CAFL Draft Recap: Shanghai Skywalkers

(photo credit: CAFL/Twitter)

The Shanghai Skywalkers had an impressive showing at the inaugural Chinese American Football League draft. The Skywalkers took some notable names from the Arena Football League, while also bolstering its roster with homegrown talent. With their first pick, the Skywalkers made sure that they addressed the most important position in football. 

The Skywalkers selected Shane Austin, who is currently the starting quarterback for the Portland Steel. In just four games this year, Austin has thrown for 958 yards and 19 touchdowns. Austin helped the Steel get their first win of the season a couple of weeks ago, after Portland started the season winless. Austin has played three seasons in the AFL, as he has racked up 11,302 yards and 237 touchdowns in his career.

 With their second pick, the Skywalkers took a player with Chinese roots. Shanghai selected Liu Shuai, who has played seven seasons in three different Chinese rugby leagues. The defender has made 61 appearances during his career, and he has scored two goals. With their third pick, the Skywalkers turned back to the AFL to fill their holes on defense. Shanghai selected defensive back Dwayne Hollis, who is currently playing with the AFL’s Philadelphia Soul.

 In two seasons with the Soul, Hollis has recorded 74 tackles and seven interceptions. With their next pick, Shanghai stayed with the same team, as they drafted wide receiver Shaun Kauleinamoku. This season, Kauleinamoku has reeled in 60 catches for 753 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Soul. With their fifth pick, the Skywalkers selected linebacker Justin Lawrence. Lawrence spent two seasons in the AFL, both with the Milwaukee Mustangs. 

Lawrence racked up 41.5 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss during his time with the Mustangs. A few picks later, Shanghai drafted a receiver from the AFL to pair with Kauleinamoku. The Skywalkers drafted Mike Washington, a six year AFL veteran, who most recently played for the Arizona Rattlers. Washington has caught 530 passes, for 6,620 and 138 touchdowns during his successful AFL career. 

Shanghai filled their roster with great talent from both China and the United States. The Skywalkers offense has many players that can make big plays, and they have a successful quarterback that will run the offense in Shane Austin. The team has a rock solid defense that may pose problems to the other teams in the CAFL. When the league kicks off play in October, we can expect the Skywalkers to be one of the better teams in the inaugural season of the CAFL.