The Battlehawks return 8 players from their 2024 group, along with Two new faces that will be fighting for an opportunity to learn from NFL veteran turned Offensive Line coach Marc Columbo.
Offensive Line: Jaryd Jones Smith (7th yr, 3rd yr STL), Juwann Bushell-Beatty (7th yr, 3rd yr STL), Eric Magwood (4th yr, 3rd yr STL), Teton Saltes (5th yr, 2nd yr STL), Steven Gonzalez (5th yr, 3rd yr STL), Cole Spencer (2nd yr, 1st yr STL), Bradley Ashmore (Rookie), Abdul Beecham (5th yr, 2nd yr STL), Mike Panasiuk (4th yr, 3rd yr STL), Dohnovan West (4th yr, 2nd yr STL)
Losses: Sage Doxtater (2024 Non-Report-CFL Contract), Vadal Alexander (Unsigned)
Tackles: Jaryd Jones Smith (7th yr, 3rd yr STL), Juwann Bushell-Beatty (7th yr, 3rd yr STL), Eric Magwood (4th yr, 3rd yr STL), Teton Saltes (5th yr, 2nd yr STL)
St. Louis has seen Jaryd Jones-Smith and Juwann Bushell-Beatty man the Tackle spot for the past Two years, with Eric Magwood also seeing time at the position. While Jones-Smith has earned All-League honors the past Two years, both him and Bushell Beatty are creeping up to their age-30 seasons and decline is only inevitable.
The Battlehawks also bring back Teton Saltes for his second season in St. Louis, and his 4th season in spring football. The former New Mexico alum, started games for the Michigan Panthers (2022), and Arlington Renegades (2023) before spending most of the season as an inactive offensive lineman for St. Louis this past year.
The Biggest secret in the Battlehawks Offensive Line room is Eric Magwood. Magwood came to the Battlehawks after spending time in the IFL with the Arizona Rattlers, before joining St. Louis. With experience at both Guard and Tackle Magwood could be the Battlehawks ace up their sleeve if Juwann Bushell-Beatty falters or others fail to replace Vadal Alexander.
Guards: Steven Gonzalez (5th yr, 3rd yr STL), Cole Spencer (2nd yr, 1st yr STL), Bradley Ashmore (Rookie), Abdul Beecham (5th yr, 2nd yr STL)
Gonzalez was an All-XFL selection in 2023, and continued his strong play in 2024. Look for him to continue to build upon his strengths going into his 3rd season in St. Louis. With Vadal Alexander out the Battlehawks look to replace him at Right Guard with Abdul Beecham, Cole Spencer, or Bradley Ashmore.
Beecham rated highly as one of the UFL’S best Guards per PFF, and also has plenty of experience starting for the Pittsburgh Maulers (2022), and Orlando Guardians (2023). Ashmore, and Spencer are bit more of unknowns for Marc Columbo’s Offensive Line room. Ashmore received limited interest at the pro level, while Spencer has spent parts of the 2024 NFL season on the Titans Practice Squad.
Centers: Mike Panasiuk (4th yr, 3rd yr STL), Dohnovan West (4th yr, 2nd yr STL)
Not much to discuss here, Panasiuk has earned Two All-League selections and continues to improve since switching from Defensive Line. While Dohnovan West has plenty of potential, he may be a candidate to transition to Guard in hopes of earning any playing time this upcoming season.
With Training camp beginning, the Battlehawks return 4 of their 5 starts from the past Two seasons. While the team did opt to not re-sign Vadal Alexander, Dave Boller, and Anthony Becht did plenty of work in the offseason retaining key pieces like Magwood, Beecham, and Spencer.
My prediction for this room? The Battlehawks keep 8 in 2025 to break camp releasing Rookie Bradley Ashmore, and veteran Teton Saltes.
