Justin Kelm

From Arena to the XFL – Shawn Oakman makes an impact

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The West Virginia Roughriders were champions of the American Arena League in 2019. The team was loaded with a plethora of talented players who are now playing in the XFL. Shawn Oakman is one former Roughrider who made a direct impact on the game.

In June of 2019, Oakman signed with the Roughriders and contributed immediately. Oakman and the Roughriders then advanced to their third straight league championship game, again at home, and beat the Carolina Energy 55 to 29 to win their first AAL championship. Oakman destroyed the Energy’s offensive line and sent the quarterback running for his life.

Oakman played collegiately at Baylor in Waco, Texas. In his debut with the LA Wildcats, Oakman blew through the Houston offensive line and delivered a nasty blow to the Roughnecks quarterback. The sack was seen by thousands at the game and all over who were tuned in watching the game on FOX.

When asked about Oakman, West Virginia Roughriders Owner/General Manager Gregg Fornario said, “He had a sack. He is a beast on the field.” The Roughriders continue to produce talent and have had former players advance to a higher level of football. Oakman is just one of many. His contributions on the field were impressive even in a loss. The Roughriders campaign will begin with the inaugural Kickoff Classic on Saturday, Apr. 4 in Wheeling. The contest will match the West Virginia Roughriders and the defending champion Jacksonville Sharks in a “Champion vs. Champion” encounter. Kick-off will be set for 7 p.m. ET from the WesBanco Arena. You can catch the game on YouTube.

Kicker Ernesto Lacayo goes from arena football to the XFL Seattle Dragons

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Ernesto Lacayo

For veteran kicker Ernesto Lacayo the opportunity to play in the XFL came through hard work and determination.

Lacayo played collegiately at Hastings College where he holds all kicking records in the history of the program. Ernesto went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft and signed with the Nebraska Danger of the Indoor Football League (IFL) after the draft.

After one year with the Danger, Ernesto then signed with the Louisiana Swashbucklers (PIFL) in 2013. This is where I met Ernesto. I was heavily involved with the Swashbucklers and I got to know my team very well. I would travel in from Houston to Lake Charles to see them play. Lacayo contributed in many ways to the team. After the Swashbucklers folded in 2013, Ernesto then signed with the Wichita Wild (CPIFL) in 2014. Ernesto set an All-Arena/Indoor record of 30 field goals made in a season, and set a CPIFL record with a 55-yard field goal against the Salina Bombers. Ernesto also kicked a 51-yard game-winning field goal against the Dodge City Law to put the Wild in the CPIFL Championship.

In 2014, Ernesto then signed with the Wichita Force (CIF) for the 2015 season, where he played only 10 games before being called up to play for the Las Vegas Outlaws (AFL) in 2015. In 11 games with the Outlaws, Ernesto led the league point after touchdown percentage connecting on 54-of-59 (91.5%).

In 2016, Ernesto signed with the Portland Steel (AFL). After the Steel folded, Ernesto still kept in shape and worked on his craft.

In 2019 Ernesto signed with the newly formed San Diego Strike Force who are members of the Indoor Football League. During the 2019 season Ernesto and Long Snapper Jackson Dallas shattered the old consecutive PAT record of 28 in the Indoor Football League. For the season, Ernesto led the league in field goals made (10) and was named Special Teams Player of The Week in Week 8.

When asked about how it felt, Ernesto told me that he “Put in countless hours in my arena career and living in my van these years and training is what got me here.”

Ernesto is thankful and looks to contribute with the Seattle Dragons immediately.

The Dragons will be on the road and travel to Washington D.C. to battle the Defenders on Saturday, February 8, 2020. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on ABC.

For Renegades DE Winston Craig the Journey Continues

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Winston Craig – Richmond Spiders

Winston Craig made waves during his time in college and now has brought his talent to the XFL. Craig is a defensive end for the Dallas Renegades and he is ready to “raise hell.”

I witnessed Craig play firsthand when he was with the Richmond Spiders. I saw Craig manhandle offensive lines as he blew through them getting to the quarterback. During his time at Richmond, he appeared in 52 games and recorded 166 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and two interceptions.

After his time at Richmond, Craig went undrafted but signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. He spent time during the 2017 and 2018 seasons on the Eagles practice squad.

In late 2018, Craig signed with the now defunct San Antonio Commanders. After the Commanders suspended football operations Craig signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a fan of the Steelers this had me overjoyed with excitement. While his time with the Steelers was short, I was proud of him. Seeing him perform in person at Heinz Field was simply amazing.

The Dallas Renegades of the XFL selected Craig in their inaugural draft. This elated me. During their training camp in Houston, I got a chance to visit with him. I reiterated how pleased I was to see him in this newly formed league. He performed well enough during camp and made the 52 man roster. This was not surprising to me.

The journey for Craig is not over and I know that he will perform well with the Renegades.

The Renegades host the St. Louis Battlehawks at the reconfigured Globe Life Park on Sunday, February 9. Kick-off is set for 4 p.m. CT and the game will be carried on ESPN.