Locals In The XFL: 2023 Week Six Recap

SALT LAKE CITY – Here is how the local players performed during the sixth week of the 2023 XFL season:

Locals Players in the XFL

Former Utah Utes

Francis Bernard – Linebacker – D.C. Defenders (6-0)

In his return from a two-game suspension, the former Utah linebacker had nine total tackles, eight solo tackles, and two tackles for loss in D.C.’s 37-26 win over the Houston Roughnecks on Monday, March 27.

Next Game: @ Orlando Guardians on Saturday, April 1 at 4 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN/ESPN+

DC takes home the dub and remains undefeated!

FINAL:@XFLDefenders 37@XFLRoughnecks 26 pic.twitter.com/u3AuRzLOC0

— XFL (@XFL2023) March 28, 2023

Pita Taumoepenu – Linebacker – Vegas Vipers (1-5)

The former Utah linebacker had two total tackles, two solo tackles, two sacks, and one tackle for loss in Vegas’ 29-6 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday, March 25.

Next Game: vs. San Antonio Brahmas on Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN2/ESPN+

Ghost Rush by @PitaTaumoepenu of the @XFLVipers. Feints with the inside hand, then dips under the blocker’s punch. Great execution & body control at the top of the rush. Taumoepenu is one of the best pass rushers in the XFL! #passrush #xfl #xfl2023 pic.twitter.com/b7uLc2HWp7

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) March 26, 2023

Former BYU Cougars

Tomasi Laulile – Defensive Lineman – Arlington Renegades (3-3)

The former BYU defensive lineman had one tackle in Arlington’s 15-9 loss to the San Antonio Brahmas on Sunday, March 26.

Next Game: vs. Seattle Sea Dragons on Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m. (MDT) on FX/ESPN+

The @XFLBrahmas's defense comes up big and secures the W 💪

FINAL:@XFLBrahmas 15@XFLRenegades 9 pic.twitter.com/imoZoioeAi

— XFL (@XFL2023) March 26, 2023

Tejan Koroma – Offensive Lineman – Seattle Sea Dragons (4-2)

The former BYU center and the Sea Dragons beat the Orlando Guardians, 26-19, on Saturday, March 25.

Next Game: @ Arlington Renegades on Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m. (MDT) on FX/ESPN+

Leaving Orlando with the W#XFL2023 | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/nKuYEQGapy

— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 25, 2023

Former Utah State Aggies

Dominik Eberle – Kicker – Seattle Sea Dragons (4-2)

The former Utah State kicker was 4/4 on field goals in Seattle’s 26-19 win over the Orlando Guardians on Saturday, March 25.

Next Game: @ Arlington Renegades on Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m. (MDT) on FX/ESPN+

Got us another field goal! 20-16 #XFL2023 | #BreatheFire pic.twitter.com/X7gWGOPmpM

— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) March 25, 2023

Marwin Evans – Defensive Back – Vegas Vipers (1-5)

The former Utah State defensive back had five total tackles, three solo tackles, and a pass breakup in Vegas’ 29-6 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday, March 25.

Next Game: vs. San Antonio Brahmas on Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN2/ESPN+

More football to play next week.#FangGang | @XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/dFk1bZ2Zbh

— Vegas Vipers (@XFLVipers) March 26, 2023

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).

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