Taking a look at former 49ers and other players who stood out in Week 6 of the Alliance of American Football.
The Alliance of American Football wrapped up another week of their inaugural season on Sunday. Several former San Francisco 49ers players and coaches stood out in Week 6, as well as other players whose performances could put them on the radar of NFL teams. We’ll be dropping in on the AAF on a weekly basis to see who’s making an impact in the new league.
Former 49ers
Mike Singletary, Memphis Express
Singletary’s Express fell to 1-5 Saturday, losing 22-9 to the Salt Lake Stallions. The former 49ers head coach now owns the worst record in the AAF. Singletary lands on our standout list not for his Week 6 performance, but for the impending arrival of polarizing quarterback Johnny Manziel. The Express added Manziel on Saturday after the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes released him earlier this month. He was not allowed to play for any other CFL teams. Singletary coaching Manziel becomes must-watch TV.
Ja’Quan Gardner, San Diego Fleet
Gardner suited up for the 49ers’ final 2018 preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers but didn’t receive any snaps and was released two days later. He currently ranks third among AAF running backs with 309 yards rushing, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Gardner’s found the endzone three times this season for the Fleet as their lead back.
Rashad Ross, San Diego Fleet
Ross signed a reserve/futures contract with the 49ers in January of 2017 but was released in June, before the bulk of the offseason began. He’s now among the AAF’s most prolific receivers, totaling 29 receptions for 452 yards and six touchdowns. He currently ranks second in yards receiving behind Orlando Apollo’s Charles Johnson (521). He seems primed for another invite to an NFL training camp in 2019.
Other standouts
Derron Smith, S, San Antonio Commanders
Smith reeled in a pick-six for the second week in a row. He intercepted Atlanta Legends quarter Aaron Murray on Saturday in the fourth quarter, returning it for an 87-yard score. The former Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals safety is among the AAF’s top defenders. Smith’s three interceptions is tied for second among all defenders.
Karter Schult, DE, Salt Lake Stallions
Schult continues to establish himself as the top AAF defensive lineman. He totaled five sacks heading into Saturday’s contest against the Expresses. He added another two, bringing his six-game total to seven. Schult has 18 quarterback hits on the season and is another AAF defender likely to garner NFL attention this offseason.
L’Damian Washington, WR, Birmingham Iron
Washington burst on to the scene in Week 6. Prior to Sunday’s game against the Fleet, the Iron receiver had 14 catches for 277 yards and one touchdown to his name. He added four receptions for 128 yards on Sunday, finding the endzone twice. He also added a two-point conversion to his evening. Washington’s highlight play came in the second quarter where he reeled in an 83-yard touchdown from quarterback Luis Perez.
Current standings
East Division
1. Orlando Apollos (5-1)
2. Birmingham Iron (4-2)
3. Atlanta Legends (2-4)
4. Memphis Express (1-5)
West Division
1. San Diego Fleet (4-2)
2. Arizona Hothots (3-3)
3. San Antonio Commanders (3-3)
4. Salt Lake City Stallions (2-4)
Stats leaders
Passing yards
1. Garrett Gilbert — 1.625 yards
2. Logan Woodside — 1,189 yards
3. Jon Wolford — 1,188 yards
Rushing yards
1. Jhurell Pressley — 343 yards
2. Kenneth Farrow, II — 340 yards
3. Ja’Quan Gardner — 309 yards
Receiving yards
1. Charles Johnson — 521 yards
2. Rashad Ross — 452 yards
3. Dontez Ford — 435 yards
Tackles
1. DeMarquis Gates — 39
2. Erick Dargan — 38
3. Tyson Graham, Jr. — 37
Sacks
1. Karter Schult — 7
2. Jayrone Elliott — 5.5
3. Damontre Moore — 5
Interceptions
1. De’Vante Bausby — 4
2. Terence Garvin — 3
t2. Derron Smith — 3
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