The XFL St. Louis Battlehawks team will be returning one of their fan-favorite players. With how the kickoff rules differ, this latest roster move is greatly important.
St. Louis Battlehawks Star Set For Return
Darrius Shepherd will be returning for the 2024 season. The move was announced by the St. Louis Battlehawks team. UFL newsroom expert James Larson initially reported the return on social media.
Shepherd has over 900 yards in the return game. He averages roughly 24.5 yards per return. As a receiver, he is one of the top threats. With 519 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns he is must-see television! In a newly reshuffled UFL, his services will come in handy. The playmaker will try to continue his St. Louis Battlehawks impact, especially following a successful past year.
However, with A.J. McCarron on the Cincinnati Bengals, consequently, his first move in camp will be to establish a connection with the new quarterbacks.
St. Louis Battlehawks Shepherd Pro Path
The Kansas City, Missouri native took many career-building steps to get to this point. A college graduate of North Dakota State, Shepherd played for the Green Bay Packers out of college. As an undrafted free agent, he had his work his way onto the roster, and then made the most of his opportunity.
As a returner in the kicking game and a receiver, Shepherd showed flashes with the Packers. With the St. Louis Battlehawks, he still shows the same attack mindset. With his then-NFL team, he foreshadowed his future UFL impact.
Just consistency. In the return game, just trying to make big momentum plays, taking care of the ball, and giving the team good field position.
Visiting a couple of teams, he did land with the New Jersey Generals. However, it was his initial sting with the St. Louis Battlehawks that looks to cement his place in UFL lore. It’s safe to say that he continues to carve himself a solid role on this team, even though he likely maintains NFL ambitions. His current focus will be on the upcoming UFL season.
St. Louis Battlehawks Upcoming Season
Shepherd had a successful past season, nonetheless, this spring will present a new challenge. With the new format and reloaded roster, overall the competition will be fiercer than last year. Despite this being an overlooked aspect, regardless, with Marquette King and Shepherd, this team may possess the strongest special teams unit. An important feature that may yet prove to be the difference throughout the season.
The team under first-year posted an impressive 10-3 record, despite this.700 season they missed out on the playoffs through a series of tie-breakers. This coming while a different team received the nod with three less wins. Still, the St. Louis Battlehawks undeniably will have a great shot of competing this year, as they will look to make a deep playoff push. Many are pegging the Birmingham Stallions to repeat as champions, despite the league reshuffling.
Regardless of how last season ended, one aspect is for certain. Undeniably the veteran experience will prove invaluable for this St. Louis Battlehawks team. He is a fan of superheroes, specifically Batman. Could he be the hero the UFL deserves?
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