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Written by: Roy Countryman @PreacherBoyRoy
Week one of the XFL action is in the books, and by all accounts XFL 3.0 is a resounding success. Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital’s efforts focused on exciting gameplay, quality broadcasting, and innovative rules that kept the pace of play moving while not sacrificing the feel of quality football. With all that being said, here are the first edition of Big Country Scouting’s XFL Players of the Week Awards.
Offensive Player of the Week
Austin Proehl: WR, St. Louis Battlehawks
4 rec. on 4 targets, 49 rec. yds, 12.3 ypc, 1 rec. TD.
While Proehl’s numbers could be argued that they paled compared to the Roughnecks Max Borghi or Deontay Burnett, his production came in the most important time of the game. That was his game-winning touchdown to see the Battlehawks return to victory over the San Antonio Brahmas.
Proehl isn’t the biggest wideout in the XFL, but he may have the most heart. He shows little to no fear when running in-breaking routes. He also possesses sure hands that allow his QBs to trust him in clutch situations. While he doesn’t possess elite straight line speed, he has excellent lateral agility that he uses to gain separation in and out of his route running. If Proehl can continue to stack quality performances, it is likely he will get an NFL training camp invite somewhere in the league.
Defensive Player of the Week
Michael Joseph: CB, DC Defenders
5 Total Tackles (4 Solo), 2 INT, 1 returned for TD.
In the final matchup of the inaugural weekend, the Defenders took on the Seattle Sea Dragons. While Seattle started strong under the guidance of Ben DiNucci, it was Joseph’s playmaking ability that included a pick-six that helped turn the tide and secure a Defenders victory.
Joseph is the poster boy for the XFL, as NFL evaluators glossed over him due to coming from a small Division III school, Dubuque. Those evaluators looked over a well proportioned cover man who stands at a sturdy 6-1 with decent length (30 ¼”) and smoot transitional skills.
What truly sets Joseph apart from other cover men is his ability to cause turnovers, as evidenced by grabbing 15 interceptions over his final three seasons in college. He is not just a finesse player and isn't afraid to come down hard in pursuit.
If Joseph can continue to make game-changing plays, like he did in week one, the XFL may have a player who can sneak onto the tail end of a NFL 53-man roster.
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