Top 5 Players To Watch At West Coast 7s
Top 5 Players To Watch At West Coast 7s
The West Coast 7s this weekend will feature a number of collegiate stars. Here are five of them:
Every year, the West Coast 7s offers a sneak peak into some of tomorrow's big stars. This year is no different, and with the number of quality teams competing, there will be no shortage of talent.
Watch the West Coast 7s Live and On Demand here on FloRugby, Oct. 19-20!
Here are five of the best heading out to Treasure Island:
5.) Patrick Madden - Cal Poly
The junior flyhalf is poised for a breakout year with the Mustangs. As a distributor and a playmaker, Madden was impressive at Rugbytown 7s leading the North American Lions.
Cal Poly went very well a week ago at the West Coast 7s warmup tournament, finishing third overall and taking down Cal in the process. Watch for Madden to once again open up opportunities for his teammates when he's not stepping his way through the defense.
4.) Shane Barry - UCLA
Third in the line of Barry brothers to come through UCLA, Shane is just as elusive and creative as older brothers Niall and Cian.
As a freshman, Shane helped UCLA reach the quarterfinals of the CRCs, before playing a key role in the Rambling Jesters' dominant run at the Rugbytown 7s in August. Not big in stature, Barry relies on his shiftiness and comfort on the ball to manipulate defenders and control the game.
His combination in the middle with teammate Eric Naposki will be extremely tough for teams to slow down this weekend.
3.) Sam Cusano - Cal
The try-scoring machine emerged as one of Cal's best as just a freshman with his blinding pace and fleet-footed stepping. Now a senior, Cusano has developed into more than just a speedy winger.
Bigger and stronger than he was before, Sam can overpower his opposite number just as much as he can outpace them. Along with a core of experienced players, this year should prove to be a big one for Cusano and his teammates.
**Edit** - Unfortunately Cusano suffered a broken leg in the last tournament. We wish the playmaker the speediest of recoveries in making his comeback!
2.) Matt Rogers - Arizona
Another member of a great rugby family, Matt Rogers is the middle of the Rogers boys, as well as the middle of everything Arizona does.
The scrumhalf simply knows how to get the most out of his teammates, and when he needs to he can turn on the jets to score himself. Rogers is also a more-than-willing tackler from his sweeper position and will not hesitate to put his body on the line.
Following a disappointing end to last year's 7s season that saw him pick up a shoulder injury, Rogers will be happy to be back out on the pitch with the boys for one last semester.
1.) Sam Walsh - Cal
The sophomore flyhalf from Cal burst onto the scene last year as a freshman, leading the Golden Bears all the way to the brink of a national championship.
The young playmaker plays well beyond his years, possessing an elite skill level and a calmness that belies his age. Furthermore, Walsh has a wicked step off of both feet, as well as good speed and a strong fend.
He'll be a handful this weekend, and will be firmly on the national radar in no time.
Watch the West Coast 7s Live and On Demand here on FloRugby, Oct. 19-20!