Following a week-long camp at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, USA Sevens coach Al Caravelli has selected a squad of 12 to compete at the next two IRB Sevens World Series events in Adelaide and Hong Kong, including another NFL convert, Tommy Saunders.
Saunders joins fellow 'cross-over' athlete Leonard Peters in the squad and impressed Caravelli with his fitness at the camp.
Despite an impressive college record - he left Missouri University as one of its most prolific pass-catchers in history, ranking among the top 10 all-time in career receptions, career receiving yards, receptions in a season and receiving yards in a season - he was not one of the 256 players selected in the NFL draft.
Although there was strong interest from both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions, he has now made himself available for Sevens Rugby, enthused by the sport's Olympic pathway.
"We have never had a football player without rugby experience crush the beep test the way he did," Caravelli said.
"He is still learning the game but he makes up for his lack of experience with his athleticism."
Settled Eagles squad
Ten of Caravelli's squad have played on the World Series already this season, nine last time out in Las Vegas, and the other new player is talented back Zach Pangelinan, who played in four tournaments last season.
"He has also come back with renewed energy and seriousness. You can tell he has matured and that he wants to represent the USA more than ever," Caravelli added.
"I'm extremely pleased that we have nine of the players who were in Las Vegas on this tour, and that Mark Bokhoven joins the squad back from injury.
"That gives us 10 players who have played in the series thus far this season. That is huge for us. That experience is invaluable and doesn't come our way too often."
In the last two tournaments, the USA took the Shield in Wellington and the Bowl in Las Vegas and are definitely looking to improve on those results over the next two tournaments.
"The preparation has been outstanding this week in all aspects of the game. The players are chomping at the bit to play England on Friday night.
Best ever preparation
"I am thrilled with the level of focus every athlete brought to every field training, weight room and video sessions.
"They were switched on 100 percent every aspect of the way. It was a pleasure to see their professional attitude and how each of them continued to push each other. This has to be our best camp in those regards. The players really took to heart the phrase of 'raising the bar!' They did it everyday and continue to really push each other to higher levels."
In Adelaide the USA will play their opening pool match against England on 19 March and their two remaining group ties against Niue and hosts Australia 20 March before knock-out play on the 21 March.
The team will be led once again by captain Kevin Swiryn and vice captain Matt Hawkins.
US Sevens squad: Barnard, Marco (Kutztown University) Bokhoven, Mark (Gentlemen of Aspen), Edwards, Nick (NYAC), Emerick, Paul (Parma), Hawkins, Matt (Belmont Shore) Vice Captain, Malifa, Valenese (Belmont Shore), Pangelinan, Zach (OMBAC), Peters, Leonard (Gentlemen of Aspen), Saunders, Tommy (KC Blues), Suniula, Shalom (Pearl City), Swiryn, Kevin (Old Puget Sound Beach) Captain, Test, Zach (Loughborough)
Video: USA celebrate Bowl win in Vegas
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