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Rugby sevens player Carlin Isles is trying his hand at the NFL by joining the Lions’ practice squad.
Jim Schwartz doesn’t discriminate on race, creed – or sport – when it comes to picking out talent.
The Detroit Lions coach, who invited YouTube viral star Havard Rugland to try out as a kicker during the preseason, has now signed American rugby player Carlin Isles to join the team’s practice squad.
One of the fastest rugby players in the world, Isles ran a 4.22-second 40-yard dash during a workout with the Lions earlier this week, the Detroit Free Press reported.
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Isles’ track and field background, combined with his Rugby sevens credentials, make him an attractive prospect for Schwartz.
“You’re looking for athletes. It hasn’t been unusual to see basketball players transition to the NFL. That’s not just recently, that goes way back,” Schwartz told the Free Press , while denying this was some sort of gimmick signing.
Paul Sancya/AP
Jim Schwartz believes Isles’ speed could be a possible asset for the Lions.
“Indianapolis has a rugby guy as a pass rusher (Daniel Adongo) and I know San Fran brought a guy in (Lawrence Okoye) that was a shot-putter or a discus guy.”
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Okoye is currently on injured reserve for the 49ers while Adongo has only played two games with the Colts this season.
Still, they’ve both fared better than Rugland, who was cut despite making three field goals in preseason play. Another curious pickup by the Lions, German wide receiver Christian Bollmann, failed to land a contract with the team after a 2012 tryout.
But Schwartz is keeping all options open when it comes to improving a team that officially missed out on the playoffs for the second straight season after last weekend’s 23-20 loss to the Giants.
“If they can bring something to the table that is unique and make it worth working with them then we’re open to it.”
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via Great Local News: New York http://newyork.greatlocalnews.info
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