The Houston Roughnecks signed running backs ZaQuandre White and Morgan Ellison, and offensive lineman Avery Jones on Monday according to the UFL Transactions page.
ZaQuandre White is six foot one and weighs 215 pounds. The 26-year-old from Cape Coral, Florida, signed with the D.C. Defenders as a free agent on March 18, 2024, but was released on March 21, 2024, and later re-signed on April 16, 2024.
In 2024, White had 28 carries for 76 yards, and one catch for one yard in three games for the Defenders. The Defenders released him again on May 16, 2024.
The Miami Dolphins signed White as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022. In 2022, he had six carries for 25 yards, one catch for 19 yards, and one touchdown in three preseason games to earn a spot on the practice squad. The Dolphins released him on October 17, 2022.
Then, White signed with the Birmingham Stallions on January 14, 2023. In 2023, he had 29 carries for 128 yards, two touchdowns, ten catches for 81 yards, one touchdown, and one kick return for 21 yards in five games for the Birmingham Stallions in 2023 helping them win their second USFL Championship.
Collegiately, White played two seasons at Florida State (2017-18) with 22 tackles (10 solo, 12 assists), and one kick return for 20 yards in 11 games for the Seminoles. Then, he transferred to South Carolina (2020-21) with 104 carries for 642 yards, two touchdowns, 21 catches for 198 yards, three touchdowns, and two kick returns for 25 yards in 21 games for the Gamecocks.
Morgan Ellison is six foot one and weighs 230 pounds. The 26-year-old from Pickerington, Ohio, signed with the San Antonio Brahmas on April 16, 2024. In 2024, Ellison had 46 carries for 206 yards, and 3 touchdowns in seven games. In the 2024 UFL playoffs, Ellison had 5 carries for 12 yards in two games. The Brahmas released Ellison on August 24, 2024.
In 2023, Ellison was drafted by the Seattle Sea Dragons (XFL) in the 11th round (73rd pick) of the 2022 XFL Draft. He had 52 carries for 254 yards, one touchdown, seven catches for 38 yards, and one tackle (1 solo) in five games. Then, Ellison was drafted by the Arlington Renegades in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft but was released on March 10, 2024.
Collegiately, Ellison played two seasons at Indiana (2017-18) with 143 carries for 704 yards, six touchdowns, and nine catches for 60 yards in 11 games for the Hoosiers. Next, he transferred to Independence Community College in 2019 with 98 carries for 648 yards, eight touchdowns, six catches for 18 yards, two kick returns for 32 yards, and one tackle (1 solo) in 10 games for the Pirates. He was named the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
Then, Ellison transferred to Southeastern Louisiana University in 2020-21 with 45 carries for 263 yards, two touchdowns, and five catches for 57 yards in four games.
Avery Jones is six foot four and weighs 307 pounds. The 25-year-old from Havelock, North Carolina, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, he played three preseason games. The Buccaneers released him on September 3, 2024.
Collegiately, Jones played two seasons at North Carolina (2018-19) playing one game for the Tar Heels. Next, he transferred to East Carolina (2020-22) playing center in 32 games for the Pirates. In 2022, East Carolina’s offense averaged 32.54 points per game, 170.6 rushing yards per game, 290.46 passing yards per game, 461.1 total yards per game, and 55 touchdowns finishing 8-5 for the season and beating Coastal Carolina in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl 55-29.
Then, he transferred to Auburn in 2023 playing center in eight games for the Tigers. In 2023, Auburn’s offense averaged 26.15 points per game, 189 rushing yards per game, 162.2 passing yards per game, 351.2 total yards per game, and 43 touchdowns finishing 3-5 for the season.
