XFL Draft Predictions - Running Back
We look at eight different RBs who could join the XFL in 2023!
SpringFootballFrenzy started off our XFL Draft Predictions series with two articles focused on Quarterbacks from across the globe who could hear their names called when the XFL’s 2023 Draft takes place later this year. With signal callers out of the way, the next position up would be players in the backfield taking handoffs from some of the guys speculated on in our previous articles. Running backs have a unique importance to any football league. The tough inside runs often set up the passing game for huge chunk plays for the offense. Now that 53-man rosters and practice squads have been set, let’s look at eight different ball carriers who could be drafted into the XFL in 2023!
De’Veon Smith – University of Michigan
While the infamous “Pizzagate” is fresh on the minds of Alternate Football fans, don’t forget how good De’Veon Smith has been in various professional football leagues. Smith played his college ball at the University of Michigan where he racked up nearly 2,300 rushing yards and 22 Touchdowns. Originally signed by the Miami Dolphins as a UDFA back in 2017, Smith would spend the season on practice squad. Following a short stint with Washington in 2018, Smith pivoted to the newly formed Alliance of American Football in 2019. Smith averaged 4.6 yards per carry and hit pay dirt six times for Orlando before the league folded before the conclusion of it’s first season. The XFL was next on the docket for Smith. He would be drafted by the Tampa Bay Vipers, leading the league in rushing before the league had to abandon operations due to COVID-19. Since then, Smith has bounced around trying to find his groove. Stints with The Spring League, the CFL, and most recently the USFL have not yielded ideal results for Smith. De’Veon Smith to the XFL seems like the perfect fit. It’s likely you’ll hear his name in the conversations for running backs that will be targeted in this year’s draft.
Shane Simpson – Towson University / University of Virginia
Shane Simpson is a 5’11, 200-pound back out of the U of A that fits the mold of today’s running backs. Simpson attended Towson University where he put up over 5,000 all-purpose yards and 35 touchdowns in four seasons. Simpson would attend the University of Virginia for his senior season, adding just north of 600 yards and 3 scores to his collegiate resume. Following his senior season, Simpson would spend some time in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Simpson has a great skillset and the versatility on special teams to surely garner the attention of XFL fans and coaches alike.
Ja’Quan Gardner – Humboldt State University
Ja’Quan Gardner has some familiarity with the XFL and other alternate football leagues. After putting up other-worldly numbered at Division II Humboldt State University, Gardner would go undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He would sign with the San Francisco 49ers briefly but would be cut before final cuts that year. Since then, Gardner has taken part in both the Alliance of American Football via the San Diego Fleet, and the XFL’s 2020 iteration with the Seattle Dragons. After being overlooked in the USFL’s draft earlier this year, Gardner should be ready to hear his name called during the XFL’s draft later this year.
Adrian Killins – University of Central Florida
Adrian Killins is an intriguing name to keep an eye on as the XFL Draft approaches. Killins suited up for the UCF Golden Knights during college where he showed the ability to run well, catch the ball out of the backfield, and be a return specialist. Killins would go undrafted in the 2020 draft. But quickly signed the Philadelphia Eagles as a UDFA, switching positions from running back to wide receiver. He would spend most of 2020 on their practice squad before getting called up to the main roster for just one game. After being released by the Eagles, Killins found himself on the Denver Broncos practice squad. He’d be released in August of 2021 with an injury settlement. What separates Killins from all the other backs on this list is elite speed and versatility. With the ability to line up and play two different positions as well as return kicks, Killins should be a hot target for all eight teams in the XFL this season.
Brycen Alleyne – Delaware State University
Maybe a lesser-known name to some, Brycen Alleyne is a powerful back out of Delaware State University. Alleyne has indoor football experience in two different professional football leagues. Most recently playing in season 2.0 of Fan Controlled Football, Alleyne led the FCF in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Alleyne played wide receiver at Delaware State which should give him plenty of upside in any XFL backfield. Alleyne participated in the XFL Showcase held at the University of Maryland and could be a nice get for the league.
Mataeo Durant III – Duke University
Here’s a back that could flourish in the XFL. Mataeo Durant out of Duke put up some great numbers his junior and season seasons as a Blue Devil, setting the single season rushing record in his final season with the team. Durant would sign as a UDFA with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. After spending training camp with the Steelers, Durant did not get much of an opportunity to contribute in the preseason and would be released on August 23rd of this year. Durant is the perfect candidate for an XFL opportunity. A chance to prove he belongs in professional football is exactly what Durant needs.
Corey Clement – University of Nebraska
This is a fun one. Corey Clement should be near the top of all XFL GM’s draft boards. Originally an undrafted free agent of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, Clement spent his first four season in Philly. Clement would pay huge dividends as a UDFA for the Eagles, capped off by a 108 total yard performance against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. Following his 2020 season, Clement would spend time with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys in 2021. A short stay in Baltimore with the Ravens in 2022 would see Clement being released on August 15th. At just 27 years old, Clement must have something left in the tank. The XFL could be the spot for him to show that he can still go at a high level.
Glen Mbeleg-Toonga – University of Southampton (UK)
If you haven’t heard of Glen Toonga, let us introduce you briefly. Toonga hails from London and runs with authority. Toonga has played in the GFL and is currently RB1 for the Hamburg Sea Devils of the European League of Football. Now, when we say RB1, we mean the league leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Toonga has double the touchdowns as the player behind him. If you’re unsure of the ELF’s ability to transfer to spring football, look at what former Pittsburgh Maulers running back Madre London did with the Cologne Centurions. For Toonga, having played overseas his entire begs the question as to whether he’d make the jump to the United States to play professional football. I think an XFL team could use the services of the ELF’s rushing leader. He possesses a great skillset and has clearly been outrunning his competition for years in Europe. With the XFL looking to be more diverse, a dip into the overseas talent could be the shakeup needed for a team in 2023.
Who’d we miss? Which free agent running back would you like to see in the XFL in 2023? Leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe!