XFL Diamonds – Prospects who would fit the new league

XFL Diamonds Vol. 5 

Potential 2020 XFL  Prospects By Matt Anzio 

Can Not  Measure Heart Edition  ….

• RB Isaac Totes Murray
• McDaniel College 
• Height 5’ 11
• Weight: 195 lbs 

When Murray Gets In the Open Field He Totes The Rock To The Endzone. 

Murray grew up loving the game of ball at just 5 years old idolizing Jamal Lewis on those amazing Baltimore teams.  Dreaming of some day doing what Lewis was doing playing the game he loved & helping carrie his team to greatness. 

Not very good as a youngin he road the bench a lot,  he  just needed time to develop. Finally in High School after some hard work in the gym building up his frame & practicing his game. He began to excel having a outstanding JR year followed by a 1000 yd rush yr as a Senior. 

In his SR year despite lighting up the stat sheet he did have a injury which left his options limited. After a short stay at a div 3 school transferred to another D3 school  McDaniel where he had a horrible start in 2016 ending the season with yet another injury. This time a serious one that Doctors informed him that it could take 2 years before he sees  the gridiron.

Murray was not hearing this as he worked to recover with everything he had. Beating the odds getting back into camp ready to go by Spring 2017. 

When I look at Murrays film I see a player that  observes the hole quick & when he hits it he is out of there like he forgot something.  His burst is like a blockbuster or half stick of dynamite for  millennials. 

Extremely fluid hips briskly moving feet avoiding contact with the long run ability teams desire in a RB & a return specialist.  That could be a thing of beuty catching the ball out the backfirld or lined up in the slot. 

Vision is supreme  slicing through defenses like a buzzsaw.  Beastly upper body with quick lean legs  good overall power & size.  Can break tackles not afraid of contact & if you don’t contain him he will Tote it down your throat.

• LB/ST/ DB   James Yarbough 
• Texas Wesleyan 
• Height : 5’7    
• Weight : 210 lbs

Can Not Tame The Heart Of A Lion.

Most scouts, coaches & fans would say Yarborough  is too small to play Pro football  Although time & time again we see these undersized guys  thrive in the Pro’s, if giving the opportunity.  Whether on D.O. or become ST mainstays.  Effort is always high in these guys being undersized doubted & counted out. They seem to run a little faster, jump a little higher & train a little harder. 

Meet James Yarbrough  young man who grew up in the Football region of Lufkin Texas.  The young footballer  has been through more than many men could handle no matter the age.  Losing his sister in 2005 which took a toll of his Parents mariage. Then just 2 years later he lost his other sister in 2007 followed by the loss of his father just 1 week later.  The pain he endured & of course his poor Mother must of been heartbroken.     

His mother stood strong for him & he tried to keep his mind occupied with the game he loved. Playing High school football  he always had the challenge of being undersized but he was also overweight. At almost 300 lbs  he didn’t receive any offers coming out of High School. 

Eventually attending Navarro College as a walk on but that  they never picked him up. Now about 250 pounds trying to get his weight under control but still not at optimal weight to move as power was never a issue for him. He met his mentor, someone that seen something in him despite his height. Van Nelson his mentor helped him both mentally & physically get his mind & body right. Then finally working hard getting himself down to 208 lbs he got a shot with NAIA new program at the time Texas Wesleyan where he got to put on the pads. Practice & improve his skills  but never getting a shot in a real game. 

Texas is a tough place to shine in Football as it is a way of life down there.  The competition is fierce  & being undersized never helped.   Yarborough never gave up & just kept working hard really can only evaluate practice tape & workouts that he has sent me. 

From the limited tape what I can gather is a prospect that gives everything he has. Still has that big boy power  but now he can move much better.  Strong technically sound low center of gravity with a super strong push & understands leverage. Think he could shine on ST’s help in run stop, blitz or cover. Feet have gotten real quick  his effort & heart are second to none. 

Then as if he was not tested enough he lost his beloved Mother last May. If this story doesn’t move you, better check your pulse. Losing so many loved ones being counted out for his physical shortcomings & having his faith tested over & over. 

He never lost his faith or his belief in himself  and I have faith in his playing ability myself. Most of all if tragedy builds character which I believe it can both good & bad. He has used all this pain hardship to fuel his desire.  Never give up on his dream look for any opportunity to show his talents. These are the guys  that won’t take it for granted, will always go the extra mile in training & give  everything he has every practice, game, play & down. Would love to see this story have a happy ending.   

• WR/ KR Ryan Fernandez 
• Becker College
• Height:  5’ 9    
• Weight : 180 lbs 

Featured Fernandez very early in this Process. 

Another 4.4 speedy slot that can make some amazing grabs & I Know I have featured a good amount. Fernandez is still working the craft sharpening his skills becoming a better player & athlete. 

His speed coupled with his fortitude he just runs with determination with the ball in his hand. Secures the ball & has no problem with contact he is most definitely a tough wideout. 

Speed is not an issue either his returns are exciting to witness as in the open field he really excels past coverage like they were statues in a museum. 

Young Pass catcher from D3 Becker College had struggling striving early in his career do to inconsistent QB play or run heavy schemes. Becoming the team captain at Becker he felt obligated to stick with the program that took a chance on him. Despite having  some D1 offers but maybe it wasn’t the best route as the program never really showed  the extent of Fernandez’s talents. 

The small school struggle is as real as it gets  & that’s why I have so many of these stories of players that have yet to meet their potential. 

I can see by his play & his attitude that he brings a lot to a team in the way of a nice slot option & a ST ace.  Have watched more tape then the average Joe & I can tell you this sometimes it’s just untapped potential. Think if you give him the opportunity to shine he will shine like the Phoenix sun in August.  Can sense the hunger & determination in this young man & I can see it on his film he runs with the intensity of a warrior & will do whatever a team needs to succeed. 

• DB Donzale Ashley    
• Ashland University (Ohio) 
• Height: 6’1    
• Weight: 218 lbs 

Ashley has been around but the Lessons he Learned Have Made Him A Better Player & Man. 

Coming out of High School where he played with such household names as Brandin Cooks & Justin Davis  in an obviously highly competitive Football region. 

Started his college career in a Community College where he won a  Norcal Championship & almost had a full ride with Texas State but didn’t happen, so he wound up at Ashland University. While at Ashland his team as a whole was ranked 3 in the nation.

In his 1st season ar Ashland Ashley was 6’1 212 lbs & played CB all year.  As need be plaus Ashley is a tough hitter became a safety at about 220 lbs & with his big play ability became a 1st Team All Conference with 5 INT’s. Becoming a Cliff Harris nominee  & a top safety prospect from Ashland. 

After College was brought into Redskins rookie minicamp but more times than not it’s hard to break in like that in 2016. 

Kept fighting to this day he never doubts his belief & he has a collection of quality tape from to stents with the Spring League & his impressive College Career. He shows he can play all over the secondary his field intelligence has grew immensely & I would say he hasn’t lost a step even getting a bit quicker just from constant training. 

Takes better angels learned better techniques & training habits & has been around  & so close to his dreams. Never wavering having tryouts in