One of the deepest positions on the team, the Fleet’s stable of experienced running backs will greatly benefit whichever young quarterback gets the opening day start against the San Antonio Commanders. The unit has a nice mix of veteran NFL talent and guys who are looking to make a name for themselves.
Bishop Sankey (Washington Huskies, Tennessee Titans)
The former second round pick from the University of Washington, Sankey spent just two seasons with the Tennessee Titans before bouncing around between several practice squads. Still, he brings valuable experience to a relatively young offense and will likely get the bulk of the carries to start the season.
At Washington, Sankey had 37 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Huskies before being selected 54th overall by the Titans. Although he never lived up to the high expectations set by fans and the organization (762 yards and 3 TDs in two seasons), Sankey is only 26 years old and should be fully recovered from a torn ACL he suffered in the first preseason game of the 2017 with the Vikings. If Sankey flashes like he did in college, it wouldn't be surprising to see an NFL team try and scoop him up.
Terrell Watson (Azusa Pacific, Pittsburgh Steelers)
There may not be a more resilient player on the Fleet roster than 25-year-old Terrell Watson. After being signed and released by the Bengals, Browns and Eagles all within 18 months, Watson finally stuck with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, where he spent most of the season backing up Le’Veon Bell and James Connor. He finished the season with 36 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Watson soon signed with the Fleet after being released from the Chargers in September 2018. Perhaps part of the reason for the signing is due to his past relationship with Head Coach Mike Martz, who coached Watson in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, in which Watson won the game's MVP award. A power back used in goal line situations with the Steelers, expect ta nice 1-2 punch between Sankey and him this season with the Fleet.
Jahad Thomas (Temple Owls)
Before ever playing a down in the AAF, Thomas made history on Jan. 21 by becoming a part of the league’s first ever trade. The Fleet acquired the former Temple Owl after trading tight end Darryl Richardson to the Memphis Express. History books aside, Thomas is a solid back who had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets in 2017.
Thomas is a former 1,000-yard back who has great speed and agility. The Fleet obviously like what they saw from Thomas to pull the trigger on this trade and should have a good chance to make the team’s final roster.
Paul James (Rutgers)
After a solid career at Rutgers, James went undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft. Although he received minicamp invites from the Eagles, Ravens and Browns that year, he has yet to stick with a team. In the past year, James worked overnight shifts at UPS while trying to sign with another professional team. With redemption on his mind, James will be working hard to make the Fleet’s final roster.
Ja’Quan Gardner (Humboldt State)
Gardner’s time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018 lasted approximately three days before the team waived him in September. He spent parts of 2017 with the organization, but never played in a regular season game. At Humboldt State, Gardner finished his career with more than 5,000 yards, 72 touchdowns (including 23 touchdowns his senior year).
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