News in this morning states the Detroit Lions are expanding again and have followed in the footsteps of Indianapolis to sign a rugby player to their ranks. Carlin Isles, current member of the USA Sevens team, has had football experience at university, and has well and truly proven his speed and stamina on field with Eagles Sevens, it’s fair to say the Lions may well have made a great move here.
The NFL is not adverse to tapping the rugby world for talent. Daniel Adongo recently suited up for the Colts, the Giants have in the past invited members of both rugby union and rugby league to try out, granted not many are able to make it to the elite levels of the NFL. In Isles however we find a track athlete who has definite ball handling ability, and the diversity to slot into almost any position.
Given the fast paced nature of Sevens rugby, and the stamina required I would expect to see Isles in an offensive line position. Isles has massive footspeed, and is widely regarded as the fastest guy in US Rugby. It could be suggested it is the very nature of their diversity, and ability to play so many positions, that make rugby players ideal signings for the NFL.
Combine this with the level of endurance training Sevens players can bring to the table. In the Sevens you’re playing multiple tournament games over a weekend. As a Sevens player, if you can’t take the pace you simply can’t play. Isles, as mentioned, also has a real athletic history behind him as well, Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz saying in the Detroit Free Press ““He’s a legit track guy,” Schwartz said. “I mean, his background happened to be rugby, but it’s probably more track and that speed, that’s not unusual at all to see track athletes get chances. (Denver Broncos return man Trindon Holliday) had a similar background and maybe even similar size. And I don’t want to compare him to, but if you want to develop one of those guys you have to give some guys a chance here or there and this was an opportunity to be able to do that because of the way our roster is and bringing some of the guys up that we have, we have a spot open.”
It should be stressed, at this stage Isles is signed to the practice squad. Having seen Isles in action though it’s only a matter of time before he suits up for real. Isles has the potential to make a real impact in the NFL, and while it’s a huge loss to USA Rugby, credit where it’s due, Isles has more than earned this break.
I’ll be watching this story develop with great interest, and I genuinely hope Isles gets the game time he deserves.
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Main Photo Credit: David Rogers via Zimbio
