The Super Bowl is not the last competitive football game this year. The start of the XFL begins February 8th, the weekend after the big game. I can’t wait for more football to get me through until the Masters and Regular Season Baseball.
Being located in SouthWest Florida my team is the Tampa Vipers!!!! The amazing two tone green and yellow, with V that looks like fangs, definitely the best uniform in the XFL. Uniforms aside this team is loaded with talent!! So lets meet the 2020 Vipers.
Head Coach:
Marc Trestman
Coach Trestman is an offensive guru with 3 Grey Cup Championships under his belt and a 2 time CFL Coach of the Year. He was Rich Gannon’s QB coach when he won the 2002 NFL MVP and was Jake Plummer’s QB coach for his best year in Arizona. He coached the Bears in the NFL for 2 years and his record in the CFL was 68-40. The man knows his offense and has the weapons to be the highest scoring team in the XFL.
Quarterbacks:
#4 Taylor Cornelius: 6-6 232lbs Oklahoma State
Taylor was a four sport athlete in high school (baseball, basketball, track, football). His Senior year he was named Athlete of the Year by Amarillo Globe News. He was Mason Rudolph’s backup for two years and played his senior year posting 3,978 yards and 32 TD’s 3rd all time for one year in Oklahoma State history. He went undrafted and signed with Green Bay but didn’t make the roster. In my opinion I see Taylor as the backup who could start for a lot of teams in the XFL.
#8 Chase Litton 6-5 230lbs Marshall
Mr. Litton is a product of the Tampa area going to Wharton High School. He had 13 TDs and 2,200 yards his senior year for the Wildcats. Chase was a three year starter at Marshall with a 60.8% completion percentage. He threw for 8,335 yards 72 TD’s.. Chase went undeafted our of college and was signed by Kansas City and was on their practice squad and the eventually the Jaguars practice squad before being cut. He has the size and arm, he is just battling with two good QBs a head of him, but hey you never know good luck Chase!! @boogXIV
#9 Quinton Flowers 5-11 211lbs South Florida
I’m not going to sugar coat it, Mr. Flowers is my favorite player signed by the Vipers. Flowers is such an amazing athlete. With Trestman’s offensive creativity, Flowers will make big plays at QB, WR, RB wherever they put him. He was a 3 year stater at QB for the Bulls. Flowers completed 57.7% of his throws with 71 TDs and 8,174 yards. Oh he also rushed for 3,622 yards and 41 TDs. A few accolades: AAC Offensive Player of the year, 2 time Birmingham Bowl MVP, First Team All AAC and is the USF all time leader in Rushing, Passing and All Time TDs. I can’t wait for Quinton to hit the field.
#11 Aaron Murray 6-1 207lbs Georgia
In my opinion, whatever that’s worth, I believe this is our starter opening the year up. The man is a proven leader and competitor and he’s from Tampa! He played in the SEC during the start of the dominance of SEC defenses and still put up 62.3% completion percentage, 13,166 yards 121 TDs. He was the first QB in SEC history to throw for 3,000 yards in 4 straight seasons. Murray was the 2013 Capital One Bowl MVP, 2011 All SEC Team, SEC Career Passing leader and TD leader when he left. Murray was drafted in the 5th round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released by the Chiefs in 2016 and bounced to a few NFL practice squads. He played in the AAF as a backup and played in one game and the league folded. This guys has all the tools to get the ball to his playmakers, I really think he just needs a shot and Trestman will give it to him. @aaronmurray11
Wide Receivers:
#5 Antonio Callaway 5-11 200lbs Florida
This man right here should lead the league in receiving and be up for player of the year. He has all the talent in the world to be an amazing player. Callaway needs to keep his head straight and lay off the pot or at least not get caught, I’m not sure of the XFL drug policies. Callaway was a fourth round pick of the Cleveland Browns with 1st round talent. His rookie year Callaway had 51 catches for 575 yards and 5 TDs. In college Antonio had 89 catches for 1,399 yards and 7TDs. He has proven on the field that he can make plays, but his off the field problems with substance abuse lead him out of the NFL. He could use the XFL to prove he still has it and can keep clean while doing it, he could easily get back to the NFL. Before that happens though I think a big year is coming from #5.
#13 Donteea Dye 6-0 195lbs Heidelberg
Dye was on track to play division one football until a high school knee injury forced him to division three Heidelberg College. In college Dye had 116 catches for 2,298 yards and 26 TDs. After college Dye really impressed scouts running a 4.39 forty yard dash, but still went undrafted. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Dye in 2015 and he made the 53 man roster and posting 11 catches 132 yards and 1 TD. He was released the next year and the Buccs kept signing and waiving him until 2018 when he played for the Orlando Apollos in the AAF until that league folded. Dye has proven in the big leagues to contribute, I think he will make a good number 2 or 3 WR move him around in the slot and even run the ball on sweeps and jets. @DonteeaDye
#14 Stacy Coley 6-0 195lbs Miami
Another player I am very high on is #14. He has all the traits to be a very versatile player. In college Coley was Mr. Explosive for the U. He was 2 time All ACC Third team and All ACC Second team. He returned punts averaging 13.0 a punt and 1 TD, on kickoffs he averaged 24.3 yards and had 1 TD. Playing WR Coley had 166 catches for 2,218 yards and 20 TDs. After school Coley was drafted to the Vikings in 2017 in the 7th round. He made the 53 man roster but was cut a week later and claimed by the Giants where he suffered a hamstring injury and was released. Coley should be the staring slot WR in this offense and that could be problems for other teams. He runs good routes and is very fast running a 4.37 forty at his pro day. Coley stays healthy it’s could mean lots of points for the Vipers.
#15 Seantavius Jones 6-4 201lbs Valdosta State
Jones has the size that could be very hard for DBs to defend. In college he had 138 catches for 2,250 yards and 32 TDs 2 of them were for 77 yards. He has big play written all over him, he was 2 time All Gulf Coast South 1st team. Jones went undrafted and signed with the Saints in 2014, and was on the practice squad until late December and was moved to active roster. He was cut the following year, the signed and released from a few teams until joining the Atlanta AAF team. He posted 24 catches for 298 yards before the league folded. He will be battling great WRs for playing time but could definitely make big plays when on the field.
#17 Jalen Tolliver 6-3 209lbs University of Arkansas-Monticello
Tolliver put up huge numbers in college with 192 catches for 3,168 yards and 39 TDs. Those are impressive stats no matter what division of football you are playing. He was a 2 time 1st team All-GAC and 1 time 2nd team All-GAC. Jalen went undrafted and signed with the Cardinals in 2018. He was a last move roster cut but signed on to the Cardinals practice squad. He was moved to active roster in December of 2018 where he made 3 catches for 37 yards. Tolliver was waived at the end of the year and then waived again by the Titans, Chiefs. He has the ability to be a great #2 WR, he has incredible hands and runs crisp routes, it’s hard with these WRs. A lot of them could play for any team and start, rotation will wear out defenses.
#18 Reece Horn 6-3 213lbs Indianapolis
Mr. Horn was Mr. D2 player while in college. 2015 Harlon Hill Award candidate
2015 AFCA All-America
2015 D2CCA All-America First Tam
2015 D2Football.com All-America First Team
2015 D2CCA All-Super Region 4 First Team
2015 GLVC Special Teams Player of the Year
2015 All-GLVC First Team
2015 William A. Bright Team MVP Award, Offense
2015 UIndy Wide Receiver of the Year
2015 Sporting News Division II Preseason All-America Team. That’s just his 2015 awards you can google the rest. Oh he also had 272 catches for over 3,500 yards and 31 TDs. Horn will compete at WR and get on the field and be great on special teams as well. @RHorn19
#19 Tanner McEvoy 6-6 230lbs Wisconsin
Coming from New Jersey High School power house Bergen Catholic, McEvoy went to South Carolina originally as a QB and redshirted his first year. He transferred to Wisconsin to play QB which he did his junior year throwing for 709 yards and 5 TDs. He played a couple of games at WR 10 catches 109 yards as a senior. He played safety as well for Wisconsin. In 2016 he went undrafted and signed with the Seahawks. He made the roster as the 5t WR his rookie year and the 4th his second year. During his NFL career he caught 14 passes for 253 yards and 2 TDs. Tanner could be a real threat in the red zone because of his size. McEvoy will definitely be a big part of special teams with his safety background.
#81 Daniel Williams 6-3 201lbs Jackson State
I couldn’t find much on Mr. Williams. He did put up excellent numbers in college with 184 catches for 2,497 yards and 19TDs. He went undrafted and signed then waived by Seattle and the joined the Jets and Browns but was waived as well. I like his size and production and I’m anxious to see what he can do on the gridiron.
#83 Ryan Davis 5-10 189lbs Auburn
Again I searched and searched, well not that hard and couldn’t find too much about Ryan. I do know he was a 4 star WR coming out of Lakewood High School in St.Petersburg. So I guess we have another hometown boy! In college his numbers were impressive playing i. The hardest division in Division 1 college football. Davis had 178 catches for 1,555 yards and 7 TDs. I guess we will have to see Davis on the field to see what he can do and contribute, I have high hopes!
Tight Ends:
#80 DeAndre Goolsby 6-5 240lbs Florida
Coming all the way from Derby Kansas as a 3 star tight end to Gainesville, Goolsby had a good career while at Florida. He had 68 catches for 724 yards and 5 TDs. Goolsby has the size to block on the edge which he did a good job vs great completion in college. He ran a decent 4.79 forty and was on the Jaguars roster for a little while before being released. All of the TEs on the roster are big and agile it will be a good rotation. @thebasedone30
#85 Nick Truesdell 6-5 249lbs Grand Rapids Junior College
Truesdell has had quite a road to get to the XFL. He was originally enrolled at Cincinnati but was dismissed from the team for stealing books from the campus store. After Cincinnati he transferred to Grand Rapid State, and tore his ACL his first year. Leaving college Nick went the Arena football route where he shined. He played for 6 arena teams in 4 years putting up 127 catches for 1,527 yards and 38 TDs. He also played in the AAF before that league folded but he made 24 catches for 269’yards and 3 TDs. He is tested as a pro albeit in lower levels of football but I expect red zone TDs and big 3rd down catches.
#86 Colin Thompson 6-4 258lbs Temple
Coming out of high school Thompson was a 4 star TE ranked number 4 in his position. He accepted a scholarship to Florida. He never saw the field there due to nagging foot injuries. He received a waived being able to transfer and he chose Temple. He had limited play but put up 19 catches for 208 yards and 1 TD. He bounced from practice squads in the NFL finally leading in Tampa with the Vipers. If he can return to proper form it could spell trouble for LBs and DBs trying to cover him. @ColinThompsonTU
Running Backs:
#24 DeVeon Smith 5-11 225lbs Michigan
Mr. Smith was a finalist for the prestigious Mr. Football Ohio in high school. The man that I believe will be our starting RB had a great career vs good Big 10 defenses. He was honorable mention All Big 10 in 2016. He amassed 2,235 yards and 22TDs averaging 4.5 yards per rush. He was also good in the passing game catching 38 balls for 251 yards and 1 TD. After college he went undrafted in 2017 and dined with the dolphins, and went back and forth from practice squad to active roster. He caught 3 balls for 27 yards in the NFL. I expect big things from this powerhouse running back. @i_BSmith4
#29 Jacques Patrick 6-3 235lbs Florida State
In 2015 Patrick was a 4 star RB #3 in his position from Timber Creek High School in Orlando. His first two years he was behind Dalvin Cook and then split carries with Cam Akers. Even with the lack of touches he still had 1,790 yards rushing with 4.9 yards per rush and 17 TDs. Out of the backfield he caught 47 balls for 356 yards and a touchdown. He was undrafted and unsigned in 2019 and I think it was the injury to his knee. If he is healthy there could be a real two headed monster with Smith in the Vipers backfield. @jacques_patrick
#34 Mack Brown 5-11 213lbs Florida
Mack Brown is the old guy in the backfield at 28. He played his college ball at Florida and split carries with a few backs rushing for 805 yards 3.8 a rush and 4 TDs. This former 4 star back wasn’t featured or used as he should have been in college. He went undrafted in 2015 and signed to the Texans. He was waived and ended up in Washington. He was released and signed 3 times in 2015 and in 2016 he lead the preseason in rushing for the Redskins. He played all of 2016 with the skins mostly on special teams but carried the ball soaringly. Brown had 111 yards rushing 6.9 yards a rush and 1 TD. Also catching 2 balls for 9 yards. He was released and bounced around to a few teams and now he’s a Viper and I think he’s ready to strike!
Offensive Line:
#51 John Yarbrough OC 6-4 300lbs Richmond
John was a 2 sport athlete in high school, lettering in basketball and football. He was All State Honorable Mention in High School, Alabama is a hotbed for talent. Named Second Team All-CAA. Invited to play in the FCS National Bowl in Florida December 9, 2018. Named Lineman MVP of the FCS National Bowl. Named Offensive Lineman of the Year in the state of Virginia by the Touchdown Club of Richmond. Started all 11 games at three different positions on the offensive line.Played center, right guard and right tackle during the season. Helped protect an offense that threw for 2,906 yards and 15 touchdowns. Paved the way for 1,206 yards rushing by a combined 14 players carrying the ball. Out of college he was undrafted and signed then waived by the Browns and then and waived by the Panthers. I’m guessing with his versatility he will play center and guard for the Vipers. @johnny_yarbs
#63 Jordan McCray OC 6-3 322lbs Central Florida
Jordan was a three star recruit out of Miami Florida. Undrafted in 2015 and signed with the bears and was cut. He played in the arena league with the Orlando Predators mostly as a blocker but caught 17 passes and 5 TDs as tight ends. His twin brother plays guard for the packers and we are happy to have Jordan on the Vipers offensive line depth chart. @JMcc63
#67 Jerald Foster OG 6-3 335lbs Nebraska
Mr. Foster was the number 1 recruit in the state of Nebraska in 2014 and a 4 star rated guard. He went to Lincoln high school in Nebraska and there was no way he wasn’t going to be a cornhusker. He started all 12 games at left guard as a senior and scouts loved his pass blocking and pulling ability. The downfall was him reaching the second level. For a man running scheme he is a perfect fit at guard and could’ve dominate. He was on the Cowboys and Redskins practice squad and was released. Good because he can be a road grader for the great backs on the team to run the ball down the throats of the the opponents. @JeraldFoster
#71 Isaiah Williams OT 6-3 306lbs Akron
Isaiah was All State in Ohio as a senior in high school but was on the defensive side of the ball. Went to Akron and played on the defensive line his freshman year and sophomore year. He redshirted his junior year,and came back his redshirt junior year and played on the offensive line. His senior year he was third team All MAC Conference. He went undrafted in the 2016 draft, but signed to the Redskins practice squad. Williams bounced around the league getting cut in the last roster cuts for a few teams, landing in the AAF for the Atlanta team before it folded and now he is a Viper. I’m guessing he will start at one of the tackle spots depending on how the other guys pan out.
#73 Martez Ivey OT 6-5 315lbs Florida
Florida born from Apopka, he didn’t go far from home when enrolling at Florida. In 2015 he was a 5 star recruit and number 1 OT in the class, also he was the Hall Award recipient. At Florida he was named to the SEC All Freshman team. As a junior he was 2nd team All SEC and as a senior he was Third Team All SEC. He went undrafted in 2019 and signed with the Patriots, he was cut on the last day of cuts. This is a huge get for the Vipers. In my opinion he will be the anchor at Left Tackle of a great offensive line. I’m guessing his tenure will be one year after the NFL comes calling when he dominates like he should. @tezivey
#75 Andrew Tiller OG 6-5 334lbs Syracuse
Tiller was a 3 star recruit out of Central Islip, New York and was Newsday’s Zellner Award Winner. He was on the 2011–All-Big EAST First Team selection. Started all 12 games at right guard. Blocked for 1,000 yard rusher Antwon Bailey. 2010– Started all 13 games at right guard. Blocked for 1,000 yard rusher Delone Carter. The offensive line helped the Orange converted on 34-of-40 (.850) chances in the zone, which tied for second in the BIG EAST. 2009– Played in ten games, including three starts at right guard. After Syracuse he was drafted in the 6th round by the Saints, then released. He then went to a few teams landing on the 49ers practice squad. He was moved to active roster in the middle of the season and played in 2 games. Was then cut three more times and landed in the AAF with Orlando until that league folded. I think Tiller will bring a wealth of knowledge to the whole offensive line and teach the young guys how to be a professional and keep pushing. @BigTill66
#76 Daronte Bouldin OG 6-6 331 Ole Miss
He was a three star recruit out of Canton Mississippi. 2016: Played in 11 games with four starts (2 at RG, 2 at LG) Helped Ole Miss rank 13th nationally in passing (314.9 ypg) and fewest TFLs allowed (4.67/game) Earned third letter vs. #15 Auburn (10/29/16): Made his first career start (right guard) and helped Chad Kelly and Ole Miss establish a school record with 465 passing yards vs. Georgia Southern (11/5/16): Helped Ole Miss pile up 37 points and 441 total yards in start at #8 Texas A&M (11/12/16): Started at left guard for the first time in his career and helped Ole Miss rack up 490 total yards and 30 first downs in the come-from-behind win vs. Mississippi State (11/26/16): Helped Ole Miss pile up 528 total yards and 31 first downs. As a senior he played 8 games before a season ending injury of a broken foot. He went undrafted and signed with the Saints but didn’t make the cut. Another big guy to run the ball on tough yards, he will be in rotation at least at guard for the Vipers. @almightydbo_
#78 Marquis Lucas OT 6-4 315lbs West Virginia
Lucas was a 3 star recruit from the powerhouse Miami Central High School. He started 26 games while at WVU in his final two seasons. He went undrafted in 2016 and signed with the Bills where he played all four preseason games before being cut. In 2017 he played 3 preseason games split between Tampa and Atlanta. He was cut from both teams and joined the Orlando Apollo’s of the AAF until the league ended. Another strong versatile lineman I think he can play tackle or guard for the Vipers.
Defensive Backs:
#21 Robert Priester S 5-9 181lbs Wyoming
Priester was a two star WR coming outs of the Tampa area at Robinson High School. In his 4 years as a Cowboy he had 139 tackles, 101 solo, 6 TFL, one sack, 3 force fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 1 int. He was always around the ball when he was on the field. He and undrafted and went to the CFL and played 2 games for Winnipeg making 7 tackles. Another solid player on the back end of the Vipers defense.
#22 Rannell Hall DB 6-0 200lbs Central Florida
Hall was only a 2 star recruit out of Miami Carol City High School. He also want a DB he was a WR for four years. He had 145 catches for 2,051 yards and 9 TDs. He will be moving over to the defensive side of the ball. My guess is his athleticism and size and ball abilities would make a perfect fit at safety. Looking forward to see if the kid can hit and make some plays on the back end, he could end up just being a ball hawk. @6_speedo
#23 Anthoula Kelly DB 5-10 183lbs Fresno State
Kelly played school football in Texas at Galena Park. He was a two star athlete coming into college. While at Fresno State he made 128 tackles, 99 solo. Kelly had 5 ints and 2 TDs while also forcing a fumble. As a senior he was named to the All Mountain West First Team defense. He tried out for a few NFL teams never earning a spot. That’s good news for our Vipers with his abilities he should shut down slot WRs every game.
#27 Micah Hannemann S 6-0 190lbs BYU
Coming out of the great island state of Hawaii, Micah’s has one of those athletic family’s with him in football and his brother playing in the Cubs organization. While at BYU Hannemann had 123 tackles, 77 solo, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 Forced fumble and 4 ints. He was all over the ball. After college Micah went undrafted and first signed with the Browns. He was waived by the Browns and then the Chargers. When the AAF cane into Salt Lake he played for the stallions until the league folded. I’m hoping Hannemann comes in and really lays some wood on opposing running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. @HannemannMicah
#28 Bryce Canady CB 6-0 193lbs Florida International
From Jacksonville Florida, Bryce stayed in state and went down to Miami to play for the Golden Panthers. He walked on as a junior and made some noise in his career. In one year of play he 65 tackles, 50 solo, 2 TFL, 7 pass defended, 1int, 3 forced fumbles and a sack. Not bad for one year worth of football. He was on the Jags briefly after college but didn’t make the roster. Well the home state kid stays home and gets to wear the green, green and yellow.
#30 Demontre Hurst CB 5-10 183lbs Oklahoma
Hurst was a three star CB out of Texas who chose Oklahoma over big time schools. I’m 4 years as a Sooner he amassed 178 tackles, 139 solo, 10 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 ints, and 11 pass defenses. He went undrafted in 2013 and signed with the Bears. He spent 2013 on and off the practice squad finally in 2014 making the active squad. He made 58 tackles, 2 ints, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble while playing 3 years for the Bears. The Bears didn’t resign him in 2017 and Hurst was on the Titans but they played the sign and waive game with him until 2018. The. Howe’s have a veteran of the NFL, who had made big plays on the highest level. This is a great player for the Vipers on the back end of the defense. @Trey_Zero
#31 Corey Moore DB 6-2 200lbs Georgia
Corey was a four star Strong Safety and the number 5 safety in 2011. He lettered in basketball, track and football and was named to the SuperPrep All American team. He accepted an offer to Georgia and most of his playing time came in his junior and senior years whew he had 76 tackles, 53 solo, 6 TFL, 2 ints, and a sack. After college he went undrafted in the 2015 draft but signed with the Texans. Moore started out on the practice squad but moved up to the active roster in January and played two games including a playoff game. The next year Corey gained more playing time and was on the team until being waived in 2018 and played for the Colts the rest of the year. His final NFL stats 64 tackles, 5 pass defenses, and 1 int. Corey will be a great asset to the Vipers secondary. @CDMHOU43
#32 Jalen Collins CB 6-1 203 LSU
Jalen was a 4 star CB and #22 CB in the 2010 high school class, and was named to Mississippi 6-A First Team All State. He redshirted his freshman year at LSU and was on the field for three years for the Tigers. His stats were 90 tackles, 58 solo, 3 TFL, 3 ints and 11 pass defenses. He was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2015 by the Falcons. In his NFL career he had 48 tackles, 2 ints, and 10 pass defenses, while also having ten tackles in Super Bowl LI in a loss to the Patriots. The reason that Collins isn’t still in the NFL is due to failed PED tests and substance abuse tests. He has been suspended 4 times in the NFL and all he needs is to prove he can stay clean and out of trouble. The Vipers could have the best DB in the league if he stays on the right path and for Collins he could find his way back to the NFL. @JayCar_11
#33 Shelton Lewis CB 6-0 185lbs FAU
A three star recruit Lewis originally signed with Purdue but ended up at FAU. In two seasons I the field for the Owls he had 87 tackles, 59 solo, 5TFL, one sack, 6 ints, a forced fumble and 15 pass defenses. Honored as a 2018 C-USA Preseason first team Athlon selection Preseason C-USA All-Conference Jim Thorpe Watch List Bronko Nagurski Watch List all in his last year at FAU. He went undrafted out of college and tried out for the NFL never landing a spot. With his size and speed the XFL and the Vipers could be a spring board to greatness for Lewis. @Shellydope
#35 Marcelis Branch S 5-11 190lbs Robert Morris
The Vipers picked up another Florida boy with Branch coming out of Homestead Florida, where he Earned Nike All-Dade County First Team accolades in 2011. He signed with Robert Morris out of High School. All part of the Colonials he made 194 tackles, 101 solo, 19 pass defenses and 2 ints. He was also 2015 All-Northeast Conference First Team 2012 Northeast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year
2012 All-Northeast Conference Second Team. He went undrafted and signed to the Falcons practice squad was released and signed with the Steelers and waived shortly after. Luckily we have another guy not afraid to make a tackle in our secondary. I’m expecting big hits and some plays out of Branch. @_Hit_Mann
#38 Tarvarus McFadden DB 6-2 205lbs Florida State
A five star recruit and #3 CB in the 2015 class, McFadden was very highly touted. Another product of the sunshine state he stayed and went to Florida State. Playing in 28 games at Tallahassee Tarvarus put up 53 tackles, 41 solo, 3 TFL, 8 ints and 16 pass defenses. He won the Jack Tatum Trophy, First Team All ACC, First Team All American and Bronco Nagurski Trophy finalist all in 2016 his sophomore year and was on the watch list the next year for all the awards again. He went undrafted in 2018 and signed and released from a couple of NFL teams never landing a roster spot. I’m not sure how he isn’t on a roster. I never heard an off the field or substance issuers. He has all the traits for an All Pro player in the NFL. McFadden should be the best DB in the league if he plays at his highest ability. I hope he does it would be awesome to watch him at his best again. @DaRealTeetime
Linebackers:
#41 Terrance Plummer 6-1 234lbs Central Florida
Terrance was a three star ilb recruit in the 2011 class and the Orange Park Florida native stayed close to home becoming a Knight. He had one hell of a four year career. Totaling 332 tackles, 181 solo, 30.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 4 ints, 4 force fumbles and 2 fumble recovers. Those are numbers of a man that is always around the ball. He went undrafted to the Redskins in 2015 and played in 3 games on special teams making one tackle. He was waived by the Skins then waived by the Vikings and signed onto the Toronto Argonauts as a reserve LB, even making an int for a TD in the CFL East Championship game. He then played for the Apollos in the AAF until that league folded. He will be an amazing starting LB for the Vipers, he will be expected to lead the team in tackles. @KnightBred_41
#43 Emmanuel Beal 6-0 223lbs Oklahoma
Beal was a 3 star OLB recruit out of Reynoldsburg Ohio, he was the 14th ranked OLB in his 2016 class. In his two years of playing time as a Sooner Beal compiled 176 tackles, 101 solo, 2.5 sacks, 10 TFL, 3 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Forced Fumbles and 1 int. In 2017 he was even named honorable mention All Big 12. He was undrafted and signed to the Seahawks but didn’t make the roster. With his size I believe he will make a great starting WILL LB or weak sided LB. Beal is fast and built more like a safety, running down plays from the back side and playing coverage should be his role on the Vipers defense. @In_EB_We_Trust
#45 Lucas Wacha 6-1 230lbs Wyoming
A recruit out of Texarkana Texas, Wacha was a RB and LB in high school making first team All NorthEast Texas. He chose Wyoming over Arkansas and Baylor and became a Cowboy. In his four years at Wyoming Lucas made a hell of an impact on the defensive side of the ball. Racking up 344 tackles, 177 solo, 21 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 3 pass defenses. After college he had a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys but didn’t land a spot. He did however end up on a roster in the CFL with the Hamilton Team making 20 tackles and 1 sack in 18 games. I think outside Linebacker would be a great spot for Wacha to make some plays for the Vipers. @Lucas_wacha12
#56 Ike Spearman 6-0 235lbs Eastern Michigan
Ike was a two star recruit from Lake Central High School in Saint John Indiana. He was originally committed to Ole Miss but decomitted and signed to EMU. Even with nagging leg injuries his junior and senior years, Spearman still had 179 tackles, 81 solo, 2 ints, 10 TFL, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble with a recovery. He try out for the Vikings but didn’t make the cut and landed in the AAF for the Birmingham Iron playing in 8 games making 11 tackles. Ike should get some playing time in nickel and passing situations to rush the QB from the second level, looking forward to some big sacks on third down from him. @ikespearman
Defensive Line:
#47 Nikita Whitlock DT 5-10 250lbs Wake Forrest
Coming out of the state of Texas as a guard, Nikita chose Wake Forrest for his college football career. He switched over to the defensive side of the ball. As a redshirt freshman, he was named second-team freshman All American by College Football News and Rivals. Phil Steele named him fourth team All-ACC in 2012, as well as second-team pre-season All-ACC in 2013. He earned second-team All-ACC defensive honors in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he was on the Bednarik Award watchlist. Totaling 240 tackles, 129 solo, 48 TFL, 18.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles with one recovery and 7 pass defenses. Going undrafted in 2014 he bounced around until landing with the Giants and again switched sides going over and playing fullback. In 2015 He finished the season playing 132 offensive plays, 61 defensive plays, and 276 special teams plays. He was waived in 2016 while also being suspended for PEDs, probably just trying to recover from his injury. In 2017 and 2018 he played on both sides again for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. I expect the greatest nose guard in the XFL from Whitlock. With his size and agility he should eat up centers in this league for the Vipers. @Nikita_Whitlock
#53 Deiontrez Mount DE 6-5 253lbs Louisville
This three star Fort Walton Beach native is staying in his home state and playing for the Vipers. In his four year career as a Cardinal he racked up 81 tackles, 48 solo, 18 TFL, 9 sacks, 3 pass defenses and one forced fumble. With his great size and ability to make big plays in the backfield Mount was drafted in the 6th round of the 2015 draft by the Titans. He was waived by the Titans and ended up in Indy on the practice squad and even made the active roster for a stint. Same thing happened in Denver with him making the practice squad then being promoted to active roster in November of 2017 and finished the season there. He tore his Achilles’ tendon in OTAs and was waived. His career NFL stats were 6 tackles and an int. If he is fully recovered the Vipers could have a real big play maker on the edge. @dee_mount
#91 Bobby Richardson DE 6-3 286lbs Indiana
The Tampa native was a 2 star recruit out of Plant High School and signed as a Hoosier. In his three years on the field his production was impressive with 100 tackles, 56 solo, 18 TFL, 8 sacks, 5 pass defenses and a forced fumble. Very good numbers for a three year Big 10 career. He went undrafted in 2015 but signed with the Saints. He even started the 2015 season as DE, and was on the active roster all year. The following year he was on the practice squad then released and bounced to 4 more teams without making a roster. While playing for the Saints though Richardson had 40 tackles, .5 sack, and an int. I’m sure with the Vipers he will make impact on the edge with the great rotation of players and Richardson being one of the best.
#92 Josh Banks DT 6-4 290lbs Wake Forrest
The North Carolina recruit stayed in state and to Wake Forrest. He was honorable mention All State his senior year. He had a little trouble with team rules nothing major and still had 107 tackles, 58 solo, 19.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks, one int, 4 pass defenses, forcing three fumbles and recovering 4 more. He went undrafted and was a free agent and was I the Giants camp but didn’t make the roster. He has good size and speed to eat up guards and centers in the middle of the offenses lines. Should be a good run stuffer for the Vipers.
#95 CeCe Jefferson DE 6-1 266lbs Florida
Mr. Jefferson was a five star recruit and the number 4 player in the state of Florida in the 2015 class. Gainesville received good production from Jefferson during his stint he had 123 tackles, 61 solo, 34.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 4 pass defense, one force fumble with two recoveries. His senior year he was Named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award Watch Lists during the season and Picked up Preseason Second Team All-SEC honors. After school he went undrafted due to being undersized in the eyes of NFL scouts but did receive a tryout for the Seahawks and didn’t make the cut. His time here with the Vipers could prove to NFL teams he belongs. I see him playing on the edge, even some OLB in packages. His hand will be in the dirt and drifting back in coverage due to his athleticism. @cecejeferson7
#96 Jason Neill DE 6-3 278lbs Texas San Antonio
Played quarterback as a sophomore and flourished when moved to the defensive line prior to his junior campaign and tabbed the 2010 District 8-5A Defensive Player of the Year after registering 66 tackles, five sacks and an interception. He earned consensus first-team All-District 6-5A honors as a junior. He received a Division 1 offer from UTSA and went in as a defensive lineman. He played sparingly until his junior year and still had good numbers for two years of play with 99 tackles, 60 solo, 20 TFL, 13.5 sacks, 3 pass defenses and 3 forced fumbles. He was undrafted in 2016 and had tryouts for the Cowboys and Browns not landing a roster spot. Jason landed in Hamilton of the CFL and played two years 2017-2018 totaling 13 tackles for the Tiger-Cats. He is a little under weight but that could be good beating OT around the edge while rushing and even maybe playing stand up in zone schemes. The Vipers gained another versatile player in Neill.
#97 Ricky Walker DT 6-2 295lbs Virginia Tech
Walker was a three start recruit out of a Bethel High School in Hampton Virginia. He decided to stay in state after a lot of schools offered him scholarships. In three seasons at Blacksburg he compiled 127 tackles, 53 solo, 30.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles with a recovery for a TD. He was a tad bit undersized but always was around the ball making plays for VaTechs defense. After school he went undrafted and was in Cowboys camp and even though he outplayed others above him on the depth chart he was cut and now he has an axe to grind. Walker will have a huge chip on his shoulder to put up great tape for the NFL to see what they are missing. Theses are all good things for the Vipers insides pass rush and stopping the run. Walker will plug the middle and force pressure right in the face of the opposing QBs.
Specialists:
#3 Andrew Franks K 6-1 205lbs Rensselaer
Like most kickers in high school he played other positions he played four years of football (WR, DB, K, P). Three-year starter, Captain, All-League and All-County as senior . Was Ranked 43rd in nation as kicker by Kohls. All-League, All-County and All-State Small Schools in 2009. He is an all around athlete who is now For The Brand. He punted,kicked field goal, and did kickoffs in college. His senior year he went 16-25 on FG with three over 50 yards with a long of 54 yards. He went undrafted in 2015 and signed with the Miami Dolphins. He beat out Caleb Sturgis for the kicking job and was the kicker from 2015-2017. Franks NFL stats were 29-37 (78.4%) with a long of 55 yards and made three game winning kicks. After being waived in 2017 he was scooped up by our Vipers because they know he still has some boom in his right foot. @A_K_F_3
#10 Jake Schum P 5-11 212lbs Buffalo
Started out his career at division 3 Buffalo State. He transferred over to The University of Buffalo and walked on to the team as a WR on the scout team. In 2010 his junior year he was granted a tryout for punter and even earned a scholarship. During his college tenure he had 178 punts for 6,658 yards, averaging 37.4 yards per punt, a long of 62 and 34 inside the 20. After college he went undrafted in 2012 bouncing around to a few teams then finally making his NFL debut in 2015 with the Buccaneers and only played the one year but the stats were impressive with 112 punts, 4,768 yards, 42.6 yards per and 34 inside the 20. Look at this picture this guy is intense and he’s our punter. I have never seen anyone more For The Brand, I have a feeling he will have 10 tackles this year just running down the field laying people out, while also coffin cornering a bunch of kicks to help the Vipers defense out. @JakeSchum
#42 Nick Moore LS 6-3 245lbs Georgia
Nick had a very interesting road to the Tampa Vipers. He was selected by the Red Sox in the 30th round of the MLB draft as a third baseman. After 4 years of playing in the minors, Moore enrolled at Georgia and signed on as a LB. He was moved to FB out of necessity until coach Kirby Smart cane to Athens and FB was an obsolete position in his offense. Nick wanting to continue to stay in the field switched and tried out for Long Snapper. He didn’t make any offers for roster spots in the NFL but we are sure glad to have him snapping for out Viper Specialist team.
There you have it, a little bit of info on all 52 players on the roster and the head coach. Being a huge college football fan I think the talent is definitely here to make a big run at the XFL Championship. If Trestman and the coaching staff pull the guys on the roster together, Tampa will have a Champion and a lot of these Vipers will be in NFL camps come August.
