New Blood For The 2026 Washington Wolfpack

Washington Wolfpack head coach JR Wells is entering the 2026 Arena Football One season with renewed confidence and an unmistakable energy that has defined his tenure since taking over the program. In a recent conversation, Wells emphasized that while the team's record over the past two years hasn't reflected it on the surface, the foundation being laid beneath is something truly special.

“You know, I’m a really excited guy, and I believe in what’s being built,” Wells said. “From Year One, same vibe, same energy. We’re making changes, though.”

That consistency might seem surprising from the outside looking in. The Wolfpack have struggled in the standings over the past two seasons with results that don’t yet reflect the vision Wells is preaching. However, inside the building, he sees something entirely different taking shape. 

“We didn’t see anything on the surface level,” he said. “But what’s growing underneath, the roots, we’re building something really, really special.”

We Guys Over Me Guys

Coach Wells has brought in a lot of new blood to the Wolfpack. Not only is he gathering good football players, but also guys that fit the culture he is building. 2026 isn’t about a reset. It’s about a breakthrough, and the difference is the personnel. 

“The culture is real,” Wells said. “When you get the right guys on the bus with a championship mentality, you don’t have to hold their hand.” 

I spoke with three of his new players, all defensive guys who will come in and work on turning the defense around from last year. There’s Javier Edwards, who is a monster in the trenches. Then there are two ball-hawking defensive backs in Cam Hinson and Byron Edwards, who Coach Wells is also excited to work with. There were so many players Coach mentioned who are new to the team, and he’s excited to work with them. Coach Wells mentioned he’s looking for ‘we guys’. 

“You have guys that are ‘me guys’. When things go bad, it’s excuses and questions on why they aren’t getting the ball. We don’t need that. We want guys that feel they’ve been looked past, looked over, guys that just need that opportunity and want to play and come together as a team.”

In fact, for new trench-disruptor Javier Edwards, the camaraderie is one of his favorite parts of the game. 

“My favorite part is the camaraderie with my teammates,” Javier said. “I love that part of the game. You know, you’re away from your family for so long, and the team becomes your family, especially in a good situation where everybody has that chemistry and team goals. That’s my favorite part about football.”

Their new defensive back, Cameron Hinson, who brings a high football IQ and point of attack skills to the team, had some of the same thoughts. In fact, one of the things he is most looking forward to is getting to know his new teammates. 

 “Just getting to know my teammates, the coaching staff, the organization, and community. I’m looking forward to all of that,” Cam said. “My teammates, you know we’re going to go through it. We’re going to train every day to produce and put our best foot forward. We all have our own personal goals, but our goals are going to unite for one and bring that championship to Seattle.” 

Ball-hawking defensive back Byron Edwards is another player who completely fits the mold of a guy who is a ‘we guy’ over a ‘me guy’. In fact, when I asked him what his personal goal for the year was, he mentioned the whole team. His goal may be defensive player of the year, but it was because he knew that setting that as a goal will only help the team. 

“I feel if I attack every day of training, every game, every film, every meeting like I want to be the defensive player of the year, the team is only going to benefit from that,” Byron said. “Because it will be me giving my all, and as a team, we can embrace each other and lift each other up. In fact, I want them to have to split the defensive player of the year between all of us.”

‘We guys’ over ‘me guys’ is absolutely what I picked up when talking with all three of these guys. They may bring different backgrounds in experience, age, and approach, but they’re all here with a goal to better the team and bring a Championship to Seattle for the team, the organization, and the fans. I asked Coach Wells about building this new roster and if he was more focused on younger guys or experienced vets. 

“You need a bit of both,” he said. “We have guys that are new to Arena ball, and then guys that are more seasoned like Byron Edwards. He’s a championship pedigree type who hasn’t gotten a ‘ship’ yet, and that’s why there’s a chip on his shoulder.” Javier Edwards, Cam Hinson, Byron Edwards, Donte Reed, Taiwan Buckley, Vincent Espinoza, the list went on and on as Coach Wells praised the team that was going to come together for training starting this week. 

Setting The Standard For Culture

In Coach Wells’ program, culture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s something he’s enforcing daily. From mandatory professional attire on game days to expectations around preparation and discipline, the Wolfpack are being built with intention. 

“When you show up to our games, you’re wearing a button-up. You’re going to dress the part,” Coach Wells said. “This is professional football.” Coach Wells' culture shift isn’t lost on the team, even the guys that are just arriving in Washington. 

“The culture Coach is setting is both on and off the field. On the field, it’s about preparation and being a leader. Building a winning culture,” Cam Hinson said. “To do that, it takes more than one individual. It takes all of us to buy into what Coach Wells believes that we can become and to turn that belief into a reality.” In talking with all of these guys, it’s very obvious that Coach Wells has communicated the culture he’s building to them very clearly. 

“I couldn’t be happier that Coach Wells feels like I fit the culture shift he wants,” Byron Edwards said. “I feel like my character speaks for itself, and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and for the team to start the winning culture on the field.”

Being a part of a culture shift isn’t new to Javier Edwards. He’s been a part of them multiple times and brings the experience to help the team. 

“It’s something I’ve always been around, being a part of a culture shift,” Javier said. “Starting from high school, I was the first in my graduating class, and we had to set a winning culture and a culture of we don’t lose district games. My whole high school career, we didn’t lose one district game. And that culture-building continued at Colorado (in college). Even with the Texans, you know they’re known for a great defense, and even though I’m on the practice squad, I have to be one of those guys where if I get called up, I have to play, and there can’t be a drop off. So, being a part of that here means a lot to me. I don’t mind having a little weight on my back because a little weight doesn’t do anything but make you strong.” 

The New Blood Is Ready

All three of the players I interviewed have different backgrounds and starts to their professional careers. However, one thing I learned about all of them is that they are looking forward to playing for Coach JR Wells and his unmatched energy. 

Byron Edwards played his high school football at Legacy High School and holds the record for most blocked kicks (9) in a season. He started his collegiate career at Oklahoma Panhandle State University before joining the Texas Southern Tigers. He’s spent time with the Frisco Figthers, Sioux Falls Storm, and then the Albany Firebirds and the Nashville Kats.

“His energy,” Byron said when asked what was something that stood out about Coach Wells. “That’s the first thing I can say, he has a lot of energy, and that makes me excited to play for him. When you have coaches who embrace it, you wanna play for those guys. That definitely factored into my decision to come here. I’m a big energy guy, so I love when my coaches can reciprocate that.”

Cameron Hinson starred at both North Gwinnett High School and Chelsea High School in Georgia. He began his college career at Carson Newman, where the first interception of his career went for a pick-six. He continued that tradition at Kentucky State by finishing his collegiate career with another pick-six as his final turnover. Cam may be a rookie to the arena game, but he is ready to continue being a playmaker who creates turnovers on defense. 

“He’s a fun guy to talk to,” Cam said of Coach Wells. “Energetic. A very passionate coach. I could tell that right away. When I had my first conversation with him, we were planning on twenty minutes, and we ended up speaking for an hour and a half, just talking about football, life, etc. He’s the type of coach who I’m excited to play for, and for him to push me and challenge me on the field. He’s the type of guy that I can tell is going to push me to be a better player and even a better man. To look in the mirror and say, what do you want out of life. All things in football carry into life.”

Javier Edwards brings a big veteran presence to the team. He played collegiately at Blinn College (JuCo) before transferring to Colorado. After college, Javier spent time in multiple professional organizations, including the Houston Texans. He played in The Spring League as well as in the XFL for the San Antonio Brahmas. Javier also brings plenty of indoor experience, having suited up for the Spokane Shock. Javier noticed how important the game is to Coach Wells as well. 

“Coach seems like such a great guy so far,” Javier said. “He’s somebody who recognizes that it’s bigger than just football. I really like that about him.” Javier hit the nail on the head with recognizing Coach Wells, knowing it’s bigger than football. He intends for the culture he’s setting in expectations for on and off the field to improve everybody around the team.

 “I respect each of these guys,” Coach Wells said. “It’s why I brought them here. The roots we’re laying are starting to break through the soil, and we’re going to have a Jack in a Beanstalk type movement. You can feel the vibe with the fellas. I have energy, but it’s nothing compared to what these guys are bringing every single day. They’re going to push each other and hold each other accountable. As coaches, we can only do so much. It’s not our job to put the pads on and go after it and get it. We hung our cleats up already. But this garden is about to blossom because each of these guys wants to prove themselves and to make the team better. 

Some players from last year have returned. However, the New Blood is going to be very evident when the team takes the field. Get ready to hear about these new players often and the changes that they’re bringing to the team. 

“This is an opportunity to make history,” Byron Edwards said. “When we change this, with how previous seasons went, when this season gets rolling, the stories are going to be out there. I can’t wait to hear someone say ya’ll lost to Washington? Yes, ya’ll lost to Washington, and you’re going to lose to Washington if you’re not worried about us. Even if you are worried about us. We’re here.”

Get ready, Wolfpack fans - the Wolfpack, complete with new blood, are here. You'll get to know them all a lot more on the field.