Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase's forgotten LSU team-mate emerges as XFL star

23 February 2023 , 16:23

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Jontre Kirklin enjoyed a brilliant start to his XFL career (Image: Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

LSU's 2019 college side was one of the best in recent history, with the likes of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase going on to star for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.

If Burrow and Chase weren't enough, LSU also had Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helarie in 2019, so it comes as no surprise that they won the national championships that year. It was a talented roster with many going on to play in the NFL, but some were left behind.

One of those was wide receiver Jontre Kirklin, who was tipped for big things as he was only a junior when LSU won the national championships in 2019. However, although he's yet to be offered a breakthrough in the NFL, he's already emerged as a standout player in week one of the XFL.

Kirklin was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practise squad in May 2022 as an undrafted free agent, but was later waived after not securing a spot on the main roster. Kirklin has since joined Houston Roughnecks in the recently formed XFL, and is already turning heads.

The 24-year-old made his first career start for the Roughnecks on Saturday, and was instrumental in their 33-12 win over Orlando Guardians. Kirklin made five catches for 71 yards, and even scored a touchdown on his competitive debut for the side.

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Kirklin is once again being tipped for a bright future, and has been tagged as 'one to watch' in the XFL this season. Nearby NFL side Houston Texans are even being urged to come in for him, after releasing Robert Woods.

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The wide receiver was always tipped to have raw talent, but perhaps went a bit unnoticed due to the amount of stars that came out of LSU in recent years. It's no surprise that's the case, especially when former LSU team-mate Jefferson has just scooped up Offensive Player of the Year for a stunning 2022 season.

Jefferson had an unbelievable year, as he led the NFL in receiving yards (1809) and total receptions (128), while also grabbing eight touchdowns. He was also awarded catch of the year, while breaking the Minnesota Vikings franchise record for receiving yards in a game (223).

There's definitely a spot for Kirklin in the NFL, but a run in the XFL may be the perfect thing for him after leaving LSU, and going undrafted. He may have to be patient, but at just 24, there's still so much time.

Joseph McBride