Continuing the Journey: Inside the SFLm Developmental Team

ARTICLE BY ELI DEIOMES [S'cylle Aldmiir] | SFLm Media Director

For every star that shines bright under the lights of the Simulation Football League, there’s a hidden story of a player fighting to keep their dream alive. This season, the SFLm Developmental Team is here to make sure those stories don’t end in the shadows.

I sat down with J.W. Hartshorn, our dedicated Assistant Developer, to pull back the curtain on what the Developmental Team really is, how it’s built, and why it’s an anchor of hope for players who might otherwise be overlooked.

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Eli Deiomes: Let's start with the most obvious question — what is the Developmental Team, anyway?

“The process of determining the Developmental Team eligible players is fairly simple — in theory,” J.W. says with a laugh.

 "The magic starts with data. We dig deep into the SFL’s official portal, verifying every build for every player on every roster to ensure the information is ironclad. From there, a detailed formula sorts out the league’s bottom 10% by overall rating — not to single them out, but to lift them up.

This list is then double-checked by multiple people to make sure we have it right,” J.W explains. “We reach out to teams, confirm player data, and make sure we have the best possible snapshot before submitting it to the Commissioner for final approval. It’s meticulous work — but for players on the cusp, that attention to detail means everything."

ED: So, why does the Dev Team matter?

When you think “Developmental,” you might imagine a simple benchwarmer system. But the SFLm’s take on development is so much more than that.

 “The obvious answer is development — it’s right in the name,” J.W says with a light laugh. “But the real magic is that these players get a chance to step into bigger roles, sometimes as ‘two-way players’ depending on their position and rookie counts.

For some, it’s a chance to play snaps they’d never see otherwise. For others, it’s a shot to prove they belong.

Dev Team pricing sits comfortably between the SFL and SFLm Rookie rates — fair enough to allow steady progression, while ensuring that new rookies still have room to grow and shine in the seasons ahead."

Keeping the Dream Alive

There’s a quiet heartbreak when a player starts to fade away, whether it’s from an overcrowded position, a slow growth rate, or just feeling left behind. The Developmental Team gives those players a reason to stay, a way forward.

 “Often, these Bottom 10% players are the ones most likely to feel disillusioned,” J.W. admits. “The Dev Team gives them hope to continue their player’s journey — and maybe even make an impact in the big leagues.

 It’s not a perfect process, by any means — no system ever is. But the goal is noble: no one gets left behind if they don’t want to be."

Who Made the Cut?

We’re excited to reveal this season’s full roster of Developmental Team Players and Dev UDFAs (Undrafted Free Agents) — each one ready to make their mark, and prove that the best stories don’t always come from the top of the leader board. (text breakdown below the graphic!)

Dev Team Players (Non-UDFA)

Offense
QB Isaac Covert
QB Sylas Christensen
QB Ethan Flowers
HB Robert Nemcik
HB Joel Harleman
HB John Osmosis
HB Patrick Rudlang
FB Jaylin Wells
FB Chevy MonteCarlo
FB Speedy Gonzales
WR Nolan Pierce
WR Bobby Tarantino
WR Jimmy Wint
WR Elliott Pope Jr.
WR Marquise Sango
WR Queen Jackson
WR Ronnie Shanahan
WR Dallas Sanders
TE Mike Kleinknecht
TE Leon Sandcastle
TE Robert Henson Jr.
TE Tony Zoma
TE Goradul Kon
OL Kani Cook
OL D'Angelo De Jesus
OL Demon Pickle
OL Jack Big Boss
OL Rose Steele
OL Queen Porter
OL Bruce White
OL Al Freedman
OL Jackson Barrito
OL Jess Fullerton-Galarza
OL Duke LaRoux
OL Jacky Jones
OL Landen Ohnim

Defense
DE Odette Boudreaux
DE L.J. Hobbs
DE Jad McFearson
DE Frodo Laggins
DE Shin Yoneda
DT Finn Steel
DT D'Brickashaw Mollineaux
LB Nick Fargo
LB William Patterson
LB Saeed Gore
LB Duncan Ohnim
LB Cualtzin Yolia
LB Jesus Smith
CB Eric Belmont
CB Dustin Csokasy
CB Sammy Seatbelt III
CB Nes Genckal
CB Devante Moore
CB Pink Leisa
FS Tyler Highfield
FS Zion Waddles
FS Eaton Moss
FS Ramnar Soody
SS Kev Seay Jr.

Special Teams
K S'cylle Aldmiir
K Kameron Duty
K Christian Ronald-Suey
K John Smith
K Joe Garfield
P Trace Welsh

Dev Team Players (UDFA)

HB Richard Powers
FB Tom Thickley
WR D'Angelo Lopez
WR Hunter Jacobs
WR Nick Fritchley
DT Pat Redding
DT Hendrick Callahan
DT Harrison Kilgore
K Sofia Peaches

Onward and Upward

From veteran journeymen to fresh faces with something to prove, the SFLm Developmental Team is more than just a spreadsheet. It’s a reminder that football is for everyone — and sometimes, the underdog has the brightest future.

To our Dev Team players: keep grinding, keep dreaming, and remember — every snap is a chance to write your story your way. We’ll be cheering you on, every step of the way! - ED