In the aftermath of the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft that fielded two HBCU selections, two more Black college players have been acquired as undrafted free agents.
On Wednesday, Bethune-Cookman tight end Kemari Averett and Jackson State defensive lineman Justin Ragin were claimed by the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Averett was a player that many expected to gain interest from NFL teams after dominating in the passing game for the Bethune-Cookman offense.
The XFL announced that following the Rookie Draft conducted on June 16, 2023, the rights to 44 undrafted players have been claimed by teams.
Press release: https://t.co/ZhZgJFJCeu pic.twitter.com/c4PZjJOgtx
— XFL Communications Department (@XFL_PR) June 20, 2023
Averett led the Wildcats in receiving in each of his two seasons with the team, compiling 91 receptions for 1,333 yards and 17 touchdowns.
He was named to the All-SWAC First Team in 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, Ragin was part of a loaded Jackson State defense that produced elite numbers.
He totaled 94 tackles, 39.5 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three pass breakups, and two blocked kicks in 34 career games.
Ragin was named to the All-SWAC Second Team this past season.
