Twenty-four of the finest college rugby programs will represent themselves in Greensboro to contest the 2013 College 7s National Championship. Each team has earned its way to Nationals with great coaching, a spirited will on the pitch and pure athleticism. In the ultimate team game, it is difficult to single out a specific player on roster as a difference-maker. However, here is a list of 10 players who are vital to their team’s success and capable of taking over a match
Jean Pierre Eloff – Davenport
Davenport’s senior flyhalf has led the Panthers in tries and total points the last two seasons on his way to back-to-back All American selections. Eloff, who grew up playing the game in his Native South Africa, is a savvy player with great footwork and an excellent defender. He is dangerous from about anywhere on the field and possesses an accurate foot. A member of the 2012 All Tournament team at last year’s College 7s National Championship, Eloff hopes to help Davenport improve on last year’s performance where the Panthers went winless in pool play.
Zin Zan Elan-Puttick – Arkansas Sate
It would seem a difficult task to overlook a College 7s All-American, but playing in a backline along with Dean Gericke and Zack Mizell, has made Elan-Puttick unnoticed at times. Following the graduation of both Gericke and Mizell, each All-Americans in their own right, Elan-Puttick can not hide from the spotlight this season. Zin Zan, who also hails from of South Africa, is effective from multiple positions in the backline. He is the most dangerous offensive player on a Red Wolves team with plenty of firepower. His knack for the try line was on display in the South Independent 7s Conference Championship, where he scored two tries against Life University to help Arkansas State win the Cup and an automatic berth to Nationals. Zin Zan will be sure to touch down a few more tries in Greensboro.
Garrett Brewer – Saint Mary’s College
With an unmistakable combination of size, speed and ball skills, Brewer is a handful for defenders on the pitch. The 2013 USA Rugby AIG Men’s Collegiate 7s All American, who plays flyhalf in 15s, plays the prop position in a manner that is both powerful and graceful. He is excellent in the air and a ferocious tackler. Brewer’s unique skill set was on display at last year’s College 7s National Championship, where he was named to the All-Tournament team. After losing to Life in the Final of the D1-A National Championship game last spring, the Gaels are hungry for the school’s first National Championship. They have a gifted squad and a dynamic playmaker in Brewer that make Saint Mary’s one of the favorites.
Credit Eric Foss
Tanner Barnes – Central Washington
Another competitor with a large, athletic body who has also honed in on the finer techniques of the game, Barnes is a special player. A 2013USA Rugby AIG Men’s Collegiate 7s All-American, who has also played with the USA Falcons, Barnes is undoubtedly the leader of a Central Washington team that could very well make a run at the National Championship. Barnes is terrific at the contact point and a punishing rucker who can turn the ball over defensively. His coach, Tony Pacheco, describes Barnes as a “first-guy-in- and last-guy-to-leave-type of player.” His hard work has paid off, as Barnes has become one of the very best college 7s rugby players in the country.
Colter Rodman – Oregon State
When thinking about Oregon State rugby this fall, many people think of Pono Haitsuka making one-of-a-kind plays on the field. However, Haitsuka’s availability for the Beavers this weekend at the National Championship is in question due to his commitment with the Men’s Eagles Sevens team. Without Haitsuka, Oregon State will have to run with a side that is relatively unknown, yet very talented. Among those gifted players is senior Colter Rodman. A utility back, Rodman can insert himself anywhere along the backline. He plays with a ton of energy, and his up-tempo style rubs off on his teammates. Oregon State Head Coach Anthony Lally has been impressed with his club’s work ethic, and the team will be playing tough and confidently with or without Haitsuka.
Paris Hollis – Life
Had he not been traveling with the Men’s Eagles as a member of their November Tour, Joseph Cowley would have surely made this list. Fortunately for the 2011 USA Rugby College 7s National Champion, Life has a number of players who can keep the opposition on the back foot. One of those players is Paris Hollis. With a sturdy frame holding roughly 230 pounds, Hollis will be as imposing as any player in Greensboro. A 2013 All American in 15s, Hollis has got himself in tremendous shape to become a game breaker in sevens, as well. He runs very physical lines and attacks competitively in the air. Only a junior, Hollis is one of the leaders of the Running Eagles.
Morgan Findlay – Lindenwood
With a wealth of international rugby experience under his belt, Morgan Findlay will be one of the more dangerous players on display at the College 7s National Championship. A decorated Navy Seal in New Zealand, Findlay will also be one of the fittest players in Greensboro. The junior fullback was honorable mention on both the 15s and 7s All-American lists. He has great vision and a remarkable step off either foot that allows him to set up defenders at his mercy. Lindenwood has tested itself this fall having played multiple matches against 2012 College 7s National Champion Arkansas State, including a nail-biting 31-26 defeat to the Red Wolves at the Allied Rugby Conference’s 7s Series. An experienced Lindenwood unit, led by Findlay, has the tools to make a run at a sevens Championship this weekend.
Madison Hughes – Dartmouth
Dartmouth’s most dangerous player is on everyone’s short list of players to keep an eye on at Nationals. Madison Hughes was an All-Tournament selection at last year’s College 7s Championship, is a 2013 All American in both 15s and 7s, and has run with the USA Flacons. Hughes is a valuable communicator on the field and has a tendency to draw defenders to him and put teammates into space. With a burst of speed and a skilled foot, Hughes makes the Big Green dangerous in all phases and places on the field. Dartmouth has not played a ton of sevens this fall, but give Hughes a hint of space and the Ivy League Champions have a real shot at this year’s title.
Jackson Bristol – Air Force
Air Force’s captain can not be missed on the pitch. Standing 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Bristol grabs attention for height as much as he does for his spectacular play. Bristol uses his length to fend off defenders and make big plays for the Zoomies. Air Force Head Coach Joe Muehlbauer notes Bristol is a true student of the game who enjoys studying film and making his team better by any means possible. A two-time Collegiate All American in 15s, Bristol excels in sevens, as well. Air Force pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory against BYU in the Final of the Cougar Invitation earlier this fall, proving it can play with anyone in the country.
Michael Al-Jiboori – Oklahoma
Oklahoma Head Coach Jason Horowitz deems his junior center a “dominating athlete.” If you asked any other coach or player in the Allied Rugby Conference, they would probably agree with Horowitz. Al-Jiboori led a Sooner team that won each of the three ARC 7s Series events without dropping a single match against any conference foes. Al-Jiboori has an athletic body to go with blazing speed that permits him to gash defenses with the ball in hand. A hard worker and respected leader, Al-Jiboori has the Sooners believing they can contend for a National Championship in Greensboro.
Zin Zan Elan-Puttick – Arkansas Sate
It would seem a difficult task to overlook a College 7s All-American, but playing in a backline along with Dean Gericke and Zack Mizell, has made Elan-Puttick unnoticed at times. Following the graduation of both Gericke and Mizell, each All-Americans in their own right, Elan-Puttick can not hide from the spotlight this season. Zin Zan, who also hails from of South Africa, is effective from multiple positions in the backline. He is the most dangerous offensive player on a Red Wolves team with plenty of firepower. His knack for the try line was on display in the South Independent 7s Conference Championship, where he scored two tries against Life University to help Arkansas State win the Cup and an automatic berth to Nationals. Zin Zan will be sure to touch down a few more tries in Greensboro.
Garrett Brewer – Saint Mary’s College
With an unmistakable combination of size, speed and ball skills, Brewer is a handful for defenders on the pitch. The 2013 USA Rugby AIG Men’s Collegiate 7s All American, who plays flyhalf in 15s, plays the prop position in a manner that is both powerful and graceful. He is excellent in the air and a ferocious tackler. Brewer’s unique skill set was on display at last year’s College 7s National Championship, where he was named to the All-Tournament team. After losing to Life in the Final of the D1-A National Championship game last spring, the Gaels are hungry for the school’s first National Championship. They have a gifted squad and a dynamic playmaker in Brewer that make Saint Mary’s one of the favorites.
Credit Eric Foss
Tanner Barnes – Central Washington
Another competitor with a large, athletic body who has also honed in on the finer techniques of the game, Barnes is a special player. A 2013USA Rugby AIG Men’s Collegiate 7s All-American, who has also played with the USA Falcons, Barnes is undoubtedly the leader of a Central Washington team that could very well make a run at the National Championship. Barnes is terrific at the contact point and a punishing rucker who can turn the ball over defensively. His coach, Tony Pacheco, describes Barnes as a “first-guy-in- and last-guy-to-leave-type of player.” His hard work has paid off, as Barnes has become one of the very best college 7s rugby players in the country.
Colter Rodman – Oregon State
When thinking about Oregon State rugby this fall, many people think of Pono Haitsuka making one-of-a-kind plays on the field. However, Haitsuka’s availability for the Beavers this weekend at the National Championship is in question due to his commitment with the Men’s Eagles Sevens team. Without Haitsuka, Oregon State will have to run with a side that is relatively unknown, yet very talented. Among those gifted players is senior Colter Rodman. A utility back, Rodman can insert himself anywhere along the backline. He plays with a ton of energy, and his up-tempo style rubs off on his teammates. Oregon State Head Coach Anthony Lally has been impressed with his club’s work ethic, and the team will be playing tough and confidently with or without Haitsuka.
Paris Hollis – Life
Had he not been traveling with the Men’s Eagles as a member of their November Tour, Joseph Cowley would have surely made this list. Fortunately for the 2011 USA Rugby College 7s National Champion, Life has a number of players who can keep the opposition on the back foot. One of those players is Paris Hollis. With a sturdy frame holding roughly 230 pounds, Hollis will be as imposing as any player in Greensboro. A 2013 All American in 15s, Hollis has got himself in tremendous shape to become a game breaker in sevens, as well. He runs very physical lines and attacks competitively in the air. Only a junior, Hollis is one of the leaders of the Running Eagles.
Morgan Findlay – Lindenwood
With a wealth of international rugby experience under his belt, Morgan Findlay will be one of the more dangerous players on display at the College 7s National Championship. A decorated Navy Seal in New Zealand, Findlay will also be one of the fittest players in Greensboro. The junior fullback was honorable mention on both the 15s and 7s All-American lists. He has great vision and a remarkable step off either foot that allows him to set up defenders at his mercy. Lindenwood has tested itself this fall having played multiple matches against 2012 College 7s National Champion Arkansas State, including a nail-biting 31-26 defeat to the Red Wolves at the Allied Rugby Conference’s 7s Series. An experienced Lindenwood unit, led by Findlay, has the tools to make a run at a sevens Championship this weekend.
Madison Hughes – Dartmouth
Dartmouth’s most dangerous player is on everyone’s short list of players to keep an eye on at Nationals. Madison Hughes was an All-Tournament selection at last year’s College 7s Championship, is a 2013 All American in both 15s and 7s, and has run with the USA Flacons. Hughes is a valuable communicator on the field and has a tendency to draw defenders to him and put teammates into space. With a burst of speed and a skilled foot, Hughes makes the Big Green dangerous in all phases and places on the field. Dartmouth has not played a ton of sevens this fall, but give Hughes a hint of space and the Ivy League Champions have a real shot at this year’s title.
Jackson Bristol – Air Force
Air Force’s captain can not be missed on the pitch. Standing 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Bristol grabs attention for height as much as he does for his spectacular play. Bristol uses his length to fend off defenders and make big plays for the Zoomies. Air Force Head Coach Joe Muehlbauer notes Bristol is a true student of the game who enjoys studying film and making his team better by any means possible. A two-time Collegiate All American in 15s, Bristol excels in sevens, as well. Air Force pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory against BYU in the Final of the Cougar Invitation earlier this fall, proving it can play with anyone in the country.
Michael Al-Jiboori – Oklahoma
Oklahoma Head Coach Jason Horowitz deems his junior center a “dominating athlete.” If you asked any other coach or player in the Allied Rugby Conference, they would probably agree with Horowitz. Al-Jiboori led a Sooner team that won each of the three ARC 7s Series events without dropping a single match against any conference foes. Al-Jiboori has an athletic body to go with blazing speed that permits him to gash defenses with the ball in hand. A hard worker and respected leader, Al-Jiboori has the Sooners believing they can contend for a National Championship in Greensboro.