In what has been a quiet off-season, the Battlehawks made their first major roster transaction as UFL free agency begins. The team signed WR Aron Cruickshank who is coming over from the ELF’s Madrid Bravos after a stellar 2025 season per James Larsen.
Cruickshank and his quarterback former Roughneck/Brahma Reid Sinnett managed to put together one of the best seasons in ELF history with the former Badger/Scarlet Knight recording 1,729 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, to go along with 122 receptions.
Cruickshank came out of Rutgers in 2023, after spending two years at the University of Wisconsin prior. He’d earn contacts with the Bears and Steelers in 2023, before a short stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2024. In addition to his receiving ability, Cruickshank has also provided value as a kick returner possibly mimicking the similar skillset that the Battlehawks had with Darrius Shepherd from 2023 to 2024.
Other Battlehawks Notes:
The Battlehawks also signed 2024 UFL 3rd round pick Pheldarius Payne as well earlier last week. Former Battlehawks signee (and 5th round draft pick) Jelani Baker has signed with the IFL’s Vegas Knight Hawks. Also worth noting, Jay Hayes 2020 Battlehawks Defensive Coordinator, was hired by Arkansas to lead their Defensive Line room.
The Battlehawks so far have signed six players, while releasing only Max Duggan so far. The team saw seven players earn NFL contracts this signing cycle with Kyler Baugh, Nick Whiteside, and Jacob Saylors still on NFL rosters.