NFL convert Saunders to debut for USA March 17, 2010
USA 7s Coach Al Caravelli has included NFL convert Tommy Saunders in his 12 member squad for Adelaide and Hong Kong 7s.
The addition will give the Eagles the much needed pace on the flanks as Saunders has an impressive college record.
He joins fellow cross over athlete Leonard Peters.
"We have never had a football player without rugby experience crush the beep test the way he did," Caravelli commented about Saunders on IRB.com
"He is still learning the game but he makes up for his lack of experience with his athleticism."
Ten of Caravelli's squad members have played on the World Series already this season, nine in Las Vegas, and the 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 is 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.
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) Fijilive
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