2024 Pre-Season Markcast® All-UFL Team
by Pat Rifino
As the UFL season is set to begin in the next couple of weeks, it’s time for the annual All-UFL Markcast® team that we set up. As the first wave of cuts has taken place and the UFL’s rosters seem to have begun to take shape, let's dive into the list of some of the UFL’s best players going into this season.
QB: A.J. McCarron - St. Louis Battlehawks
McCarron is primed to once again become Spring Football’s premiere signal caller, especially with a reloaded receiving corps. The former Alabama QB was consistently in the Top-3 of major QB categories despite only playing in 9 games for St. Louis last year. With the Battlehawks returning the majority of their starters and Offensive Coordinator Bruce Gradkowski look for McCarron to easily surpass some of his 2023 statistics this season.
RB: Abram Smith - D.C. Defenders
Smith was 10 yards short of the 2001 XFL Single season rushing record, and with some departures at Wide Receiver for D.C. could once again be asked to “tote” the rock in 2024. A dominant downhill runner, Smith is a fringe NFL back who should be one of the league’s most valuable options behind his QB Jordan Ta’amu.
*It was reported late on Thursday, March 14 via Mike Mitchell and Anthony Miller of Sports Illustrated that D.C. Defenders running back Abram Smith is feared to have suffered a season-ending injury during practice the day prior.
Full Report - https://www.si.com/fannation/ufl/news/dc-defenders-running-back-abram-smith-season-ending-knee-injury
RB: De’Veon Smith - Arlington Renegades
A name many are familiar with, De’Veon Smith was a consistent figure for the Renegades in 2023, and after finding his footing could easily use his veteran savvy to become a top-back in the UFL. The Renegades upgraded their offensive line in 2024, and despite an injury to Garrett McGhin, are led by Spring Football Legend Jonathan Himebach who coaches the big men for Bob Stoops. With a lack of firepower at Wide Receiver the Renegades should rely on Smith to will them to another championship berth.
FB: Clint Sigg - Houston Gamblers
Versatile football player, Sigg was overshadowed by Josh Pederson last year in USFL, but those who watch the tape, know that number 42 was leading the way for 2023 OPOY Mark Thompson. Sigg who made a series of acrobatic receptions in the passing attack, will double as a Tight End for the Roughnecks who despite their Gambler heritage are a new brand in the “USFL Conference”.
WR: Gary Jennings Jr. - Birmingham Stallions
Another overshadowed piece of the 2023 Battlehawks, Jennings joins the Stallions for his opportunity to shine in Skip Holtz’s Offense. The athletic Jennings was buried under the Battlehawks’ star receiving corps and should have no problem stepping into a similar role as Davion Davis or Austin Watkins did in 2024.
WR: Hakeem Butler - St. Louis Battlehawks
Butler may see a dip in production but could easily be more effective and efficient in the 2024 Battlehawks Offense. The 6’5 Iowa State alum was a terror for opposing defenses and will continue to be in 2024.
WR: Trey Quinn - Michigan Panthers
A crafty NFL veteran Quinn saw a bit of resurgence in 2023 despite uneven QB play. The former SMU alum should be able to build on the chemistry he’s developed with E.J. Perry as the two, prompting Quinn to remain a top pass-catcher in 2024.
WR: Jonathan Adams - Memphis Showboats
With Adams spending another year in Doug Martin’s system, armed with former Stars gunslinger Case Cookus the potential for Adams to reach All-League potential is certainly there. Martin in a recent media day did mention that Adams was in the best of his life and certainly could be in an NFL camp this fall.
TE: Sal Cannella - Arlington Renegades
Cannella has been a staple of these leagues since 2021 and earned All-USFL honors in 2022. With Luis Perez under center and a weak receiving corps, look for Cannella to continue his dominance, edging out Cody Latimer, Jace Sternberger, and Sage Surratt in a loaded tight-end league.
OT: Terry Poole - Memphis Showboats
While PFF may have graded Poole poorly, The Markcast does not. The leadership presence and tangibles Poole brings to the Showboats will surely benefit the dynamic offense Memphis is poised to have. It is worth noting once Poole joined the Maulers in 2023, the Pittsburgh Offense (specifically at QB), was prompted to a USFL Championship berth.
OT: Jarron Jones - Memphis Showboats
Three years running. After two back-to-back All-USFL selections, Jones has proven to be one of Spring Football’s most valuable pass blockers even going back to the 2020 XFL. Another year wiser, Jones should have no problem defending his position as a dominant tackle for 2024 and beyond if he chooses.
OG: Cole Schneider - Birmingham Stallions
A mauling guard, the unpolished Schneider is on the cusp of being an NFL player and should have plenty of opportunities to prove it in 2024. Schneider helped pave the way for the Stallions to dominate 2023, and could also prove his versatility at the Center position as well if needed.
OG: Liam Fornadel - D.C. Defenders
While Fornadel did earn All-XFL honors in 2023, the Defenders have been hit hard by retirements on the Offensive Line and at Wide Receiver. With a bigger spotlight on him, Fornadel should easily rise to the occasion allowing Abram Smith to also reach All-UFL status.
C: Mike Panasuik - St. Louis Battlehawks
After converting to Center only a couple of years ago, Panasuik earned All-XFL honors despite being a novice at the position. With another year of experience, and coaching from Gino Gradkowski, expect Mike P as he’s known in the locker room to continue to improve en route to an NFL opportunity.
DEFENSE
DE: Breeland Speaks - Michigan Panthers
Speaks burst onto the USFL scene snagging 9.5 sacks in his first season with Michigan. With additional weapons on Defense, Speaks should continue his veteran dominance on some of the UFL’s novice Tackles.
DE: Adam Rodriguez - Houston Roughnecks
Rodriguez may be one of the UFL’s most underrated Defensive Ends over the past two years. Rodriguez totaled 15 Sacks in Two seasons with the Philadelphia Stars, the most during that time frame. With additional pieces to surround him, Rodriguez should have no reason grabbing double-digit sacks this season.
DT: Toby Johnson - Houston Roughnecks
An NFL veteran, an IFL Champion, and a Two-Time USFL all-league player, the accolades have accumulated for Toby Johnson whose been playing pro ball since 2015. With the experience and motivation to continue his career for his 10th season, Johnson should be able to build on a strong career, with another stellar season.
DT: Austin Faoliu - St. Louis Battlehawks
The 2023 All-XFL DT returns to spring football after a stint with the Seattle Seahawks this past fall. A dominant and physical run stuffer, Faoliu gives the Battlehawks a stout presence in the interior making him a slam dunk for the 2024 All-UFL team.
LB: Kyahva Tezino - Birmingham Stallions
Tezino has continued to progress since 2022 improving each year in spring football. The former Pittsburgh Mauler has continued to grow as a leader and has emerged as one of spring football’s fearsome defenders. With the recent announcement of Chris Orr retiring, Tezino has little competition to compete for being the lead Stallion on John Chavis’ Defense.
LB: Frank Ginda - Michigan Panthers
Ginda the Great took home a slew of awards in 2023, which earned him a couple of paychecks with the Atlanta Falcons this fall. Ginda, who improved in his Pass Coverage skills should be able to continue his realm of excellence in spring football under Collin Bauer’s Defense.
LB: Pita Taumoepenu - St. Louis Battlehawks
The XFL 2023 Defensive Player of the Year will have the privilege of learning under some NFL greats in La’Roi Glover, Chris Claiborne, and Donnie Abraham in St. Louis this season. A lanky and nimble pass rusher, who sports a deadly long arm, and dip and rip, has already established himself as one of the leagues best, and should be primed for an NFL opportunity in 2024.
CB: Ajene Harris - Arlington Renegades
Originally released by the Maulers in 2022, Harris put together an All-XFL season for the Houston Roughnecks, leading the XFL in Interceptions in 2023. Still under 30, Harris should be the benefactor of a strong Renegades Defense that will put him in a position to succeed for Bob Stoops and company.
CB: Levonta Taylor - Michigan Panthers
Taylor was one of the USFL’s most underrated Defensive Backs in 2023, not giving up a touchdown this past year. With his bend but don’t break Defense Taylor has the huge opportunity to grow in 2024 and earn another NFL opportunity this Fall.
S: Dravon Askew-Henry - St. Louis Battlehawks
A 2020 XFL alum with the New York Guardians, Askew-Henry spent the last two seasons with the New Jersey Generals, before becoming the 4th overall pick in the UFL dispersal draft this January. Now in St. Louis the West Virginia alum has the chance to flourish under Donnie Abraham’s system this spring.
S: Kenny Robinson - Birmingham Stallions
A former Battlehawk in 2020, Robinson made waves in the 2nd iteration of the XFL, earning a draft selection by the Carolina Panthers that same year. A bit older, and aided with years of experience Robinson is a prime breakout candidate for 2024, to build on his legacy from his previous stint in Spring Football.
Special Teams:
Kicker: Matt Coghlin - Memphis Showboats
Coghlin missed one kick (25/25 PAT, 18/19 FG) in 2023 in addition to handling some punting duties as well. While many fell in love with Luis Aguilar (who was recently released), Coghlin probably would have earned All-League honors in a USFL that sported many talented Kickers. With some turnover in the UFL this season at the position Coghlin may be the Kicker to beat in the league this year.
Punter: Brock Miller - Michigan Panthers
On the fringe of an NFL opportunity, Miller has boomed Punts for the past two years in the USFL with the New Jersey Generals and is now “the guy” for Michigan this year. With another year of experience to add to his 8 year Pro career, Miller will be the top challenger for the UFL’s best Punter.
