Many overlooked FCS prospects have announced their invitations to the XFL Showcase events; including former Texas Southern defensive end and SWAC All-American Michael Badejo. Badejo was a 4X SWAC All-American throughout his career at Texas Southern and was a standout performer at the inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl in February. Despite not receiving an opportunity at the NFL this offseason, Badejo has now been invited to both the HBCU Showcase in Jackson, MS and the Texas Showcase in Arlington, TX.
The XFL will officially launch in 2023 and the league is bringing back its Summer Showcase across the country over the summer to find talent for the league’s inaugural season. The XFL will hold tryouts in Washington DC, Florida, Hawai’i, Mississippi, Arizona, & Texas which will allow XFL prospects to workout in front of XFL coaches and personnel directors. Prospects will perform drills such as the 40-Yard Dash, 3-Cone Drill, Triple Broad Jump, & Positional Drills.
Zach McKinnell of The Bluebloods talked to Badejo about the opportunity to tryout for the XFL. Badejo spoke on what it meant to be invited to multiple showcase events for the XFL and how he is staying ready for his opportunity:
“It’s a blessing knowing I can go show them (XFL) who I am not once but twice. I’ve been staying ready by staying active with workouts and active recovery so I can go 10x harder each day.”
Badejo is not just depending on the XFL Showcase though and talked about whether he would accept a potential USFL opportunity coming his way this year:
“I am definitely open to going into the USFL. Just need a chance and an opportunity to showcase my skills so people can stop sleeping on my talents. Enough is enough. I’ve been in contact with the USFL and I am hoping to hear something very soon.”
Badejo received rave reviews from multiple NFL scouts throughout the NFL Draft process and multiple NFL teams were rumored to be interested in the All-American defensive end. The XFL Showcase may be exactly what Badejo needs to spark his professional career after an accomplished college football career at SMU and Texas Southern.
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