San Diego Fleet Make Roster Moves After Saturday’s Struggles
Credit: San Diego Fleet
After losing a tough battle against the San Antonio Commanders, Dave Boller and the Fleet have made some roster moves to hopefully solidify some positions of need.
They have waived cornerback Justin Williams, offensive lineman Brandon Hodges, and punter Ryan Winslow. To replace them, the Fleet signed cornerback Xavier Coleman, offensive lineman Gerrad Kough, and have activated punter Sam Irwin-Hill off of the roster exempt list.
Williams and the rest of the Fleet cornerback group struggled on Saturday, giving up 14.2 yards per reception. Williams is naturally a running back and struggled in coverage against the Commanders, so him being waived makes sense.
To replace him, Dave Boller signed former New York Jets cornerback Xavier Coleman. He went to the Portland State University and was a Second-Team All-Big Sky in his junior year. He finished his college career with nine interceptions and 41 pass defenses. He went undrafted in 2017 and was a part of the Jets and Bills practice squad in 2017. He also played in two games for the Jets in 2017. He looks to come in as a slot corner (5-foot-11 and 190 pounds) and could have an impact immediately in this weak defensive back group.
The defensive backs were not the only group that struggled on Saturday. Brandon Hodges was a part of an offensive line group that gave up six sacks to the San Antonio Commanders and seven sacks to the Orlando Apollos. After dismal performances in both games, help was needed and someone had to go. Brandon Hodges happened to be the one to go.
In response, Gerrad Kough was resigned to the Fleet’s roster a month after being released the first time. He spent his college years at the University of Colorado before going undrafted in the NFL. He started 24 games for the Buffaloes at offensive guard and showed some athleticism during his time at college. With Damien Mama possibly moving to center due to the Jeremiah Kolone injury, depth at the guard position is needed.
Another move that surprised me was the waiving of punter Ryan Winslow, who was one of my Three Stars from Saturday’s game. This move was probably in response to Sam Irwin-Hill, from the University of Arkansas, getting removed from the Roster Exempt list. He was on the list because his Work Visa expired (He is originally from Australia). He had to get it renewed before he could play for the San Diego Fleet according to Dave Boller during his interview with The Mighty 1090 AM show Ben and Woods. With Ryan Winslow gone, it will be interesting to see how Irwin-Hill replaces him on Sunday.
My names Zachary Gartin. I’m a college kid going to school in Newberg, Oregon. When I’m not writing about the San Diego Fleet, I’m usually training for football or playing Xbox. Follow me @The_Sideline10