The Houston Roughnecks released defensive backs Richard Bowens III and Elijah Rodgers on Tuesday.
Richard Bowens III is six foot one and weighs 190 pounds. The 24-year-old from Detroit, Michigan, signed with the Houston Gamblers (USFL) as a free agent on August 22, 2023. The Gamblers were rebranded as the Roughnecks as part of the XFL and USFL merger which formed the United Football League (UFL).
Before Saginaw Valley State, Bowens III played three seasons at Iowa State (2017-19) with nine tackles (7 solo, 2 assists), and one fumble recovery in 21 games for the Cyclones.
Next, he transferred to Central Michigan (2020-21) with 28 tackles (18 solo, 10 assists), half a tackle for loss, one interception, six pass breakups, and three kick returns for 48 yards in 14 games for the Chippewas.
Then, Bowens III played one season at Saginaw Valley State in 2022 with 20 tackles (12 solo, 8 assists), one interception, and three pass breakups in ten games for the Cardinals.
Elijah Rodgers is six foot and weighs 185 pounds. The 23-year-old from Blacksburg, South Carolina, signed with the Houston Gamblers (USFL) as a free agent on September 11, 2023.
Collegiately, he committed to Indiana in 2018 but never played a game. Next, he transferred to Gardner-Webb University in 2019 playing five games on special teams for the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Then, Rodgers transferred to Clemson (2021-22) with one tackle in six games for the Tigers.
Rodgers was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals out of Blacksburg High School. As a senior, he made 29 tackles, five pass breakups, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles in addition to passing for 866 yards, and scored 14 touchdowns.
Rodgers also had 534 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He was a Shrine Bowl selection, Class AA Upper State Defensive Back of the Year, and Palmetto Champions Team in 2017.
