D.C. Defenders Select Louisville LB MoMo Sanogo in 2023 XFL Rookie Draft

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - MoMo Sanogo might not have been picked up by an NFL team immediately following the end of his time in college, but he has found his first stop in his professional career.

During Friday's 2023 XFL Rookie Draft, the former Louisville linebacker was selected by the D.C. Defenders. The XFL did not announce which pick or round that players were selected with in the draft, which was held remotely.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound inside linebacker was an integral part of a Louisville defense that ranked 11th in points allowed per game at 19.2 and 23rd in yards allowed per game at 330.2. He led the team in tackles with 89 (44 solo), while also tallying 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a team-best three fumble recoveries.

The Plano, Tex. native came over to Louisville after spending five years at Ole Miss, where he tallied 210 total tackles (97 solo), 12.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Should Sanogo opt to sign with the Defenders, he will be one of seven former Louisville players on rosters across the XFL. Safety Qwynnterrio Cole is with the Seattle Sea Dragons; linebacker C.J. Avery plays for the Vegas Vipers; while wide receivers Eli Rogers and Jaylen Smith, defensive back Trumaine Washington and linebacker Josh-Harvey-Clemons all are signed with the Orlando Guardians. The 2023 XFL season wrapped up this past May, with the 2024 season scheduled to begin next February.

Three former Louisville players were selected in April's NFL Draft. Defensive end YaYa Diaby was selected in the third round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, linebacker Yasir Abdullah was picked up in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, while cornerback Kei'Trel Clark was taken in the sixth round by the Arizona Cardinals.

Four former Cardinals landed on rosters shortly after the draft by signing as undrafted free agents. Quarterback Malik Cunningham signed with the New England Patriots, wide receiver Tyler Hudson and running back Tiyon Evans did so with the Los Angeles Rams, while offensive tackle Trevor Reid inked a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

(Photo of MoMo Sanogo: Jamie Rhodes - USA TODAY Sports)

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