The Pittsburgh Maulers have signed another free agent, bringing in running back Rodney Smith out of Minnesota.
Free Agent Signing:
• RB Rodney Smith, Minnesota
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) September 22, 2023
Rodney Smith is a big-time signing for this team. The Pittsburgh Maulers main downfall in 2023 was their inconsistency to run the football. Madre London and Garrett Groshek didn’t always show up, which put a lot of pressure on QB Troy Williams to create for the team through the air – and, on the ground.
Enter Rodney Smith. Smith was an outstanding back at Minnesota, rushing for over 4,100 yards and 29 touchdowns during his tenure there.
Week 5: Gophers 40, @BarstoolILL 17
Rodney Smith RAN ALL OVER the Illini, rushing 24 times for 212 yards and a touchdown 😮💨pic.twitter.com/kkmYpJGt2W
— Barstool Gophers (@BarstoolUMN) July 25, 2022
Rodney’s senior season was outstanding, where he posted 1,163 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 5.1 YPC. Smith also served as a solid kickoff returner, taking a kick 99 yards to the house in 2017.
No doubt: @Numerouno1_ Rodney Smith knows how to start a football game in style! 😎 pic.twitter.com/ZFt5imohc6
— Gopher Digital Prod. (@GopherVideo) November 17, 2017
Smith has some NFL experience, with the Carolina Panthers. He played in seven games during the 2020 season, rushing for 156 yards and a touchdown. Rodney also was with the team in 2021, but didn’t record any statistics in two active games.
Rodney Smith scores his first NFL touchdown! @Numerouno1_
📺: #NOvsCAR on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/EMdqIO97si pic.twitter.com/XRuYI0ebHt— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
Now, Rodney Smith will look to continue his professional career in the USFL, with the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Final Thoughts
The Maulers have been busy in free agency, bringing in a couple of new faces, while re-signing multiple players:
RB Madre London
WR Tre Walker
WR Isiah Hennie
TE Matt Seybert
OT Justin Evans
OG Jon Dietzen
C Brayden Patton
C Xavier Dampeer
DL Chris Okoye Jr.
DT Terry Beckner Jr.
DT Will Miles
DE Nasir Player
LB Dale Warren
CB Keith Gipson Jr.
S Malcolm Elmore
S Eli Walker
What are your thoughts on the Pittsburgh Maulers signing Rodney Smith? Which USFL prospects should they pursue next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
