Though the XFL recently held its rookie draft, the door was not closed for HBCU football players looking to continue their careers in the upstart league.
On Saturday, the XFL held its second HBCU Showcase hosted by Clark Atlanta University. Six players among 100 participants who took part in the event earned invites to the XFL Combine after going through drills in front of league personnel.
Those who made the cut were:
Tamarick Vanover Jr, wide receiver (Morehouse)
During his XFL HBCU showcase workout. .@MorehouseFB alum WR Tamarick Vanover Jr. tell us he will be invited to the XFL combine which will be held July 25-27 in Arlington, Texas. #xfl2024 #xflfootball #xfl #hbcufootball #hbcu @rayagurl77 pic.twitter.com/pcenKHgGKx
— D210SPORTS (@D210S) June 17, 2023
Vanover was a four-year starter at Morehouse and was set to play with the Indoor Football League’s Cedar Rapids River Kings in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of the season. He then signed with the Tuscon Sugar Skulls for the 2022 season. Vanover Jr. is the son of former NFL veteran Tamarick Vanover.
Stafford Anderson, running back (Alcorn State)
After three seasons at Northwestern State, Anderson transferred to Alcorn State, where he appeared in eight games in his senior campaign, rushing for 603 yards and four touchdowns.
Tyler King, running back (Edward Waters)
Though King only carried the ball 89 times in his one season at Edward Waters, seven of them resulted in touchdowns. King was impressed at HBCU Legacy Bowl practices leading up to the game. King ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the XFL workout.
Joshua Reed, linebacker (Grambling State)
LB Joshua Reed @GSUFootball01 was invited to the XFL Main Showcase@XFL2023 @DanyGarciaCo pic.twitter.com/WfdjpULAuL
— OffScript_Tv (Hottest Live HBCU Show On Youtube) (@OffScript_Vidz) June 17, 2023
Reed spent a season at Blinn Community College in Alabama before spending his final three collegiate seasons at Grambling State. Named to the Phil Steele /Draftscout FCS All-SWAC Second Team, Reed concluded his Grambling career with a season in which he recorded 86 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
Joseph Stuckey, linebacker (North Carolina A&T)
A three-year starter for the Aggies, Stuckey helped the A&T defense become the No.1 unit in the MEAC in his first two seasons. In his time in Greensboro, Stuckey recorded 184 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions.
Jai-Nunn Liddell, defensive back (Kentucky State)
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Liddell has the size that drew the attention of scouts, as did his tackling ability and football IQ. His scouting report at draftdive.com lists player comparison as former Fayetteville State and current Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Joshua Williams.
GOOD MORNING! Kicking off showcase season with our first showcase here at @CAU!
Stay tuned for more behind the scenes of the day. #XFL | #XFL2024 | #XFLShowcase pic.twitter.com/KoK10GUbC2
— United Football League (@XFL2023) June 17, 2023
“When the XFL says it’s a league of opportunity, we mean it, and you can see it in the actions we take to offer equal opportunities to players across the country,” said Doug Whaley, XFL senior vice president of player personnel. “This showcase at the historic Clark Atlanta University allows us to shine a spotlight on HBCU players and give them a chance to showcase their skills for our personnel evaluators.”
DC Defenders head coach Reggie Barlow, himself a product of HBCUs, first starring as a player at Alabama State and then enjoying winning runs as a coach at Alabama State and Virginia State, said the showcase created a platform for players.
“Last year, the XFL did a great job of creating a distinct platform for players from HBCUs to showcase their talents in front of coaches from the league, giving them an equal opportunity to be seen and evaluated,” said Barlow. “I know firsthand the number of talented players that attend a historically Black school who aren’t able to continue their careers past the collegiate level. I’m humbled to be part of a league that gives players – and coaches – of all backgrounds an opportunity to continue their football careers.”
The 2023 XFL Combine will take place July 25-27 at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
