By Brian Gertler
ST. LOUIS, Missouri (March 11, 2024) – As the first half of the training camp came to a close, the Battlehawks completed their first round of roster cuts in this shortened preseason. This past Sunday, March 10, marked the date when UFL teams were required to trim their rosters from 75 to 58 players. Some of the notable cuts included TE Kemore Gamble, DE Mandy Alonso, and the only returning Battlehawk to be cut, OL Christian Olmstead. As the Battlehawks bid farewell to 15 players and placed two on IR during these first cuts, Head Coach Anthony Becht took the opportunity to shed light on the team’s dynamics and pivotal moments in the training camp at a media session on Monday.
Coach Becht discussed the nature of their current camp roster and highlighted some of the camp’s key moments. When asked about the most competitive position group in training camp, Becht mentioned the secondary but singled out the linebacker corps in particular. This should come as no surprise, considering the talented edge rushers on this roster, including Pita Taumoepenu, the XFL’s reigning defensive player of the year, and returning MLB Willie Harvey, who ranked sixth in the entire XFL for total tackles last year.
With the focus on defense, it can be assumed that offensive roster spots are starting to take shape. Coach Becht stated that “the only lock on our roster is A.J. (McCarron).” Becht also mentioned that he views McCarron as “another coach on his staff” due to his collaboration with OC Bruce Gradkowski.
He went on to say, “Having AJ (and much of the WR core) back, the preparation time moves a lot faster.” Another contributing factor to the fast start in terms of offensive preparation is the return of all starting offensive linemen for the Battlehawks. Christian Olmstead, a backup guard last season, was the only returning Battlehawk to be cut in the first round of roster cuts.
With the news of Jahcour Pearson landing on the IR list, it was a difficult start to camp last week. However, one player that has been mentioned in multiple media sessions by Coach Becht is Jamarcus Bradley. On Monday, Becht stated that “Bradley was our top draft pick last season before signing a futures contract with the NFL…you’re talking about a starting-caliber wide receiver when healthy.” With Bradley making his debut with the team, the return of Hakeem Butler, Darius Shepherd, and Marcell Ateman, and the signing of Blake Jackson, it’s safe to say that Battlehawks fans have no need to fear the WR room.The Battlehawks have just over two weeks to cut their roster down to 50. From last year’s active 51-man roster numbers compared to the current 58-man camp roster, you can expect cuts at WR, OL, DT, Edge, ILB, and DBs. This would also assume that the QB, RB, TE, and specialist rooms are ready to go for the year. Below is a graphic of the current roster as it stands (courtesy of @kennyUFM).