Manny Wilkins (5) was St. Louis’ backup QB last season and is one of the top candidates to win the starting job this season. (Photo: Thomas Grove)

Jason Barnes
Special to the Editor

ST. LOUIS, MO — After parting ways with fan-favorite A.J. McCarron in the offseason, the St. Louis Battlehawks are testing out three candidates for the starting quarterback job. Right now, the race to the top is wide open with each of the three candidates seeking a competitive edge to claim the starting role.

This year’s contender includes last year’s backup Manny Wilkins, along with recent college standouts Max Duggan and Chevan Corderio. All three spoke to St. Louis media members Monday on their upcoming opportunities.

Manny Wilkins

Manny Wilkins, 29, rejoins the Battlehawks after spending the last two seasons in a backup role behind McCarron.

Wilkins played four seasons at Arizona State University from 2015-2018, working his way to a starter’s role in his final three seasons. He joined the NFL’s Green Bay Packers after college as an unrestricted free agent. He was part of their 2019 practice squad prior to his release in 2020.

Willkins first joined the Battlehawks in February 2023. He played in five games last season, starting two while McCarron was injured. Wilkins finished with 600 all-purpose yards, one passing touchdown, and three rushing touchdowns in the 2024 UFL season.

“For me, it’s going to be a competition,” said Willkins. “The advantage is knowing the guys on the field and having timing with some of the guys. We have some new wrinkles on the offense, so it’s not exactly everything the same, but I think the coaches are doing a really good job of really reiterating the fact that this is an open competition. There is no position that is solidified. You have to bring your best foot forward every day.”

“With this position we play, it’s different than any other position on the field. When it comes to the leadership standpoint of things, that’s what separates guys. How do you respond when things aren’t going your way, and when you feel like you could be in a different position and doing something different than you are in that moment. You got to know how to play your role. I think I really do a good job of playing my role. I take pride in being one of the best team players anybody can be around.”

Wilkins says some of his top priorities this season are taking pride in learning from mistakes and knowing the strengths of his supporting cast on offense.

Max Duggan

Max Duggan was the primary starting quarterback for Texas Christian University for four seasons from 2019-2022. He is best known for leading TCU on a surprise run in his senior year, during which the Horned Frogs finished 12-2, upset Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl, and advanced to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship.

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Duggan with their seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent time bouncing between their active roster and practice squad before being released last August.

Duggan has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game, though he feels optimistic about using his experience to make the most of his current opportunity.

“Every day, my focus is on me developing as a player,” said Duggan. “I think that’s what I can control, and what I’m going to go into is becoming the best player I can and developing as a quarterback, being a great teammate for the guys in the room, being a great teammate for the guys on this team, and just excited to be a part of it going forward.”

On getting to know the other two quarterbacks, he said, “It’s been a lot of fun. We just got here this weekend, but getting to know each other, the backgrounds, spending time at the hotels outside of the facility, it’s a close group. We’re all rooting for each other, we’re all helping each other. It’s going to be competitive, but that’s the great thing about being a quarterback.”

Duggan says one of his goals this spring is to improve on consistently winning battles in the pocket.

Chevan Corderio

Chevan Corderio, 25, began his collegiate career with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors but rose to prominence after transferring to the San Jose Spartans. Over two seasons as their primary starter, he won 14 games, threw 43 touchdowns, and earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Corderio signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in April 2024, though he was released shortly after a rookie minicamp.

He has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game, though he hopes to keep building upon his strengths and the mental side of being a quarterback.

“Coming to the UFL doesn’t really change who I am. I’m just focusing on what I can do better today and at this moment,” said Corderio. “I’m not really focused on winning the job or winning the UFL right now. I’m focused on doing what I can do best during practice, and that’s day-by-day moving forward.

“I’m focused on getting better at this moment. I don’t want to look into the future. I don’t want to look at the outcome. What the fans can know is I’m going to work hard every practice, compete with the other two quarterbacks, make them better, and they’re going to make me better. As a team, we’re going to be good, and we’re going to be competing every day.”

Coderio hopes to continue working on his reads, running and staying confident in all game situations.

2025 ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DateTimeAtOpponentLocationTV
March 28, 2025 (Friday)7 p.m.AwayHouston RoughnecksTDECU StadiumFOX
April 6, 2025 (Sunday)5:30 p.m.HomeSan Antonio BrahmasThe Dome at America’s CenterFS1
April 13, 2025 (Sunday)2 p.m.HomeDC DefendersThe Dome at America’s CenterABC
April 19, 2025 (Saturday)11 a.m.AwayArlington RenegadesChoctaw StadiumABC
April 26, 2025 (Saturday)6 p.m.HomeMichigan PanthersThe Dome at America’s Center
May 2, 2025 (Friday)7 p.m.HomeArlington RenegadesThe Dome at America’s CenterFOX
May 11, 2025 (Sunday)2 p.m.AwayMemphis ShowboatsLiberty Stadium
May 17, 2025 (Saturday)12 p.m.HomeBirmingham StallionsThe Dome at America’s CenterFOX
May 23, 2025 (Friday)7 p.m.HomeSan Antonio BrahmasThe Dome at America’s CenterFOX
May 30, 2025 (Friday)7 p.m.AwayDC DefendersAudi FieldFOX