Former Washington Huskies outside linebacker Psalm Wooching announced on Thursday evening that he would be forgoing his potential NFL career to play rugby full-time. Wooching, who started in 13 games for the Huskies defense last season, was a potential late pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Here’s an excerpt from Wooching’s statement that he posted from his Twitter account.
NFL prospect Psalm Wooching announces he’s giving up football for rugby
He played in every game during his last two seasons at Washington.
Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
“I will be exchanging shoulder pads for short shorts and rugby boots. My first love and sport I excelled in was Rugby, and it is time for me to follow my heart. My goal is to be able to represent my country while playing rugby and then on to playing in the next Olympics. This has been a dream of mine for quite some time and I will do anything to accomplish it. In doing so, I hope to have all your support.”
Per CBS Sports, Wooching, who began his Huskies career as a fullback but later moved to outside linebacker, was projected as a seventh-rounder or a free agent pick-up in this year’s NFL Draft. He had 42 total tackles in 2016, including with seven tackles for loss.
Wooching’s high school career began with him playing offensive lineman, but later he was moved to tailback. Bleacher Report’s Matt Hayes chronicled Wooching’s late rise on NFL scout’s radars last December.
It took a year, but he eventually moved to tailback, and by the end of his senior year he had set single-season school records. He got to Washington and started out at fullback, was moved to defensive end when Petersen arrived and eventually settled in at linebacker. As a first-time starter this year, he has redefined himself on the field and has NFL scouts intrigued by his play.
“He’s 6’4”, 240, he’s raw, he can grow into that frame and he can run,” says one AFC scout. “He’s a project, but with some work, he could pay off big down the road.”
We have seen rugby players and the NFL crossover before, but usually it’s the other way around. Before New England Patriots safety Nate Ebner’s football career began, he grew up as a rugby star during his childhood years. He was even granted a release from the Pats so he could play for Team USA during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Former San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne retired from the NFL to participate in the Olympics, as well.
We’ll have to wait and see what Wooching’s rugby future holds for him.
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