Former Arizona State tailback Xazavian Valladay signs with new NFL team
Former Arizona State running back Xazavian Valladay has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Valladay went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, but shortly thereafter signed a UDFA deal with the Houston Texans. He was released during training camp. The Steelers officially waived running back John Lovett on Tuesday, opening up a spot for Valladay to join the team.
Pittsburgh beat Tampa Bay on Friday 27-17 in its first preseason game. The Steelers ran for just 92 yards on 26 carries in the game.
A first-round selection by the Steelers in the 2021 draft, Najee Harris enters his third professional season as the top dog in the running back room. Look for Valladay to try and carve out a spot on the roster for himself in preseason, though. He’s found success at each prior level.
Valladay played four seasons at Wyoming before transferring to Arizona State ahead of the 2022 season. In his lone season with the Sun Devils, Valladay totaled 1,481 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. His 16 rushing scores lead all Pac-12 ball-carriers. He also had a pair of 1,000-yard seasons while with the Cowboys.
Pittsburgh takes the field again for its second preseason contest on Saturday, Aug. 19, against the Buffalo Bills.