The new XFL season is in full swing as it enters the fifth week of its 2020 season. While there are no Georgia State players on XFL rosters, that does not mean we can’t look at some former Georgia State players who could be stars in the league.
Penny Hart, wide receiver
While standing at only five feet, eight inches, Hart made a name for himself at Georgia State. In his freshman year alone, he was a first-team All-Sun Belt Conference, with over 1,000 yards. Hart was instrumental in the Panthers reaching their first bowl game in program history.
Since being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts, Hart is now on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
Best Fit: The New York Guardians (3-2) would be the ideal team for Hart, as after a hot start, the team has lacked consistency, especially on the offense. Hart was a standout wideout in the Sun Belt and could do the same in the relaunched XFL.
Hunter Atkinson, offensive lineman
Coming off a fantastic 2019 campaign, Atkinson could positively impact any XFL roster. Named first-team All-Sun Belt last season, he was seen as one of the best offensive linemen in the conference. Atkinson has been a mainstay for the Panthers offensive line, even during down seasons at Georgia State.
Linemen often go unnoticed by football fans, but not Atkinson. Many pointed to him as a big reason for the Panthers’ hot start.
Best Fit: The Tampa Bay Vipers (1-3), who are winless through three games. They could use a healthy addition to their offensive line.
Nate Paxton, linebacker
Paxton is the only player on this list to play through the beginning of Georgia State’s football program. Coming in as a walk-on, he would bring both determination and grit to any locker room.
Paxton played when the Panthers relished in the old Georgia Dome but was an impact player nonetheless.
Best fit: The best team for Paxton would be the Dallas Renegades to add depth to its defensive core.
Tra Barnett, running back
Barnett was the bell cow for the Panthers in the 2019 season, and it earned All-Sun Belt team honors. When quarterback Dan Ellington went down with a torn ACL, Barnett put the offense on his back to keep the team competitive.
This past season, racked up over 1,000 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on nearly six yards per carry.
Best Fit: The best team for Barnett is the Los Angeles Wildcats, as they sit last with under 70 yards per game. He would give the Wildcats a shot in the arm for the running game.
Dan Ellington
This is a no brainer. Without Ellington, the Panthers may wouldn’t have gone to a bowl game this past season. He used both his athletic ability and impressive arm to carry the Panthers to a 6-3 record in the first nine games of the season.
“He’s the heartbeat of this team,” head coach Sean Elliot said. “Playing through his injury is nothing short of amazing.”
Following his torn ACL, the team’s record went just 1-3 over the final four games of the season, proving his importance.
Best Fit: The best team for Ellington would be the Seattle Dragons, as their current batch of quarterbacks is struggling.
