With minicamp beginning to wind down and the 2020 season approaching quickly, the Roughnecks have an offensive arsenal in the making that can rapidly put points on the board. This type of offensive firepower is not only attractive to fans coming to the XFL who want to see high scoring games, but can lead the Roughnecks to be instantly competitive for a league title this upcoming year.
The Roughnecks’ roster is loaded with talent at the wide receiver position. Sammie Coates immediately stands out as a veteran NFL player who has had stops in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Houston, and should help anchor the WR corps. Another experienced WR is Jalen Saunders, who also brings both NFL and CFL experience with him, and has a special connection to Head Coach June Jones, as they both worked together with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL prior to both coming to the Roughnecks. Hunter Sharp and Cam Phillips round out the receiver roster with both having NFL experience, as well as Phillips played for Buffalo during the 2018 season, and Hunter Sharp caught passes from Eli Manning while playing with the New York Giants back in 2017.
WE SEE YOU @sammiecoates11 😳#WorkingForHTown pic.twitter.com/ts5AKUbCNO
— Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) December 14, 2019
The running back position roster is also loaded with talent and professional experience, and will no doubt be led by Andre Williams. Williams, coming out of Boston College, was a Heisman finalist in 2013 and also has NFL experience with the Giants and Chargers, and should lead the way in the backfield for the Roughnecks this season. Akrum Wadley will also take hand-offs in the backfield, and he brings experience from his playing days at Iowa as both a running back and receiver which will help a fast-tempo offense. The one interesting player who can play at multiple positions is Nick Holley. Holley, a product of Kent State, played multiple positions in high school and in college including QB, WR and RB, and could be called upon to serve in various as-needed roles in the Roughnecks’ offense.
It’s easy to get excited about the Roughnecks chances in 2020 with this much talent in training camp.