XFL
Locals In The XFL: 2023 Week Five Recap
SALT LAKE CITY – Here is how the local players performed during the fifth week of the 2023 XFL season:
Locals Players in the XFL
Former Utah Utes
Francis Bernard – Linebacker – D.C. Defenders (5-0)
The former Utah linebacker is currently serving a two-game suspension and did not play in D.C.’s 28-20 win over the St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday, March 18.
Next Game: vs. Houston Roughnecks on Monday, March 27 at 5 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN2
Pita Taumoepenu – Linebacker – Vegas Vipers (1-4)
The former Utah linebacker recorded 4 tackles and a forced fumble in a win over the Orlando Guardians on Saturday, March 18..
Next Game: vs. St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday, March 25 at 5 p.m. (MDT) on FX/ESPN+
Former BYU Cougars
Tomasi Laulile – Defensive Lineman – Arlington Renegades (3-2)
The former BYU defensive lineman and the Renegades faced off against the San Antonio Brahmas on Sunday, March 19. The Renegades pulled out a narrow 2-point victory over San Antonio, 12-10.
Next Game: vs. San Antonio Brahmas on Sunday, March 26 at 1 p.m. (MDT) on ABC/ESPN+
is it Sunday yet? #XFL2023 | #XFLRenegades pic.twitter.com/g4tfJ5cGNN
— Arlington Renegades (@XFLRenegades) March 16, 2023
Tejan Koroma – Offensive Lineman – Seattle Sea Dragons (3-2)
The former BYU center and the Sea Dragons beat the Houston Roughnecks, 21-14, on Thursday, March 16.
Next Game: @ Orlando Guardians on Saturday, March 25 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on ABC
No better feeling 🐉#XFL2023 | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/ldWOPMYjrk
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 17, 2023
Former Utah State Aggies
Dominik Eberle – Kicker – Seattle Sea Dragons (3-2)
The former Utah State kicker and the Sea Dragons beat the Houston Roughnecks, 21-14, on Thursday, March 16.
Next Game: @ Orlando Guardians on Saturday, March 25 at 11 a.m. (MDT) on ABC
UNDEFEATED WHO 👂#XFL2023 | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/UFRZ4D8MLP
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 17, 2023
Marwin Evans – Defensive Back – Vegas Vipers (1-4)
The former Utah State defensive back posted 7 tackles in a win over the Orlando Guardians on Saturday, March 18.
Next Game: vs. St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday, March 25 at 5 p.m. (MDT) on FX/ESPN+
2023 XFL Teams
North Division
- D.C. Defenders
- Seattle Sea Dragons
- St. Louis Battlehawks
- Vegas Vipers
South Division
- Arlington Renegades
- Houston Roughnecks
- Orlando Guardians
- San Antonio Brahmas
About the XFL
In April 2020, the XFL suspended league operations and terminated its employees amid the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 12 former college football players from the state of Utah were on active 52-man rosters in the eight-team league. Along with the 12 players, former BYU and Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Wildcats.
In 2019, another football league, the American Alliance of Football, folded before the completion of its inaugural season.
After the XFL suspended operations, new ownership purchased the league. The group is led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Unlike the current edition of the USFL, which will start its second season in 2023, the XFL has partnered with the NFL.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
