Michigan), Brandon Silvers (Troy)

HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS HEAD COACH WADE PHILLIPS:

“Kaleb Eleby is an exciting quarterback that will be playing at the professional level for the first time,” said Houston Roughnecks head coach Wade Phillips. “His talent is obvious, and we look forward to helping him develop his skills and experience at the next level.”

“We are thrilled to add Brandon Silvers to our team for the 2023 season,” said Phillips. “Brandon previously started for Seattle during the 2020 XFL season, and we look forward to having him compete for the Roughnecks in 2023.”

LAS VEGAS VIPERS

Jalan McClendon (Baylor), Luis Perez (Texas A&M-Commerce)

LASVEGAS VIPERS HEAD COACH ROD WOODSON:

“Las Vegas is about entertainment and competition. Our QB group is going to bring just that with Jalan McClendon and Luis Perez,” said Vegas Vipers head coach Rod Woodson. “Jalan is going to be a solid athletic QB weapon for us because of his football IQ and ability to read defenses. Luis has a strong arm and accuracy that has landed him opportunities in NFL rookie minicamps. Luis had solid results playing in other leagues, and the Vipers are lucky to have him aboard. Jalan and Luis are what this league is about – competitiveness to get to the next level.”

ORLANDO GUARDIANS

Quinten Dormady (Central Michigan), Deondre Francois (Hampton)

ORLANDO GUARDIANS HEAD COACH TERRELL BUCKLEY:

“These are two great signal-callers coming to Orlando. Deondre is a hometown Orlando kid who’s a scheme-versatile quarterback with the ability to do it all. He’s played in pro-style offenses and spread-based offenses. He throws a great ball and brings a winning mentality. Quinten is a big, physical quarterback who can sling the ball and has a lot of upside. His versatility and ability to dissect defenses is pretty special. We’re looking forward to watching them compete and continue to develop.”

SAN ANTONIO BRAHMAS

Jawon Pass (Prairie View A&M), Anthony Russo (Michigan State)

SAN ANTONIO BRAHMAS HEAD COACH HINES WARD:

“Each one of our quarterbacks bring a special quality to the table,” said San Antonio Brahmas head coach Hines Ward. “Jawon Pass is a quarterback with freakish athleticism. He’s a great student of the game that can pass and run. We’re looking forward to getting him the development and reps he needs to take him to that next level.”

“Anthony Russo is a gunslinger with a big-time arm and he has some impressive mobility. He’s a great leader who loves the game. I’m excited to have him on my team and look forward to seeing both Jawon and Anthony compete and lead our team,” said Ward.

SEATTLE SEA DRAGONS

Ben DiNucci (James Madison), Steven Montez (Colorado)

SEATTLE SEA DRAGONS HEAD COACH JIM HASLETT:

“We’re very excited to have Ben and Steven join the Sea Dragons,” said Head Coach Jim Haslett. “I’ve been open about our desire to pass the ball and these guys bring big arms to the table.

“Ben is an athletic, play-maker with NFL experience. Steven is also mobile and able to throw from anywhere on the field. Both of these players have all the tools to succeed in a June Jones offense.”

ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS

A.J. McCarron (Alabama), Ryan Willis (Virginia Tech)

ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS HEAD COACH ANTHONY BECHT:

“A.J. brings us a championship pedigree,” said St. Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht. “He has seven years of NFL experience as a starting and backup quarterback. Unfortunately, A.J. battled through several injuries during that time which limited him from playing additional games. I feel like his time is now. A.J. will bring a very high football IQ, great leadership qualities, and invaluable experience to the St. Louis Battlehawks team.”

“Ryan is a very talented quarterback,” said Becht. “He provides a good combination of size, arm talent, and athleticism. He will bring an ultra-competitive mindset to our QB roster.”

Below is the schedule for the remainder of XFL Draft Week, presented by ZipRecruiter. Fans will be able to follow Draft events with a live and interactive Draft Central board at XFL.com. XFL league and team social media platforms will also be posting behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the day, and updates will appear regularly on ESPN broadcasts.