Climbing The Ladder: Outlaws Players Earn Shot With The Miners

The pipeline from developmental to professional ranks has become increasingly defined, and few organizations exemplify that progression better than the Pittsburgh Outlaws. Following back-to-back WIF (Winter Indoor Football) championship titles in 2024 and 2025, the Outlaws have firmly established themselves as a team on the rise— and now, they’re taking the next step.

Playing in the AAL2, and with the addition of Wheeling Miners Owner Chris Duffy as part owner, the Outlaws have become more than just a winning team. They’ve become a proving ground. Now recognized as the official farm system for the Wheeling Miners, the Outlaws are no longer just chasing titles—they’re developing the next wave of professional arena talent. As players begin to make the leap from the Outlaws to the Miners, that connection is already paying dividends in a big way.

Six members of the Pittsburgh Outlaws have earned invitations to the Wheeling Miners’ training camp, each with an opportunity to turn professional aspirations into reality: Zachary May, Will Walden, AJ Santiago, and Micah McConnell, as well as draft picks; AJ Bowen, and Pap Keeler. With roster spots at a premium, each player must capitalize on every rep, every snap, and every opportunity to secure a place on the final roster.

Keep in mind the AAL is providing each team with two roster exemptions for drafted players making it more likely that Bowen and/or Keeler make the roster. Expectations are high, but so is the potential, leaving each athlete in control of their own path forward. Below is a short bio highlighting each player’s journey.

Zachary May—6’5, 285lbs, OL/DL

 Zachary May has spent the past five seasons competing in developmental leagues, including the AAL2 and WIF, all with the Pittsburgh Outlaws. Joining the team directly out of Belle Vernon High School, May quickly silenced any doubts about his lack of college experience, consistently proving himself as a dominant presence in the trenches. Now, he aims to carry that momentum into the professional level as he battles through training camp with the Wheeling Miners, determined to earn a spot on the final roster.

Will Walden—6’2, 215lbs, LB/LS

Will Walden’s football journey began at Tygarts Valley High School, where he earned All-State and All-Conference honors at linebacker and long snapper. Since then, Walden has been a key piece in the Pittsburgh Outlaws’ back-to-back WIF championship runs. In 2024, he earned league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, leading the team to an undefeated season capped with a title.

His standout play earned him invitations to the USA All-American National Bowl and the Orange Blossom National Bowl. In 2025, Walden continued his success with all-star and all-defensive team selections, while also representing Team USA in the Hawaiian International Hall of Fame Bowl, adding yet another championship to his trophy cabinet. He also spent time with the Pennsylvania Union of the AIF. With a decorated résumé and proven ability, Walden now looks to earn a spot with the Wheeling Miners at the professional level.

AJ Santiago—5’9, 220lbs, RB

AJ Santiago was a two-way starter in high school, playing running back and linebacker at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, PA. He went on to play two seasons at the collegiate level, first at Division II East Stroudsburg University and later at Moravian University.

In college, Santiago proved to be a versatile defensive piece, taking snaps at safety, outside linebacker, nickel, and defensive end. Although his college career was cut short due to injury, he remained in football shape while waiting for his next opportunity. That opportunity came with the Pittsburgh Outlaws, where he was signed with full intentions of suiting up, but ultimately received a camp invite from the Wheeling Miners.

Micah McConnell—6’4, 340lbs, OL/DL

Micah McConnell has taken a true journeyman path through football. After high school, he played college football at Juniata College before continuing his career across multiple levels of the game. He spent time in the GEFA 8-man league (8 years), along with stints with the Pittsburgh Bucks (1 year), Pittsburgh Golden Hawks (2 years), Steel City Bobcats (2 years), Beaver County Arctic Bengals (1 year), and the Pittsburgh Outlaws. McConnell also had a brief professional stint with the West Virginia Roughriders, who previously played in WesBanco Arena—now home to the Wheeling Miners.

As the Pittsburgh Outlaws continue to evolve from champions into a true developmental powerhouse, their impact is now being measured not just in titles but in the opportunities they create. With a direct pipeline to the professional ranks through the Wheeling Miners, the organization has positioned itself as a launching pad for athletes ready to take the next step.

Whether it’s May’s dominance in the trenches, Walden’s decorated leadership, Santiago’s resilience, or McConnell’s veteran perseverance, each player represents the standard the Outlaws are building. Now, as training camp unfolds, the next chapter of their journeys begins.

2026 AAL Draft Class

The partnership between the Wheeling Miners and the Pittsburgh Outlaws was only further solidified during the draft. Wheeling used their first and fourth round picks on players from the Outlaws.

Round 1, 3rd Overall: DB/K AJ Bowen

When Aj Bowen joins the Wheeling Miners in 2026, it will not be his first time signing a contract with the Miners. Bowen previously competed for a roster spot with the Miners in 2024. Ultimately, he did not make the roster at the time, but now he has a distinct advantage on his side. With the formation of the AAL Draft came two roster exemptions provided to each team's players selected in the draft process.

With this in mind, the Miners can now carry Bowen and 1 other draft pick on the active roster without it affecting the other 21 roster spots. Bowen’s ability to play defensive back and potentially assist in the kicking department makes him a valuable selection. It also only deepens the ties to the Outlaws.

Round 4, 14th Overall: LB Pap Keeler

Pap Keeler is a prototypical indoor linebacker at this point in his career. Coming out of college, he was about 10 pounds heavier, but dropped some weight to improve his ability to get sideline to sideline. Keeler came out of high school as an All-state player before winding up at Thiel University, where he started immediately and managed a productive first season.

While he would go on to bounce around in college before ultimately taking the path that led him to the Outlaws, Keeler managed to produce wherever he played. Now he is presented with the challenge of doing the same thing in the professional ranks. Keeler should have a great chance of making the roster, as the Miners will be playing arena rules.

This caters to Keeler’s skillset, as one of his strengths is his ability to rush the passer from the linebacker position. In the arena style of play, MACK linebackers often end up utilized as stand-up pass rushers, forcing quarterbacks to get the ball out quickly. Keeler should be a perfect fit for this ruleset, as he was used to rushing the passer often by the Outlaws. Keeler is also a valuable contributor on special teams coverage units. As mentioned before, the roster exemptions for drafted players help make a case for the Miners to carry one or both of the Outlaws players on the active roster.

Pathway to the Pro’s

As you can see, the formation of this partnership between the Miners and the Outlaws has already developed a streamlined pathway to the professional ranks for one of the up-and-coming developmental teams. With 6 players moving up before the AAL season even began, this showed the partnership between these two teams is already very strong. While this already has a large impact on the Miners, when this partnership will really come into play is during the season when injuries occur.

One of the biggest challenges for teams at this level is getting guys to the town quickly in the event of an injury. Partnering with a developmental team in your region alleviates some of that concern by giving you a pool of players ready and willing to play for the Miners, even if it is on  a short-term basis. This could prove to be crucial as the season wears on.

Written By:

Shane Majoris

Shady Sports Network