After the Battlehawks signed two NFL veterans to their team, Dave Boller and Anthony Becht brought back some familiar faces for the upcoming season. As St. Louis moves towards the end of the year, the Battlehawks continue to fill in the final pieces of their roster as training camp comes creeping up.
Jarveon Howard Running Back
Howard originally signed with Syracuse coming out of High School before spending his final Two seasons at Alcorn State. Howard totaled 2,159 Rushing Yards and 27 Rushing Touchdowns in his college career enroute to a UDFA opportunity with the Packers.
Lukas Denis Free Safety
Denis returns to the Battlehawks for his second season after spending part of the last Two seasons with the Falcons. After totaling 37 tackles, 2 INTs and 1.0 sack in 2023, Denis earned an opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons, spending the entire NFL on the Practice Squad. Despite a strong camp, Denis found himself released at the conclusion of training camp, and now returns to spring football.
Mike Panasiuk Center
Mike P as he's known among Battlehawk fans, is a fan favorite returning for his Third spring Football season. Originally a Defensive Lineman, Panasiuk has earned All-XFL and All-UFL honors during his tenure with the Battlehawks since transitioning to Center. Panasiuk would earn a contract with the Indianapolis Colts at the conclusion of the UFL season however, would be released at during final cuts.
Nate Meadors Defensive Back
Meadors returns to the Battlehawks after opting for a futures deal with the Steelers for 2024. Meadors spent 2023 with the Battlehawks recording 37 tackles, and 2 interceptions earning a contract with the Browns at the conclusion of the XFL season. Meadors would sign his LOI with the Battlehawks on December 11th of 2023, only to finish up 2023 on the Steelers practice squad.
Drew Lewis Linebacker
Lewis returns to the Battlehawks for his 5th season in spring football. A late camp replacement for Johnny Buchanan, Lewis was released at training camp only to be brought back after an injury to Callahan O'Reilly. Lewis appeared in Two games for the Battlehawks in 2024 registering 3 tackles. In his career Lewis has totaled 57 tackles and 1.0 sack throughout stints with the Houston Gamblers, San Antonio Brahmas, Houston Roughnecks, and Battlehawks.
Sam Wiglusz Wide Receiver
Wiglusz was a UDFA with the Rams coming out of the University of Ohio in 2024, earning a spot on their practice squad until October 31st. Wiglusz was a Two-time All-MAC selection after transferring to Ohio from Ohio State in 2022.
Other Battlehawks News:
Punter Sterling Hofrichter worked out for the Arizona Cardinals and Kicker Andre Szmyt worked out for the Cleveland Browns this past week. Both were not signed and remain rostered with the Battlehawks.
The Battlehawks roster now sits at 51 going into the 3rd week of December. While many position groups seem to be filling out, St. Louis has yet to make any transactions at Quarterback other than releasing A.J. McCarron. Last season the Battlehawks went 7-3 losing in the XFL Conference Championship game to the San Antonio Brahmas. The UFL schedule is rumored to be released before the end of the year during the FOX and ESPN broadcast according to Mike Mitchell of Sports Illustrated.