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Written by: Roy Countryman @PreacherBoyRoy
Offensive Player of the Week
Lucky Jackson: WR, DC Defenders
5 catches on 8 targets, 135 rec. yds, 27.2 avg, 1 rec. TD.
In a heavyweight battle between the two best teams of the North and South, Jackson’s contributions were vital in the efforts of the Defenders quest of staying undefeated.
Coach Barlow has done tremendous work to keep every player ready to contribute week in and week out. It was Jackson’s turn this week with a breathtaking route that got him open for a long touchdown.
Jackson went undrafted in the 2020 draft, even after putting up a quality season at Western Kentucky, where he reeled in 94 catches for over 1100 yards. He found his way to the CFL’s Edmonton Elks, appearing in one game before being selected in the 11th round of the XFL Draft.
Jackson is an explosive pass catcher who ran an unofficial 4.36 forty-yard dash at his pro day. His agility and quick feet allow him to slip past jams at the line of scrimmage, and he has confidence in his route running ability to find open space. Solid hands he is confident in outside his frame.
Jackson is the type of player the XFL is made for, as he has simply lacked opportunities to showcase his playmaking ability. If he can continue to carve out a role as the go-to target for Jordan Ta’Amu then he should garner NFL attention.
Defensive Player of the Week
Delontae Scott: EDGE, San Antonio Brahmas
7 Total Tackles (4 Solo), 2.0 sack, 2 TFL, 1 FF.
Scott has been dominant all year, and in this matchup of two XFL South foes still with playoff aspirations, he made a statement that the Brahmas defense is a force to reckon with.
After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft out of SMU, the former Mustang caught on with the Green Bay Packers, where he impressed the coaching staff with his pass rushing prowess. That skill set saw him make stops with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers until he was selected by the Brahmas in the fourth round of the XFL Draft.
Scott has a tremendous blend of athleticism and tenacity that he uses to wreak havoc on opposing offensive tackles. He has outstanding length (Over 35”) with a wingspan that seems to go on for days (6’11”). Has impressive first step quickness that allows him to put lineman on skates, and has shown the ability to convert speed to power. Has a wide variety of pass rushing moves, and attacks lineman with a plan.
While he is a pass rushing force, he lacks ideal bulk to hold up consistently in run defense. If he can gain more bulk, he is likely to be one of the first success stories to find a roster spot in the NFL from the XFL.
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