The Spring League Archives | XFL Newsroom

This Week in the XFL | Team Names Next Week, Pat McAfee/ESPN and more…

Stephan Rachuk — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 15:00:35 +0000

This Week in the XFL we’re talking about Team Name timelines, looking at the possibility of Pat McAfee joining the booth for the XFL, discussing the discussions with The Spring League to become the XFL’s D-League and look forward to the next Q&A with XFL Houston Team President Brian Michael Cooper.

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The Spring League in talks to become XFL’s D-League

Stephan Rachuk — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 12:00:40 +0000

The Spring League just wrapped up they’re second of two “Summer Showcases” yesterday in Mission Viejo, CA. This is the third season for The Spring League, and maybe the most important yet. As you know, the XFL and The Spring League formed a partnership back in January of this year.

As of now, the XFL and TSL have a strictly 3rd party relationship, meaning the XFL does not own a stake in TSL. That being said the XFL is The Spring League’s largest client having spent six-figures on three Spring League events so far.

According to an article on JohnWallstreet.com, it looks as the companies may be forming a tighter bond. TSL CEO Brian Woods thinks the relationship between TSL and the XFL has gone so well, that he’s had preliminary discussions “with Oliver about our league becoming the ‘Official D-League’ of the XFL.”

This would be a huge move for both parties and would definitely help the XFL in its infancy. If The Spring League does end up being the XFL’s D-League, that would be on top of the already discussed Team 9 which would be used to supplement teams throughout the season.

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Rosters revealed for the Spring League July Showcase

Stephan Rachuk — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:08:24 +0000

The XFL is about to sign players, and the Spring League is holding they’re final showcase of the year. We we’re lucky enough to receive rosters for all of the XFL Summer Showcases, and this event is no different. Thanks to the official Twitter account of The Dream Bowl, we have the full list.

Congrats 2 @TheDreamBowl+@HBCUSPIRITBOWL alums P. Settles, L. Brihm, J. Kelly, M. Harris, B. Alleyne, S. Smith, R. Potokov, R. Chase, C. Gomez, H. Tafah, M. Kweyir-Attah, J. Bowser, J. Istache, M. Brown, B. Brice & C. Jacquemin on competeing in @TheSpringLeague! #XFL #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/idROpwCf02

— The Dream Bowl (@TheDreamBowl) July 30, 2019

Offense

Jonathan Banks – QB – Kansas State/Tulane
David Cornwell – QB – Alabama
Vincent Jeffries – QB – Florida A&M
Andrea Nunez – QB – University of Louisiana Lafayette
PJ Settles – QB – Rhodes College
Larry Brihm Jr – QB – Bethune Cookman University
Boom Williams – RB – Kentucky
Jaymar Anderson – RB – East Stroudsburg University
Jason Sterling Scott – RB – Louisville/Eastern Kentucky
Jestin Kelly St – RB – Grambling State University
Dwight Hayes – RB – Arkansas Baptist University
Moses Harris – RB – Castleton University
David Bryant – RB – Florida Institute of Technology
Hjavier Pitts – RB – Thomas More University
Brycen Alleyne – RB – Deleware State
Charles Westbrook – RB – Western Illinois.West Liberty
Patrick Blackwood – RB – Marshall
Ovie Urevbu – RB – Texas A&M Commerce
Dwayne Carter – RB – Harding University
James Graham – RB – Illinois State
Brayden El-Bakri – FB – Brigham Young University
Keith Lewis – WR – Kearney Nebraska
Joel Blumenthal – WR – Southwestern Oklahoma State
Richard Turner – WR – University of Texas San Antonio
Marwuis Wells – WR – Central State University
Jamal Chevis – WR – Arkansas Monticello
Damaar Aultman – WR – University of Maine
Christian Booker – WR – Arkansas State University
Jeff George – WR – University Tennessee
Rodell Cruell – WR – Mcneese State/Tulsculum College
Erik Brundidge – WR – West Chester University
Chad Rex – WR – Ohio Northern University
Keavon Mitchell – WR – Bethune Cookman
Zach Drew Toles – WR – New Mexico Highlands University
Dontez Byrd – WR – Louisville/Tennessee Tech
Shannon Smith – WR – University of West Georgia
Gabriel Alexander – WR – Peru State
Andrew Verboys – WR – University of Deleware
Jarredd Radebaugh – WR – Colorado State University Pueblo
Daniel Walsh – WR – Texas Christian
Brenden KellyEastern Oregon University
Jayln Judkins – TE – Texas A&M/Angelo State
Blake Vandenberg – TE – Missouri Western State
Jake Sutherland – TE – Morehead State University
Michael Lasker – OT – Syracuse University
Josiah Tonu – OT – Souther Oregon University
Rustam Potokov – OG – Urbana University/Nassau CC
Jeremy Schonbrunner – OG – Temple University
Jonte Berry – OG – Kilgore Junior College
Lawrence Omolayo – OG – Pace University
Kirkland Zuniga – OG – Langston University
Joseph Park – OG – University of South Carolina
Raymond Chase Jr – OG – Monroe College/Limestone
Cole Conrad – OC – Nebraska
Chad Moore – OC – Chilliwack
Justin Brown – OC – Benedict College
Chris Gomez – OC – Central Missouri
Byron Glass – OC – Austin Peay State University

Defense

Skye King – DT – York University
Steven Leggett – DT – Florida Atlantic University
Keyso Moss – DT – Antelope College/Missouri S&T
Jason Smith – DT – Marshall/Delaware State
Lord Hyeamang – DT – Columbia University
Harris Tafah – DE – Mcneese State
Whitney Richardson – DE – Lane College
Brandon Jones – DE – Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Edward Mosley – DE – Alabama State
Okezie Adim-Madumere – DE – Northwestern State University
Jordon Harold – DE – Missouri
Tigi Hill – LB – Mesa CC
Osband Thompson – LB – Tuskegee University
Kain Daub – LB – Florida State/Florida Atlantic
Kieren Wilson – LB – Missouri Valley College
Jibrell Hazly – LB – Florida A&M/Feather River
Michael Kewgyir Attah – LB – Monroe College/Norfolk State
Derek Ibkwe – LB – New Mexico State
Kendal Adams – LB – Kansas State
Dewayne Beckford – LB – Purdue University
Ryan Arnold – LB – Dubuque University
Homer Causey – CB – Texas Southern University
Jalen Holloman – CB – Reinhardt
Mike Daniels – CB – West Virginia
Clyde Lee – CB – Houston/Texas Southern
Adonis Phillips – CB – University of Hawaii
Travis McMillan – CB – McKendree University
Dereck Allen Jr – CB – Mcneese State
Malcom Williams – CB – Wayne State University
Osman Toure – CB – Bloomsburg University
Demarcus Owens – CB – New Mexico State
Odie Harris – CB – Shaw University
Ja’Quez Bowser – CB – Alabama State/Faulkner
Rodney Mosley Jr – CB – Union College
Michael Shelton – CB – Bringham Young University
DeWayne Finny Jr – CB – East Central University
Devin Raynod Hines – CB – Seton Hill University
Lorye Broom – CB – Oregon
Morloshawn Franklin Jr – CB – Cal Berkeley
Jonathan Istache – CB – Duquesne University
Jesse Gibson – SAF – Belhaven University
Derick Bernard Hobson II – CB – Alabama
Cody Savage – SAF – Kansas State/Emporia State
Justin Wyatt – SAF – Limestone College/Troy
JJ Nunes – SAF – Valparaiso University
Malik Keshon Brown – SAF – Henderson State
Joshua Hayden – SAF – University of La Verne
DeAndre Williams – SAF – Central State/Missouri State
Brandon Brice – SAF – Harding University
Hassan Ibrahim – SAF – California Berkeley
Christian Jacquemin – K – Jackson State
Phillip Nwosu – K – Amherst College
Nick Dorka Jr – K – William & Mary
Matt Mengel – P – UCLA
Zack Esau – LS – University of Manitoba
Alonso Vera – LS – Cal Berkeley

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This Is The XFL Podcast | Ep. 30: The Spring League and ICYMI

Stephan Rachuk — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:49:16 +0000

We’re taking a break from the Summer Showcase until the last one in St. Louis wraps up on the 13th. This week we’re shifting our focus to The Spring League. A lot of people are hearing of this organization for the first time because of the XFL, so we’re going to take a deep dive into who they are. We also take a look at the rumored names for XFL Seattle and look at the last two Team Presidents.

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Titan Sensor shows off tracking technology XFL is testing

Stephan Rachuk — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 17:15:59 +0000

Titan Sensor, the company that partnered with the XFL to assist in tracking tech posted on Twitter today showing a quick highlight of what that looks like. If you watch the video below, you will see split-screen action from the players on the field and how it translates in real-time to their program.

This is similar to what the AAF had utilized in their app, yet this looks to be a lot more fluid and accurate. I would assume that this technology is going to be used for a variety of items, including the app, broadcasts and most importantly the gambling aspect.

If you go to their Twitter page, Titan has been posting a lot of images from their tests at The Spring League, so make sure you check them out.

Darryl Smith for 63 yards gain! XFL North 4/12/2019
Distance covered: 93.9 yrds
Top speed: 18.72 mi/hr
Peak acceleration: 3.72 yrd/s/s@xfl2020 pic.twitter.com/GJY8kRbUxY

— TITAN SENSOR (@titansensor) April 12, 2019

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XFL testing new innovations at The Spring League

Stephan Rachuk — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 20:50:57 +0000

The XFL is in Austin, TX for the next couple weeks testing some rule changes and innovations with The Spring League. Yesterday they held an event to discuss a variety of different changes and innovations that they plan on trying out during these test games.

One focus area they spoke about was how there is not much RND (Research and Development) that happens in football today. The XFL has the unique opportunity to test these items out in real-time prior to the start of their league. As they are testing new innovations they are being cognizant that they do not want to add anything to the game that could be labeled “gimmicky”.

The XFL is looking to be fast-paced, but what does that mean? To boil it down, they are looking to minimize idle time on the field, increase meaningful action, create a more rhythmic feel to the overall game, as well as focus on creating a safe game that feel like traditional football. If everything goes as planned, we would be looking at a game, that even with overtime would clock in under 3 hours.

One thing they stated during this event is that nothing is set in stone, everything they are testing is just that, testing. We can look forward to seeing the final rule book sometime this summer.

Kickoffs

Unlike the AAF, the XFL will have kickoffs. From the looks of it, it seems to be similar to the CFL. There would be a 5 yard halo-rule, with no fair catch. Twitter user @ConfirmedShoot posted an image from the test game showing what the formation would look like.

XFL kickoff formation. Intrigued. pic.twitter.com/epFzf2O7lZ

— Matt (@ConfirmedShoot) April 7, 2019

Punt Returns

Similar to the kickoff, there will still be a 5 yard halo rule with no fair catch. One thing to remember, is the 5 yard halo is dependent on the ball and not the player. Meaning, if the ball hits the ground and bounces towards the kicking team, the players will need to retreat until the receiving team picks up the ball.

Extra Points

Unlike the NFL, the XFL will not utilize kickers after a touchdown. Instead the scoring team will have three options:

1 point starting at the 2 yard line
2 points starting at the 5 yard line
3 points starting at the 10 yard line

This will give the opposing team more chances to get back into the game, which should create a more exciting game for the fans. An interesting aspect of this is also how they would handle interceptions that result in a score. If this is to happen, the defense would receive the amount of points that the offense was attempting. For instance, if XFL Houston is going for a 3 point attempt and XFL Seattle intercepts and runs it back, Seattle would receive three points.

Forward Pass

As of now, it seems that the XFL is testing the ability to have multiple forward passes. All passes would need to be performed behind the line of scrimmage. If the QB passes to another player and becomes the receiver they will be treated as any other player and would no longer be protected by QB safety rules. This would potentially open up more plays for the backup QB, or at least that is a thought at the moment. If any of the passes are incomplete, the whole play is incomplete.

Officiating

As part of keeping the game up tempo, the XFL is aware that officiating is going to play a key part of that. There will be a dedicated ball spotter to ensure that time isn’t wasted setting the placement after each play. They will also have a officiant in the booth, much like the AAf and it’s Sky Judge. There will be replay reviews, but they are looking at ways to expedite the process.

Overtime

Probably the most intriguing innovation they are testing out is new overtime rules. Again, a huge focus that they are working to achieve is keeping all of the games under 3 hours, including overtime. To achieve this, and give each team an opportunity to score they are testing rules similar to hockey and soccer. Both teams offense and defense would be on the field at the same time starting at the 5 yard line. Each team would take turns attempting to score, with each touchdown accounting for one point. If there is a tie after 5 rounds, then it becomes sudden death. Whoever scores first, wins the game.

There will be 4 refs on each side, with a ref in the booth similar to the AAF’s Sky Judge to officiate the plays. If the defense commits a penalty the ball would move to the 1 yard line, if they commit a second penalty, the offense receive a point. Alternatively, if the defense intercepts the ball or recovers a fumble then they would receive a point. With these rules in place there will always be a winner, no ties in the XFL. Another interesting note that came out of this was that Luck mentioned that they have spoken to their broadcast partners about this strategy and they are on board. There was no word on who those broadcast partners are, but we have heard rumors that it may be ABC/ESPN and FOX/FS1.

What are your thoughts on the different rules and changes that the XFL is testing out? Join our community on discord and let’s keep the conversation going.

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The Spring League will be accepting Commanders tickets this weekend

Stephan Rachuk — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 19:20:14 +0000

After the announcement that The AAF would be ending it’s season, The Spring League posted on Twitter that you can bring your ticket stubs to this weeks Commanders/Express game to this weekends double header at Kelly Reeves Stadium in Austin, TX.

As a reminder, all four of the coaches that have been named by the XFL will be in attendance, as well as CEO and Commissioner Oliver Luck and SVP Doug Whaley. The first game kicks off at 3:30pm CST, with the second starting at 7:30pm CST.

Did you have tickets for the #SanAntonioCommanders vs. #MemphisExpress game at the #AlamoDome this weekend? Bring your ticket stub to #TheSpringLeague doubleheader on 4/6 for free admission and fill your Saturday with football!#TakeCommand #TheAAF pic.twitter.com/1gl7e4ihSI

— The Spring League (@TheSpringLeague) April 2, 2019

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Doug Whaley joins the Spring Forward Podcast

Stephan Rachuk — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 16:18:29 +0000

Senior Vice President of Football Operations, Doug Whaley, joined the Spring Forward Podcast hosted by Alex Goldstick. Before Whaley joined the interview Goldstick mentioned that this is the first year that The Spring League has an official partner. All of the current XFL scouts and coaches will be on hand for the Spring League in Austin, TX. He also mentioned that some of the coaches will even join the Spring League staff to get an up-close look at evaluating talent and testing game-play and rule changes.

Whaley started the interview by talking about his time in professional football, diving into his history as a player, scout, coach and general manager. On why he joined the XFL, Whaley said there was two main reasons. First was that Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck we’re heading up the league. Second was that he never thought he would ever have a chance to help build a new sports league, and looks forward to putting his stamp on the XFL and help bring it to market.

The conversation switched focus to how the partnership between the XFL and the Spring League began. Whaley said that when the XFL first started doing their background on how the XFL game was going to look to the public, they knew they needed to have more then just words. Now, due to their partnership with TSL they now have a chance to test them in real-time. He also stated that it also gives the XFL an extra opportunity to scout potential talent for the upcoming season.

In regards to rule testing, Whaley mentioned they are looking to reduce the play clock to between 30-35 seconds, create at a 5 yard halo rule on punt returns for player safety, testing different overtime formats as well as kick-off options.

Whaley was asked if they is a specific type of player the XFL is looking for. They are looking for the best players available, they don’t want to limit themselves. He said fans go to games to watch good players, which in turn will create a better game.

They discussed the Head Coach/GM model, Whaley stated that since they have a single-owner model this made the most sense. He also compared it to collegiate football, giving the coach more power to mold their teams.

Goldstick then switched gears to the AAF, asking how he envisions the landscape of pro football now with the NFL, AAF and XFL. Whaley said the main thing is opportunity for players to live their dream, and for fans to enjoy more football. He also stated that the XFL is looking at themselves as a completely separate pro entity, not a farm league.

Off the field, the XFL is focusing on bringing interactive features that would work between them and their broadcast partners. Whaley also brought up that the XFL will soon be creating their own content, no specifics on what exactly, but he did specifically state it will be on par or better than what the WWE is currently putting out. They know that content is king and they want the new product to be engaging for the fans.

You can listen to the full podcast below:

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XFL Partners with The Spring League to Reimagine Football

Stephan Rachuk — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 18:22:40 +0000

Stamford, Conn., January 30, 2019 – The XFL today announced that it has formed a partnership with The Spring LEague, an elite professional football development organization, to test changes to rules and gameplay as it works to reimagine the game when it kicks off in 2020. Testing during The Spring League’s upcoming season follows the XFL’s first testing session conducted last month, which featured two Mississippi-based junior college teams.

The Spring League will take the field in Austin, Texas from March 28 to April 11 and will provide players the opportunity to showcase their ability in front of the XFL, NFL and other professional football talent evaluators. While doing so, coaches will work closely with football operations executive from the XFL to blend in on-field adjustments the league has been researching and developing since announcing its return just over a year ago.

“We believe that conducting live R&D sessions to test out potential game adjustments in real time is critical,” Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner & CEO. “Puttung the best product on the field is out number one priority and thanks to partners like The Spring League, we are confident that the changes we eventually decide to deploy will have the desired effect and we will deliver outstanding football when we kick off.”

“This is an exciting partnership for The Spring League,” said Brian Woods, CEO of The Spring League, “We applaud the XFL’s effor to reimagine the game and simultaneously provide out players and additional opportunity to display their talents for the XFL coaches and scouts in attendance.”

In early December, XFL football operations personnel worked with the National Junior College Athletic Association and two member schools, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Pearl River Community College, to conduct its first live R&D session.

“The feedback we recieved from the players, coached and game officials who participated in our three R&D sessions in December was hugely beneficial,” said Doug Whaley, XFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations. “We’re excited to take that feedback, as well as observations from the hundreds of hours of tape we captured, and put these new adjustments on the field in real time with the incredibly talented players of The Spring League attracts.

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