Former HBCU Football stars find a home in the new XFL

The SWAC is well represented in the XFL:

Jordan Ighofose and David Moore:  Offensive linemen, Grambling State:

Offensive guard Jordan Ighofose transferred to Grambling in 2019 from Northeast Oklahoma Community College after graduating from Martin Luther King High School in Detroit, Michigan. Ighofose was a second-team All-Conference his last year at N.E. Oklahoma. Ighofose was solid at Grambling and made himself an NFL prospect.

Moore signed with the Carolina Panthers and saw time with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets but did not stick in the league. Moore is still developing as a player. He played only two years of high school football before signing with Grambling. When the pandemic interrupted the 2020 season, Moore declared for the draft.

CJ Holmes, Defensive Back, Jackson State: 

Holmes played his college ball during Deion Sanders’ tenure at JSU. Holmes finished his career at Jackson State with 80 total tackles, five interceptions, 22 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Holmes has good size for the position at 6 – foot – 1 and 185 pounds.

Jalen Spady, Offensive lineman, Florida A&M: 

Spady declared for the 2022 NFL draft but went undrafted. Spady waited 448 days after his last collegiate football game to play professional football. A transfer from Glendale Community College, Spady played two years for the Rattlers before declaring for the draft.

Jawon Pass, Quarterback, Prairie View A&M: 

Pass had the almost impossible task of following Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson at Louisville. There was a ton of upheaval at the university at the same time. Pass decided to transfer to Prairie View to finish his career. Pass threw for 2672 yards and 16 touchdowns in his only year as the starter for the Panthers.

Chris Blair, Wide Reciever, Alcorn State: 

D.C. Defenders wide receiver spent some time with the Green Bay Packers after a standout career at Alcorn State. Blair averaged 21.2 yards per reception his last year at Alcorn, leading the team in receiving yards. He capped his career at Alcorn with a 150-yard performance in the Celebration Bowl.

Reggie Barlow, Head Coach DC Defenders: 

Though Barlow is not a player anymore, the Defenders’ head coach played his college ball at Alabama State. Barlow spent eight years in the NFL with the Raiders, Cardinals, and Buccaneers. Not only did Barlow play for the Hornets, but he was also head coach from 2007-2014.

Bryant Jones: Defensive Line, Mississippi Valley State:

Vegas Vipers’ defensive lineman Bryant Jones has traveled around professional football since his days at Mississippi Valley State. Jones was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Rams and spent time in the Canadian Football League.

Qwynnterrio Cole: Defensive Back, Alcorn State: 

Seattle Sea Dragons’ defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole transferred from Alcorn State to Louisville for his last year of college football to improve his draft stock. Though he went undrafted, Cole signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent.