DAVIS, Calif. -- Former UC Davis punter Colton Schmidt was selected by the Los Angeles Wildcats in the fifth phase of the XFL Draft, held by conference call earlier this week and announced by the league's social media platforms.
The draft consisted of five phases: skill positions, offensive line, defensive front seven, defensive secondary, then an "open" phase that allowed teams to select players at any position. The first four phases went 10 rounds, while the fifth and final phase – the only opportunity for teams to fill out its specialists – had 30 selections for each of the eight teams. There will be a supplemental draft in which players who complete their collegiate or CFL seasons may enter.
Originally from Bakersfield, California, Schmidt punted for the Aggies from 2009 to 2012, finishing as the school record-holder for career average (41.12) and season average (44.48). He remains the only UC Davis punter to average better than 44 yards per attempt in a season, although current junior Daniel Whelan remains on place to eclipse Schmidt for that record.
After graduating from UC Davis with his degree in political science, Schmidt attempted to earn a spot on an NFL team. After a successful preseason with the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, he was signed by the Buffalo Bills. Schmidt averaged 44.0 yards per punt in his second season with the Bills. In 2015, he ranked 10th in the league with a 46.4 average.
The 2020 season marks a reboot for the XFL, which is owned by Vince McMahon and Alpha Entertainment. The league previously ran for one season in 2001, during which former Aggie quarterback Mark Grieb played for the Las Vegas Outlaws. The upcoming season features eight teams: the Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Los Angeles Wildcats, New York Guardians, St. Louis BattleHawks, Seattle Dragons and Tampa Bay Vipers.
The XFL season opens on February 8, 2020 – one week after the Super Bowl – and concludes with a championship game on April 26.
ABOUT UC DAVIS: Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley. The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation according to the Wall Street Journal, and among the top 10 public universities nationwide according to U.S. News and World Report, UC Davis offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.
AGGIE EVO: Established in 2017-18, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation. Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis. Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.
DON'T MISS OUT: Tickets for UC Davis football are on sale by contacting the Athletics Ticket Office at (530) 752-AGS1 or by visiting us online at tickets.ucdavis.edu.
