The XFL set out to make itself a permanent fixture in the sports calendar in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly derailed the experiment. Now, the spring league is back under new ownership and will resume play in February Kenny Stills Jersey 2023.This week, the league took a gigantic step toward playing when the eight teams drafted their initial rosters two months ahead of training camp.If the XFL or any other spring football league wants to have staying power, it will require some name recognition among players and coaches.MORE:Each roster features players with NFL experience, which should help fans feel connected to teams as the league aims to find its footing.The Sporting News looks at which names you might recognize: PlayerXFL TeamDrew PlittArlington RenegadesKyle SloterArlington RenegadesEric DungeyD.C. DefendersKaleb ElebyHouston RoughnecksBrandon SilversHouston RoughnecksLuis PerezLas Vegas VipersJalan McClendonLas Vegas VipersDeondre FrancoisOrlando GuardiansQuinten DormadyOrlando GuardiansJawon Pa sSan Antonio BrahmasAnthony Ru soSan Antonio BrahmasBen DiNucciSeattle Sea DragonsSteven MontezSeattle Sea DragonsAJMcCarronSt. Louis BattlehawksRyan WillisSt. Louis BattlehawksOf the 15 quarterbacks selected in the XFL Draft, two have started NFL games. AJ McCarron Adam Trautman Jersey started in place of Andy Dalton with the Bengals in 2015, and he spelled Deshaun Watson for the Texans' Week 17 game in 2019. Ben DiNucci started a game for the Cowboys in 2020 with Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton injured.Beyond those two are other familiar faces. Deondre Francois was a standout at Florida State, while Eric Dungey (Syracuse), Jawon Pa s (Louisville) and Steven Montez (Colorado) all started at notable programs.Luis Perez is a familiar name to anyone who followed the AAF in 2019. Perez gained attention for using YouTube videos to teach himself how to play quarterback.P.J. Walker and Taylor Heinicke were both XFL Draft picks in 2020, so even le ser-known players could emerge as NFL quarterbacks.MORE: Rahim Moore, S(Arlington Renegades)Will Hill, S (Arlington Renegades)T.J. Green, S (Arlington Renegades)Marquette King, P (Arlington Renegades)Ryquell Armstead, RB (D.C. Defenders)Kentrell Brice Rickey Jackson Jersey , CB (D.C. Defenders)Abram Smith, RB (D.C. Defenders)Deontay Burnett, WR (Houston Roughnecks)Diego Fagot, LB (Houston Roughnecks)Martavis Bryant, WR (Las Vegas Vipers)Matt Jones, RB (Las Vegas Vipers)Vic Beasley, LB (Las Vegas Vipers)Cody Latimer, WR (Orlando Guardians)Matt Elam, S (Orlando Guardians)Kalen Ballage, RB (San Antonio Brahmas)Brad Wing, P (San Antonio Brahmas)Sterling Hofrichter, P (St. Louis Battlehawks)P.J. Hall, DT (Seattle Sea Dragons)Julie'n Davenport, OL (Seattle Sea Dragons)Vic Beasley might be the most notable name on the above list. The former Clemson pa s-rusher was the seventh overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft and was an All-Pro in 2016 with 15.5 sacks for the Falcons. He wasn't able to replicate that succe s and has been out of the league since 2020.The only other NFL first-round pick on these rosters is safety Matt Elam, who didn't pan out with the Ravens after being drafted in 2013.MORE:Two highly drafted receivers, Martavis Bryant and Cody Latimer, were selected. Bryant spent four seasons with the Steelers; he emerged as a weapon in Pittsburgh's Willie Roaf Jersey offense before drug suspensions derailed his career. Latimer spent six seasons in the NFL, hauling in 35 receptions in two years with the Giants.Running back Matt Jones, a new teammate of Beasley and Bryant, was a 2015 third-round pick and briefly started for Washington in 2016.The Renegades loaded up on safeties with NFL experience. Rahim Moore and Will Hill were both NFL starters, while T.J. Green was a second-round pick of the Colts in 2016.Interestingly, some of the most familiar names are punters. Marquette King, who was also drafted into the Desmond Trufant Jersey XFL in 2020, spent five years with the Raiders. Brad Wing was the Giants' punter for three seasons.Julie'n Davenport has the most NFL experience of any offensive lineman selected. Davenport started 32 NFL games between the Texans, Dolphins, and Colts.Former Baylor running back Abram Smith, former USC receiver Deontay Burnett and former Navy linebacker Diego Fagot are among the most notable ex-college players drafted. Related Articles