SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Four former Sacramento State football players were

selected in the inaugural XFL draft which was held from Oct. 29-31. Each

of the eight teams in the fledgling league were allowed to protect 15

players from their designated regional area before the draft. Once the

draft began, each franchise could select players until its roster was

complete.

Defensive tackle Jon Kirksey was the first Sacramento State player taken

when the Los Angeles Xtreme selected him in the 10th round. The Las

Vegas Outlaws claimed the other three players, drafting wide receiver

Tyrone Taylor, offensive tackle Tim Conley and tight end Warner Hipler.

Kirksey starred for the Hornets in the early 1990’s and was selected by

the New Orleans Saints in the 1992 NFL Draft. Since then, Kirksey has

spent time in the World League as well as NFL Europe.

Taylor played at Sacramento State from 1996-97. He currently ranks ninth

all-time in career receiving yards (1,202) and fourth in single-season

TD receptions (seven) for the Hornets. Taylor was drafted by the San

Diego Chargers in 1997. He has also played in NFL Europe and in the

Arena Football League with the San Jose Sabercats.

Conley ended his career at Sacramento State last season. While with the

Hornets, he was an all-Big Sky selection and also appeared in the Hula

Bowl. Following last year, Conley signed a free agent contract with the

Seattle Seahawks but was released during the last week of training camp.

Hipler might be the most unique of the players selected. Born in

Germany, Hipler came to Sacramento State to play under head coach Mike

Clemmons. Following the 1994 season, Hipler was drafted by San Diego

Chargers. After his release, Hipler played in both the World League and

NFL Europe for the Frankfurt Galaxy.

The XFL will begin play on Feb. 3. Each team will play a 10-game

schedule with all games either Saturday or Sunday.