
The UFL dispersal draft came and went, with all teams re-tooling for the new upcoming season. The Roughnecks had a very interesting draft, with a lot of attention to both the Defensive and Offensive Line. Without further ado here are their draft results.
Offense
Isiah Hennie, WR, Sacramento St. – Former Team: USFL Pittsburgh Maulers. This pick counts for both offense and special teams as Isiah was All-USFL as a Punt Returner in the 2023 season. With 916 all-purpose yards and 26 total points that year, expect him to be the lead return man. His time on offense wasn’t bad either, despite his 5’7″ frame, he was 9th in receiving yards (474) and tied 9th in receiving touchdowns (3) that same year. A very fun player to watch with explosive play capability.
Cyril Grayson, WR, LSU – Former Team: USFL Philadelphia Stars. Former Super Bowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cyril brings some veteran experience to the Roughnecks locker room. During his NFL career, he recorded 11 catches for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. While he didn’t play much last season for the Stars, he has the potential to be a locker room leader and be a solid piece on the team.
Braedon Bowman, TE, South Alabama – Former Team: USFL New Jersey Generals. The first of two Generals tight ends, Bowman also comes with NFL experience having spent time with 4 teams (Chargers, Jets, Saints, and Jaguars). During his time with the Generals, he recorded 210 yards on 19 receptions with a touchdown to boot. He has a history of injuries but when healthy can prove to be a steady target.
Woody Brandom, TE, Sam Houston St. – Former Team: USFL New Jersey Generals. A big man up front with blocking abilities will only make the Roughnecks rushing attack scarier. Woody didn’t do much in the passing game with the Generals, only recording 50 yards on 4 receptions, but he has a lot to add to the team. His chemistry with Braedon Bowman can only help the locker room, combined with his ability in the run game, he should fit nicely on the offense.
Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida St. – Former Team: USFL Philadelphia Stars. Another NFL veteran, another Super Bowl Champion, and another Star. Izzo was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2018, during his time there he recorded 313 yards on 19 receptions with 1 touchdown. After bouncing from practice squad to practice squad he found a home in Philly, where he recorded 23 yards on 2 catches with 1 touchdown. Izzo, 28 years old, is entering the season hungry and looking to make an impact on the Roughnecks passing attack.
Jack Kramer, OL, Bowling Green – Former Team: USFL New Orleans Breakers. Kramer started every game for the Breakers in 2023. Anchoring an offensive line that boasted the number 1 passing offense in the league. He also aided running back Wes Hills to 679 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. With returning Roughneck Nick Buchanan still rostered, the offensive line depth only strengthens.
Paul Adams, OL, Missouri – Former Team: USFL New Orleans Breakers. Adams spent time with two NFL teams before landing with New Orleans in 2022. During the 2023 USFL Season, Adams started in all 10 games for the Breaker, earning All-USFL Team honors in the process.
Marcus Tatum, OL, UCF – Former Team: USFL New Orleans Breakers. The third piece of the 2023 Breakers O-Line, Tatum joins Kramer and Adams to help run it back. After spending time with the Tennessee Volunteers and UCF Knights, Tatum is looking to have another statement year in 2024.
Shamarious Gilmore, OL, Georgia St. – Former Team: USFL Philadelphia Stars. Former Seattle Seahawk, Shamarious Gilmore, finds a new home down south. Staring in all 10 games for Philly, Gilmore helped the team become 3rd in passing during the 2023 USFL season.
Isaiah Battle, OL, Clemson – Former Team: USFL New Jersey Generals. A former NFL Veteran, Isaiah spent time with the Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, and Seahawks. He then went on to play for the Seattle Sea Dragons in 2022 and the Generals in 2023.
Robert Myers, OL, Tennessee St. – Former Team: USFL New Jersey Generals. Another Vet from Jersey, Myers has spent time with the Ravens and Broncos. He’s also spent time with the Memphis Express (AAF), Seattle Dragons (XFL), Conquerors and Sea Lions (TSL), before settling into his New Jersey home in 2022.
Defense
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama – Former Team: USFL Pittsburgh Maulers. Known as “Ferrari” Foster, he is a former-round draft pick for the San Francisco 49ers. Racking up 101 total tackles in the NFL, before coming to the USFL where his production continued. In 2023 he racked up 52 tackles, an interception, and half a sack in his first season with the Maulers. He also won Defensive Player of the Week in week 3 for his dominant performance against the Philadelphia Stars.
Bryson Young, LB, Oregon – Former Team: USFL New Jersey Generals. Young has been steadily making a name for himself since joining the Generals. Across his two seasons, he has recorded 3 sacks and 47 tackles. Only getting better with time, Young will be looking to break out with the Roughnecks.
Gabriel Sewell Jr, LB, Nevada – Former Team: USFL Philadelphia Stars. The Linebacker that smiles back, Sewell is coming off a very strong year with the Stars. During the 2023 season, he recorded 60 tackles for Philly.
Toby Johnson, DL, Georgia – Former Team: USFL New Jersey Generals. Another big defensive signing, Johnson is coming off an All-USFL season for the Generals. Johnson also has spent time in the NFL with the Titans, Panthers, Lions, and played in two games for the Vikings. Across 10 games in the 2023 USFL season, Johnson had 3.5 sacks with 41 total tackles.
Reggie Howard, DL, Toledo – Former Team: USFL New Orleans Breakers. Since coming into the USFL in 2022, Howard has been dominating everywhere he’s played. In 2022, playing for the Tampa Bay Bandits and the Breakers, he 5 monster sacks and 36 total tackles on his way to earning All-USFL honors. He has 50 total tackles in two seasons with 6.5 sacks to go right along with it.
Keonte Schad, DL, Oregon St. – Former Team: USFL New Orleans Breakers. After 2 games for the Orlando Guardians in 2023, Schad leaped the USFL and didn’t look back. In his 10 games, 6 starts, with the Breakers he recorded 7.5 sacks and 25 total tackles. Another addition to a very monstrous front line.
Adam Rodriquez, DL, Weber St – Former Team: USFL Philadelphia Stars. Another big signing for the Roughnecks as they nab yet another All-USFL player in Rodriquez. Across two seasons for the Stars, he recorded 15 sacks and 67 tackles, proving he was a force to be reckoned with.
Olive Sagapolu, DL, Wisconsin – Former Team: USFL Pittsburgh Maulers. Sagapolu comes from a football family with Uncles Domata Peko and Tupe Peko playing in the NFL. Olive came into his own in Pittsburgh, recording 22 tackles and 4 sacks and only looking to add more in Houston.
Ethan Westbrooks, DL, West Texas A&M – Former Team: Michigan Panthers. One of the most battle-tested linemen, Westbrooks has played in 68 NFL games, starting 11. A majority of his time was with the Rams where he recorded 20 tackles for a loss, 26 QB hits, 79 total tackles, 3 pass deflections, 9 sacks, and one 77-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. During his two USFL seasons, he recorded 24 total tackles and 5 sacks, earning USFL Sportsman of the Year in 2023.
With a newly bolstered offensive and defensive line, and a couple of All-USFL players to go along with it, the Roughnecks will look ahead to the Super Draft on January 15th.