The New York Jets made an amazing move today, signing someone who could be an amazing playmaker. I am referring to the 6'8'', 240lbs., basketball player turned pro rugby player by the name of Hayden Smith.
Hayden Smith is a native of Australia. He played college basketball in the U.S. at Metropolitan State, a divison II college in Denver. After graduating from Metropolitan State he learned how to play rugby and began playing for the Denver Barbos. He eventually made it to a European team with the Saracens Storm, playing in 2008/09 with them. He also became a regular for the U.S.A. Rugby team of the Rugby union, en route to helping them qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Hayden has amazing size and reminds me of Jimmy Graham or Antonio Gates as both of them are former basketball players of similar size and speed. The thing of note is that in the game of rugby, everyone is required to block at least a little bit during each game. That means that he will be a decent blocker at least, with the potential to be an amazing H-Back tight end. He is gifted with amazing athletic ability, running a 4.7 40 yard dash time. The only real thing left to see is how he runs with pads and if he can catch a football.
The Jets are expected to use him as a tight end. I see this kid as being next years breakout tight end. Last year was Jimmy Graham, this year was Rob Gronkowski, I could very easily see next year being Hayden Smith's year. If he does pan out, then the Jets have their go to guy they so desperately need.
Where did you get the name Saracens Storm from? It's just Saracens.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you are never required to block in a game of rugby. It is illegal and results in a penalty
DeleteI read that their mascot was the Storm, I saw them being referred to as both the Saracens and Saracens Storm. That may have been an error. As far as blocking you are correct, that was an error on my part. Although my point was that a guy who plays a sport like rugby should be able to play football, and that he should be able to block.
DeleteJust confirming that Hayden learnt his Rugby in his final 2 years at High School (Blue Mountains Grammar- west of Sydney, Australia). I was his Head of Sport. A fantastic athlete, wonderfully polite man who has given back to the school much whenever he is home visiting his parents.
ReplyDelete(Jeff Black)
Thank you very much for the information, I couldn't find much info about him but what I could find I used.
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