The Houston Gamblers are looking for reinforcements on offense for running back T.J. Pledger as they bring in a new back to the roster.

Houston made the announcement on their Twitter page Tuesday with the signing of running back Shermari Jones.

Jones had a strong showing in college where he started his football career with Independence Community College which was featured in the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U”. He played two seasons there until 2020 when he transferred to Coastal Carolina where he would play his last two seasons there. 2021 was his breakout season where he ran for 1,040 yards and 13 touchdowns during the season earning him 2021 All-Sun Belt First Team honors.

He joined the 2022 NFL Draft where he went undrafted. Jones eventually found a home with the Cincinnati Bengals. He spent training camp with the team before he was a part of roster cuts prior to the 53-man rosters being finalized.

Jones makes for a great prospect as he has blazing speed and can be used in the short passing game. The combination of him and T.J. Pledger makes for a dangerous combo. Houston’s offense is being built out for speed and Jones makes all the sense to have him a part of their weapon of choice.

The move makes for an interesting situation at running back for Houston. Pledger has been the lead back for the team rushing for 135 yards and three touchdowns through two games. Devwah Whaley was the only other back who has taken carries as he has seven carries for 30 yards on the season. Mark Thompson was inactive for week one but was moved to the active roster in week two. Thompson did not play in the loss to New Orleans and was ejected for pushing a Breakers player on the field.

This led to the team making a decision at running back as Whaley was removed from the roster according to the USFL official website. Pledger should be safe as the lead back on the team like he has been through two games. Thompson most likely is the second back on the depth chart with Jones filling in as the third back.