Five weeks into the UFL season many “unknowns” have taken advantage of their opportunity to earn not only important game film, new recognition for their play on the field. As the season progresses on many new faces will continue to build brand in the UFL and hopefully establish themselves in the NFL. Below are those players who so far this season have been recognized as “All-UFL” players going into the midway point of the 2024 season.
‘QB: A.J. McCarron St. Louis Battlehawks
McCarron continues to build upon his impressive Spring Football career at the midway point leading St. Louis to a 4-1 record with over 1000 Passing Yards and 10 TDs. The former Alabama QB who many dubbed the unofficial “MVP” of the XFL in 2023, has shown an upgraded level of mobility coming Two years removed from a torn ACL. With the team finding a “gem” at running back in Jacob Saylors and Jahcour Pearson healthy McCarron is primed to dominate for the next half of the season possibly eclipsing his 2023 statistics.
RB: Ricky Person Jr. Birmingham Stallions
The “VULTURE”, Ricky Person has found his way to the top of the Rushing Leaderboards and currently leads the UFL in Rushing Touchdowns. A former product of the IFL’s Massachusetts Pirates, Person continues to provide value for the Stallions as the team looks to make their plunge for a Third Straight Spring Football Championship.
RB: Wes Hills Michigan Panthers
Hills continues to be a model of consistency in Spring Football, as the former CFL Running Back only trails Adrian Martinez as the league’s top rusher. The former New Orleans Breaker leads all running backs with 225 Rushing Yards, and is currently Third in Rushing Touchdowns as well.
FB: Sage Surratt Memphis Showboats
Surratt’s versatility gives him the nod over other Tight Ends for the Fullback position. While many teams continue to shy away from the traditional “mauling” fullback, Surratt’s versatility coupled with still being a dynamic pass catcher to me warrants All-League recognition even if traditionally the position has died out a bit.
WR: Hakeem Butler St. Louis Battlehawks
Butler continues his run of dominance from 2023, with what looks like an improved catch radius to go along with his impressive frame. The Iowa State Alum has continued to be one of spring football’s premiere receivers and showcased that skillset with his latest performance against the D.C. Defenders this past week.
WR: Marcus Simms Michigan Panthers
Simms has been building to this since his end of year performance with the Panthers in 2023. A charter member of Michigan since 2022, Simms has finally came into his own in 2024 dazzling for several touchdowns of 50 yards plus.
WR: Jontre Kirklin San Antonio Brahmas
Kirklin was one of 2023’s most electric Spring Football Wide Receivers before an injured derailed his season. Now healthy Kirklin has continued to be the electric all-purpose receiver for San Antonio despite dealing with Two different Quarterbacks.
WR: Daewood Davis Memphis Showboats
I was prompted to select Deon Cain for this spot but the recent flurry of drops over the past Two weeks, along with Marcell Ateman cooling off prompted me to select Davis. Davis when healthy and given an opportunity has shined the past several weeks exploding for a plus 100-yard performance this past contest. Despite weak QB play Davis continues to show NFL scouts his abilities which should see him back in the NFL very soon.
TE: Jace Sternberger Birmingham Stallions
Sternberger continues to be the premiere Tight End in the USFL conference and at this point in spring football. With his ability to stretch the field and remain a presence in Birmingham’s running game Sternberger has a solid hold as the League’s top TE, leading the league in Receiving Yards for his position group.
OT: Bobby Evans Arlington Renegades
Despite Arlington’s woes, Evans continues to be a force of consistency that allowed him to start 12 NFL games prior to the UFL. Evans has allowed Arlington’s Offense to remain competitive despite a 0-5 record, while also being a Top-5 Run Blocker per PFF.
OT: Matt Kaskey Birmingham Stallions
Versatility and consistency is what make Kaskey one of the most effective Offensive Lineman in the league. Kaskey has been a key piece with the Stallions since 2023, allowing Birmingham to continue their string of dominance no matter who is at the skill positions.
OG: Liam Fornadel D.C. Defenders
Fornadel may be one of the bright spots D.C. as the Defenders look like a shell of themselves in 2024. Fornadel remains one of PFF’s top Offensive Lineman in 2024 and looks to be one of Jordan Ta’amu’s only consistent pieces this year. Look for Fornadel to earn another opportunity with an NFL team come this post-season.
OG: Steven Gonzalez St. Louis Battlehawks
A 2023 All-XFL member, Gonzalez looks like a different player in 2024. More athletic and stronger, Gonzalez has allowed the Battlehawks to have multiple 100-yard rushers along with another All-League performance from several of their skill position players. Gonzalez also remains one of PFF’s best offensive lineman in 2024.
C: Jake Lacina Arlington Renegades
A former New Jersey General whose earned All-League honors Lacina continues to be a consistent figure for Arlington despite their 0-5 season. Lacina remains in PFF’s Top-5 graded lineman while also remaining Top-5 in both Passing Blocking and Run Blocking.
Defense:
DE: Breeland Speaks Michigan Panthers
Speaks buoyed himself into the midseason All-UFL team with a Week 5 3-Sack performance. Speaks continues to be Spring Football’s most dominate figures currently on pace for 9 sack season in 10 games.
DT: Jalen Redmond Arlington Renegades
Redmond may have surprised several fans this year, but whether he is lining up in a 3-technique or as an End continues to cause havoc for opposing Offenses. Redmond is currently Top-3 in TFLs, and Sacks in the UFL earning a 90.3 PFF grade so far this season.
DT: Carlos Davis Birmingham Stallions
Like his brother Khalil, Davis has been the leader of a dominate Defensive Line from the Stallions that every week seems to have a new player “explode” for a big game. Davis a first year UFL player has found his way at the top of the Sack Leader board with Six so far to lead the league.
DE: Ethan Westbrooks Houston Roughnecks
A versatile Defensive Lineman with plenty of experience in spring football and the NFL, Westbrooks has taken his play from rotational Defensive Lineman to perennial All-League player lining up in the interior or as an End. Westbrooks goes into the middle of the season Top-5 in TFLs and Sacks.
EDGE: Pita Taumoepenu St. Louis Battlehawks
The “Chop-Club” of Pita Taumoepenu is maybe one of the deadliest in of football. Taumoepenu has given not only Travis Feeney a “boost” but all of the Battlehawks Defensive Linemen, strengthening the unit by the extra attention his gotten.
LB: Tavante Beckett San Antonio Brahmas
In a Wade Phillips led Defense it’s only fitting that the Captain of the unit would leading the charge. Beckett currently leads the UFL in tackles while also being Top-5 in TFLs. The San Antonio Brahma has been an anchor of Phillips’ Defense while also helping the team reach a record of 4-1.
LB: Mike Rose St. Louis Battlehawks
Rose despite a limited sample size has been one of PFF’s top Defenders, and has seemingly taken his game to another level this year. Despite dealing with injuries Rose has shown an increase production in his pass defense while also being one of the UFL’s leading tacklers.
LB: Anthony Hines D.C. Defenders
There hasn’t been much to get excited about for D.C. over the past couple weeks but Hines continues to be a consistent figure for Gregg Williams. Hines ranks 2nd in TFLs for the UFL, along with 3rd in Tackles for the league.
CB: Michael Joseph D.C. Defenders
Like Hines, Joseph continues his 2024 campaign where he left off in 2023. Joseph has been a consistent force for the Defenders, ranking 3rd in the league in TFLs, while also being 3rd in Tackles, and 2nd in Pass Breakups.
CB: Lorenzo Burns Birmingham Stallions
Burns goes into his third year with the Stallions and has benefited greatly from the Stallions elite Defense. PFF has Burns with an 87.2 Coverage Grade and he ranks 2nd with an 87.4 among Defensive Backs. Burns currently ranks second in the league with five Pass Break Ups, and his 24 tackles on the year so far are Top-13 in the league.
S: Kai Nacua Michigan Panthers
Nacua may have been one of the easiest picks for a mid-season All-UFL selection. Nacua goes into the midway point 8th in tackles, 1st in Ints, and 1st in pass break-ups, while also being a dominate force in the run front.
S: Kenny Robinson Birmingham Stallions
A mainstay from the 2020 XFL season, Kenny Robinson leads all safeties with an 84.6 Defensive Grade and continues to be commander on the backend for the Stallions Defense. Robinson currently has 16 tackles, 4 PBU’s, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Special Teams:
Kicker: Jake Bates Michigan Panthers
Despite missing two field goals this past weekend, how could Jake Bates not be the All-USFL kicker so far this season. Bates was a perfect 6/6 coming into the season with limited Field Goal experience and mostly being a Kickoff specialist. Bates’ dynamic leg has made him a topic of conversation for not only UFL fans, but for NFL fans alike who may be seeing Bates kicking for their favorite team this fall.
Punter: Brad Wing San Antonio Brahmas
While Wing has been a Top-3 Punter in the league, his fake during week One may be his most dynamic play of the season. Wing has been a consistent piece in Spring football since 2023, even earning an opportunity to Punt for the Steelers last year.
Returner: Darrius Shepherd St. Louis Battlehawks
Shepherd continues to not only be game changer at Wide Receiver but also with special teams. The weel traveled North Dakota State Alum, is leading the league in All-Purpose yards while also being Top-3 in Kick Return and Punt Return Yards. With field position being so crucial in the UFL, Shepherd continues to give the Battlehawks another weapon in the most underappreciated facet of the game.
Final Thoughts:
As we continue to progress through the 2024 UFL season, it should come to no surprise that many more players may emerge on this list and establish themselves as All-UFL players. While this list may change as Week 10 approaches, it is important to not that despite all the uncertainties of the Off-Season with the UFL finally having their “feet” under them, the quality of Spring Football has never been higher and will continue to be for hopefully the foreseeable future.
