Jets ready to add rugby player to roster
Hayden Smith of Saracens claims the line out ball during the Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Leicester Tigers. (Feb. 19, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
The Jets are set to add international flavor to their roster -- a rugby star who's never played a down of football.
Smith's personal coach Tim Brewster said the 6-6, 265-pounder runs a 4.7 40-yard dash. Smith, who was born in Australia and turns 27 next Tuesday, played basketball at Division II Metropolitan State in Denver.
He fell in love with rugby, suiting up for the U.S. national team before climbing the international professional ranks.
"I've always said you have to follow your dream,'' Smith told USA Today Tuesday. "It's worked out well for me so far, but it's without a doubt the biggest step I'll be taking and something I'm very excited about.''
Brewster coached tight ends for the Chargers and Broncos and served as the University of Minnesota's head coach from 2007-10. He believes Smith's attributes will help him make the transition to the NFL. Other than Dustin Keller and reserve Josh Baker, the Jets are relatively thin at tight end.
In 2005, the Jets signed rugby player Ben Graham, who punted for them through 2008 and is now with the Lions.
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