You'll need to call and ask for him to be put on the XF waitlist. And even with no status he'll be above upgraders -- I think.

Also, you should not check in Online, but at the airport, to maximize the time for the waitlist to clear (it is different from upgrades, once you check in, you lose your chance at the XF seat)

See these threads (read them all because a few have incorrect advice in the first few posts)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98889
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=772010
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=772711