The DC Defenders appear to have a promising future in the XFL with a well put together coaching staff and a talented roster. The most promising aspect of the Defender’s season is their experienced coaching staff, led by head coach Pep Hamilton.

Pep began his coaching career at Howard University in 1997. Since 2003, Pep has moved between multiple NFL teams as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach while also coaching at Stanford and Michigan. On either side of Pep is offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand from Michigan, and at defensive coordinator is long time NFL defensive assistant and secondary coach Louie Cioffi.

The Defenders boast a tough defensive secondary and a few talented offensive weapons. Most notable is possibly running back Donnel Pumphrey, the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher from San Diego State. Top receivers include Max McCaffrey, Christian McCaffrey’s older brother, and the freakishly athletic Deion Holliman, who displays his massive 65-inch box vert on Twitter. Taking the snaps for DC is still up in the air, however. University of Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson and Ohio State’s Cardale Jones have been fighting for the starting quarterback spot during preseason training.

The DC Defenders square off against the Seattle Dragons in the first ever XFL game at Audi Field in the nation’s capital. Look for a great game full of chippy attitudes. The Dragons and Defenders have seen each other in scrimmage, exhibiting what appears to be a first glance at an XFL rivalry.

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