D.C. Defenders Add to Running Back Room on Heels of Abram Smith Injury
The D.C. Defenders have added former Birmingham Stallions running back ZaQuandre White just six days before the team will pare down its squad to 50 for the UFL regular season.
D.C. now has four tailbacks, with White joining Cam'Ron Harris, Darius Hagans and Pooka Williams. The Defenders are looking to soften the blow after losing arguably their most valuable player in Abram Smith.
White averaged nearly seven yards per carry in his senior year at South Carolina before making the Miami Dolphins practice squad as an undrafted rookie in 2022.
The United Football League has announced the following transactions: pic.twitter.com/gRVAXGOaGc
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) March 18, 2024
The former Gamecock latched on with the Stallions last year in the USFL, rushing for 128 yards in a change-of-pace role for the league champs. Birmingham released him early on in training camp last month.
White was a highly rated running back prospect coming out of Florida because of his athleticism, 43-inch vertical and great open-field cutting ability, but he had a unique college journey. He first played at Florida State, where he was moved to linebacker, before transferring to dominate the junior college route at Iowa Western and eventually landing in the SEC with South Carolina.
The Defenders will open their 2024 campaign on the road in San Antonio on Sunday, March 31, against the Brahmas.
ZaQuandre White also had one of the most ridiculous TD runs that you’ll see from a HS athlete. A ton of ability with this player. https://t.co/dMcSykED7W pic.twitter.com/AFpgi97aVr
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 30, 2022
Sports Illustrated FanNation Preseason 2024 All-UFL Team: Offense
You can find Mike Mitchell on X @ByMikeMitchell.
Catch up with UFL on FanNation on Facebook and X.
Mike Mitchell is a pro football writer/insider with decades of experience covering and following multiple leagues. He covers the New York Jets for TheJetPress.com at FanSided. He has also written for XFL Board and at Hub Publishing covering the CFL, XFL and USFL.