Arlington Renegades Roster: UFL Dispersal Draft Breakdown

Despite not playing a down in spring football, Lindsey Scott Jr. was sought after being drafted by both the USFL (Pittsburgh Maulers) and XFL (Houston Roughnecks). Scott would sign his letter of intent with the Roughnecks in October. His college career was defined by his record-breaking senior season at Incarnate Word in 2022, with an FCS record 60 touchdown passes adding 4,686 passing yards, 711 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

Roster Impact: With Luis Perez being the early favorite to be the starting quarterback, Scott’s mobility and quick release make him an ideal pick to push for the job and be what Drew Plitt was supposed to be in 2023.

For the first five games of the XFL season, Morgan Ellison was one of the top running backs in the XFL, rushing for 254 yards and one touchdown for the Seattle Sea Dragons. A knee injury knocked him out for the rest of the season, but he was still ranked 11th in the league in rushing yards.

Roster Impact: De'Veon Smith and Leddie Brown were the lead backs last season. With Smith no longer on the roster, Ellison’s similar play to Smith fits in the balanced offensive scheme of co-offensive coordinators Jay Hayes and Chuck Long.

Despite missing the first three games of the season due to a hamstring injury, Devin Darrington was able to eventually work his way into significant playing time for the Orlando Guardians. Darrington finished eighth in the XFL in rushing yards with 294 yards and tied for fourth with four touchdowns.

Roster Impact: The 25-year-old running back has a smaller frame, but has breakaway speed compared to Ellison. Depending on how the roster is constructed, Darrington could find himself in the rotation as a speed back behind Ellison and Brown.

The Houston Roughnecks offense was firing on all cylinders through the first five games of the season and Deontay Burnett played a critical role in that. Jontre Kirklin’s injury stalled the offense the rest of the way, but Burnett still finished tied for second in the league with six receiving touchdowns and added 378 receiving yards.

Roster Impact: Arlington struggled to find a consistent receiver, with tight end Sal Cannella finishing as the team’s leading receiver. Burnett adds that deep threat the team was looking for all season and should go into training camp as their top receiver.

Seth Green signed his letter of intent with the Houston Roughnecks last month. Green went to college at Minnesota and Houston,recording 137 yards and three touchdowns with the Cougars at tight end. He spent time in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys on their practice squad.

Roster Impact: There currently aren’t any tight ends on the roster and the team has seven wide receivers. The question will be if they bring in any tight ends or could Green get a roster spot filling in that role.

The Seattle Sea Dragons’ offensive line in 2023 was anchored by center Chris Owens. He helped pave the way for one of the XFL’s most explosive offenses. Owens started in all 10 regular season games for the Sea Dragons.

Roster Impact: Training camp will present an interesting battle for center as Cameron Hunt was the Renegades’ starter last season. Owens could challenge Hunt for the job unless they move Hunt to guard.

Former Oklahoma offensive lineman Adrian Ealy originally signed his letter of intent to play for the Seattle Sea Dragons in October. Ealy was in the NFL starting in 2021 and played for seven different teams.

Roster Impact: It’s been two years since Ealy has played on the field, so he will be another depth player for the tackle position. He could be competing against Delance and Teton Saltes for a starting position at tackle.

The Houston Roughnecks selected guard Marcus Minor in the XFL Rookie Draft in June and signed his letter of intent to play in October. Minor was a two-year starter at left guard for the University of Pittsburgh and was selected as first team All-ACC in 2022.

Roster Impact: Jake Stetz will command one of the guard positions, while Cameron Hunt will most likely be going back to guard if Owens holds the center position. It could open the door for Minor to compete for a backup job in 2024.

Roderick Perry originally signed his letter of intent with the Houston Roughnecks in October. Perry played for the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns since 2022, making two tackles for the Browns last season.

Roster Impact: Competition at defensive tackle will be fierce with Will Clarke, Tomasi Laulile and Davonte Lambert back on the roster. Clarke could be a defensive end off the edge so Perry would have to fight to get into the rotation.

A player Stoops is familiar with, former Oklahoma defensive lineman LaRon Stokes was one of the top defensive players on a solid Vegas Vipers defense in 2023. Stokes finished the season leading the team in tackles for loss with nine, while adding 32 tackles and two sacks.

Roster Impact: There is plenty of talent on the defensive line that includes top returning pass rusher Clarke. Stokes will find a spot on the roster and be in the rotation as one of the top defensive linemen. 

Former Pro Bowl linebacker Vic Beasley joins the Renegades after spending the 2023 XFL season with the Vegas Vipers. In nine games, Beasley recorded 15 tackles, 0.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He spent most of his six-year NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, being named an All-Pro in 2016.

Roster Impact: Beasley can be used to rush outside the edge on the defensive line and drop back as a linebacker making him a good fit for the defense. He will most likely be rotated in with Tuzar Skipper, Willie Taylor, Edmond Robinson and Christian Sam in a deep linebacker position.

One of the top cornerbacks in all of spring football is back and joins one of the best defenses in the XFL. Ajene Harris had a nose for the football for the Houston Roughnecks, leading the XFL in interceptions with five. Throughout the season, the defense was able to help support the offense’s struggles thanks to the pass rush and the secondary slowing down passing games, with Harris playing a big role.

Roster Impact: Josh Hawkins was pacing for an All-XFL season when he suffered a torn ACL injury. Adding Harris with Hawkins, DeVante Bausby, Will Hill and Joe Powell instantly has the Renegades as one of the best secondaries in the UFL.

Christian Morgan signed with the Houston Roughnecks back in the summer. He spent some time in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers. Morgan played for the Baylor Bears during his college career adding 154 tackles and seven interceptions in 54 games.

Roster Impact: Morgan will have stiff competition in the secondary for Arlington having to compete with Will Hill, Jamal Carter, and Joe Powell at safety. He will have to work his way into the rotation, but could be a challenge to be in the starting lineup.