{"id":18820,"date":"2021-01-31T04:11:03","date_gmt":"2021-01-31T10:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=18820"},"modified":"2021-01-31T04:11:03","modified_gmt":"2021-01-31T10:11:03","slug":"gelen-robinson-garrald-mcdowell-mandel-dixon-and-more-former-professional-football-players-are-transitioning-to-the-rugby-professional-player-platform","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=18820","title":{"rendered":"Gelen Robinson, Garrald McDowell, MANDEL DIXON AND MORE FORMER PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE TRANSITIONING TO THE RUGBY PROFESSIONAL PLAYER PLATFORM"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"css-1nupfq9\">\n<div class=\"css-krkkhw\">\n<div class=\"css-hshm0p\">\n<h1 class=\"css-vxlhlj\">Can American football talent become rugby gold? One Colorado city says yes<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-pn0kqp\">\n<div class=\"css-79elbk\">\n<div class=\"css-nzznp8\">\n<div class=\"css-1nfcn93\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=1020&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=aafb66c91d6f12e3aa95e6d58910b856 2040w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=940&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=dbf23d9d4c1d129dbaa98f57432c922a 1880w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=38d9ad992fa9051155c5eb7b332f07b2 1400w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=38d9ad992fa9051155c5eb7b332f07b2 1400w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=660&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=fead6bc7d76f9305d3b9c12c988d226d 1320w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=645&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=fe28356c8f891069ed547f507871ee06 1290w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=465&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=e2a1dc3d57a50205446b73eb839fcb6a 930w\" media=\"(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1300px) 1020px, (min-width: 1140px) 940px, (min-width: 740px) 700px, (min-width: 660px) 660px, 100vw\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=1020&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=f31a9fad60795fc3bdf9acabe9ae0984 1020w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=940&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=74ef7905445e50e92fd9e9a0860a149c 940w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=187f654978f66bb06d72dc2b5e8731f5 700w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=187f654978f66bb06d72dc2b5e8731f5 700w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=660&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=0174f60c7fe2568e8dd654546c8bfe92 660w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=645&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c6b61d6b162361bdba46e9368c267f1b 645w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=465&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=51ff12d8a6bc9dc46e8fce909e73016f 465w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1300px) 1020px, (min-width: 1140px) 940px, (min-width: 740px) 700px, (min-width: 660px) 660px, 100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-uk6cul\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6c20be7b5c4e2afcbd05cac7b540e057a80c686d\/0_0_4334_2889\/master\/4334.jpg?width=465&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=e2a1dc3d57a50205446b73eb839fcb6a\" alt=\"Gelen Robinson, once a defensive tackle in the XFL, gets used to passing a rugby ball.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-pn0kqp\">\n<div class=\"css-79elbk\">\n<div class=\"css-nzznp8\">\n<header class=\"sidearm-roster-player-header sidearm-roster-player-header-action\">\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-header-details \">\n<div class=\"medium-flex\"><span class=\"sidearm-roster-player-name\"> Mandel Dixon <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-fields flex flex-item-1\">\n<ul class=\"flex flex-item-1 row flex-wrap\">\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt>Position<\/dt>\n<dd>Tight End<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt>Height<\/dt>\n<dd>6-2<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt>Weight<\/dt>\n<dd>240<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt>Class<\/dt>\n<dd>Senior<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt>Hometown<\/dt>\n<dd>Dallas, Texas<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt>Highschool<\/dt>\n<dd>Red Oak<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sidearm-responsive-tabs ui-tabs ui-corner-all ui-widget ui-widget-content sidearm-accessible\">\n<ul class=\"ui-tabs-nav ui-corner-all ui-helper-reset ui-helper-clearfix ui-widget-header\" role=\"tablist\">\n<li class=\"ui-tabs-tab ui-corner-top ui-state-default ui-tab ui-tabs-active ui-state-active sidearm-aria-labelledby-fixed\" aria-controls=\"sidearm-roster-player-bio\" aria-labelledby=\"ui-id-1\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"true\"><a id=\"ui-id-1\" class=\"ui-tabs-anchor\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/tulsahurricane.com\/sports\/football\/roster\/mandel-dixon\/2717#sidearm-roster-player-bio\" aria-label=\"Player Bio\"><i class=\"icon-comment\"><\/i> Bio<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ui-tabs-tab ui-corner-top ui-state-default ui-tab sidearm-aria-labelledby-fixed\" aria-controls=\"sidearm-roster-player-related\" aria-labelledby=\"ui-id-2\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><a id=\"ui-id-2\" class=\"ui-tabs-anchor\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/tulsahurricane.com\/sports\/football\/roster\/mandel-dixon\/2717#sidearm-roster-player-related\" aria-label=\"Player Related\"><i class=\"icon-stories\"><\/i> Related<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ui-tabs-tab ui-corner-top ui-state-default ui-tab sidearm-aria-labelledby-fixed\" aria-controls=\"sidearm-roster-player-stats\" aria-labelledby=\"ui-id-3\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><a id=\"ui-id-3\" class=\"ui-tabs-anchor\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/tulsahurricane.com\/sports\/football\/roster\/mandel-dixon\/2717#sidearm-roster-player-stats\" aria-label=\"Player Stats\"><i class=\"icon-stats\"><\/i> Stats<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"ui-tabs-tab ui-corner-top ui-state-default ui-tab sidearm-aria-labelledby-fixed\" aria-controls=\"sidearm-roster-player-historical\" aria-labelledby=\"ui-id-4\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><a id=\"ui-id-4\" class=\"ui-tabs-anchor\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/tulsahurricane.com\/sports\/football\/roster\/mandel-dixon\/2717#sidearm-roster-player-historical\" aria-label=\"Player Historical\"><i class=\"icon-individual\"><\/i> Historical<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section id=\"sidearm-roster-player-bio\" class=\"sidearm-section-label-fixed ui-tabs-panel ui-corner-bottom ui-widget-content sidearm-aria-labelledby-fixed\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-tab-activated=\"true\" aria-label=\"Player Biography\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n<h3 class=\"hide\">Biography<\/h3>\n<div class=\"row pad\">\n<p><strong>Tulsa \u2013<\/strong> A returning letterwinner . . . <strong>2014 \u2013<\/strong> Played in eight games . . . started six contests . . . missed the final four games \u2013\u2013 SMU, UCF, Houston and East Carolina \u2013\u2013 with an injury . . . had six receptions for 62 yards, and 17 rushing yards on six carries . . . caught two passes for a season-high 24 yards against Oklahoma . . . had his first career touchdown on a nine-yard reception at Temple . . . had two catches for 23 yards and rushed five times for 14 yards against Texas State . . . saw his first action in the season opener against Tulane . . . <strong>2013 \u2013<\/strong> Sat out the 2013 campaign after transferring from Pittsburg State.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Previous College \u2013<\/strong> Played two years at Pittsburg State . . . started at fullback both in 2011 and 2012 . . . was a member of the 2011 National Championship team . . . scored seven career touchdowns on 16 carries in his two seasons . . . head coach was Tim Beck.<\/p>\n<p><strong>High School \u2013<\/strong> Was a three-year letterwinner and starter at Red Oak (Texas) High School . . . started each season on both the offense and defense . . . as a fullback and tight end, averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 10.8 yards per catch his senior season . . . collected 58 tackles from his linebacker position as a senior . . . earned second-team all-district honors as a fullback his senior season and first-team all-district accolades as a junior tight end . . . also lettered three years in basketball . . . high school football coach was Mike Shields.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Personal \u2013<\/strong> Favorite movie is <em>300<\/em> . . . his favorite NFL team is the San Francisco 49ers . . . his favorite NFL player is Vernon Davis . . . favorite professional athlete is Blake Griffin . . . favorite meal that his mom cooks is meatloaf\u00a0 . . . favorite book is The <em>Outsiders<\/em> . . . lists Brazil as his favorite vacation spot . . . favorite actor is Will Ferrell . . . the most famous people he\u2019s ever met are NFL greats Tony Dorsett and Tim Brown . . . the TV game show he\u2019d like to appear on is \u201cWheel of Fortune\u201d . . . parents are Mandel and Kellie Dixon . . . majoring in exercise and sports science . . . born April 21, 19393 in Oakland, California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><span class=\"css-l6t30p\"><span class=\"css-1u9p6vd\"> once a defensive tackle in the XFL, gets used to passing a rugby ball.<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-zjgnrw\">\n<div class=\"css-ofd203\">\n<div class=\"css-cxo7s2\" data-print-layout=\"hide\">\n<p><strong>Many have dreamt of making linemen into props and tight ends into locks. In \u2018RugbyTown USA\u2019, they think they\u2019ve found a way.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-1aul2ye\">\n<div class=\"css-krkkhw\">\n<div class=\"css-ss9mnu\">\n<div class=\"css-1eucl2a\">\n<div class=\"css-1fznh52\" data-print-layout=\"hide\">\n<div class=\"css-woi6b2\">\n<div class=\"css-1kl83dv\">\n<div id=\"comment-count-root\" class=\"meta-number\"><strong>\u201cTo be honest,\u201d says Garrald McDowell, \u201cI thought it was, like, a scam.\u201d<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Someone contacted him via Instagram last year, to ask if he was interested in becoming a professional rugby union player. It was a genuine question, never mind that McDowell is a former college American football player who knew nothing about the game.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Now he has swapped touchdowns for tries and scrums as part of a grand experiment in a tiny Colorado city run by a rugby-besotted former Denver Broncos NFL player who has duetted with Wyclef Jean on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spin.com\/2014\/09\/colorado-governor-weed-wyclef-jean-campaign-video-rap\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">pro-cannabis rap<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>The <a href=\"https:\/\/crossoveracademy.infinityparkatglendale.com\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">RugbyTown Crossover Academy<\/a> aims to mould raw recruits into promising players in a matter of months. Athletic excellence is a must but rugby experience is not required. The lofty ambition is to build a pipeline to the US national team and a squad capable of competing against European clubs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>McDowell, from Louisiana, was a defensive lineman at college and signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League before the 2020 season was cancelled. The 26-year-old is training to become a tighthead prop in Glendale, which has long branded itself as RugbyTown USA, after impressing at a camp last November.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cEvery day I just got better and better and I just fell in love with it,\u201d he says. \u201cSo far, I\u2019m just perfecting my craft with some great coaches. The bond with the teammates, all that stuff is coming along.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>The multi-billion dollar industry that is US college sports develops thousands of exceptional athletes each year but the vast majority do not forge professional careers. There are notably few opportunities in American football beyond the NFL.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>The academy\u2019s backers \u2013 who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2020\/oct\/21\/major-league-rugby-us-glendale-raptors-withdrawal\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">until last year<\/a> ran the Colorado Raptors team in Major League Rugby (MLR) \u2013 are betting that skills are transferable to rugby through a systematic, rigorous training programme, and that there is vast growth potential in a nation of about 330 million that is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.world.rugby\/tournaments\/rankings\/mru\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">ranked 16th<\/a> in the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>The academy has recruited 27 players so far, with trials ongoing. Most have played college football. Taniela Tupou \u2013 who shares his name with an Australian rugby international \u2013 was on the books of three NFL teams. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RhodyFootball\/posts\/alumni-spotlightformer-safety-dj-stewart-18-is-transitioning-from-the-gridiron-t\/3621975147822939\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">DJ Stewart<\/a> has a background in bobsleigh.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Before the pandemic, Gelen Robinson was a defensive tackle for the Dallas Renegades of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2020\/feb\/07\/xfl-relaunch-season-start-vince-mcmahon\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">XFL<\/a>. As well as playing football he was a wrestler and shot-putter at college. In Colorado the 25-year-old is learning front row positions, studying footage of the New Zealand All Blacks for inspiration and education \u2013 and coping without helmets and pads.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cIf you try to tackle like a football player you could end up seriously hurting yourself or getting knocked out,\u201d he says. \u201cThankfully, with my wrestling background it\u2019s a little easier to pick it up. Scrum is very new to me but I picked it up extremely fast.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\"><strong>\u2018They\u2019ll be physically dominant\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Patrick Guthrie, Glendale\u2019s director of sports broadcast and development, had a minority stake in the city\u2019s MLR team \u2013 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2020\/oct\/21\/major-league-rugby-us-glendale-raptors-withdrawal\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">has spoken to the Guardian before<\/a> about what he felt went wrong.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"css-eiqqge\">\n<div class=\"css-1nfcn93\"><strong><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=1020&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=50bbc9e0baf46a2a19f8366fb6a5a242 2040w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=940&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=78489487468f18b91fae04f214bc5b07 1880w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=d88f8ca18702468c3c6f393fc0be23ec 1400w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=d88f8ca18702468c3c6f393fc0be23ec 1400w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=660&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=14ff43bf7469b10441ac7a4242ca23b0 1320w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=645&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=a8c0e591fc6aef196ebc40cc473af706 1290w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=465&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=1e225c1447b4f86e584afde9b631dcf8 930w\" media=\"(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1300px) 860px, (min-width: 1140px) 780px, (min-width: 660px) 620px, 100vw\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=1020&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=e3ac33ae2401e30dc84a371cbac16435 1020w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=940&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=88e8a85c74acba54a1d0675492100158 940w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=dfda1067ba678ae460b4ef148ad30abf 700w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=700&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=dfda1067ba678ae460b4ef148ad30abf 700w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=660&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=0314bd2338398f64816f7263c6bd879b 660w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=645&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=952f134c17fe3c613ebe6b458354ff04 645w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=465&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=47ab1aa6b2fab795aef5a5959429700b 465w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1300px) 860px, (min-width: 1140px) 780px, (min-width: 660px) 620px, 100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-uk6cul\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/040125b8d03d9e9a8209ead1539defa125f6030f\/0_0_4796_3197\/master\/4796.jpg?width=465&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=1e225c1447b4f86e584afde9b631dcf8\" alt=\"Chase Stehling, formerly of the offensive line for Western Carolina University, on the charge.\" width=\"4796\" height=\"3197\" \/><\/picture><\/strong><\/div><figcaption class=\"css-zq9xdq\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"css-eiqqge\"><figcaption class=\"css-zq9xdq\"><strong><span class=\"css-1u9p6vd\">Chase Stehling, formerly of the offensive line for Western Carolina University, on the charge.<\/span><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Of his new project with the academy, he said: \u201cI think that we\u2019ll by 2023 we\u2019ll safely produce five to 10 players for the US national team who will be the standout players in the team. They will be the game-breakers, they\u2019ll be the guys who, like [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/blog\/2018\/mar\/05\/perry-baker-usa-sevens-las-vegas-eagles-arc-uruguay\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">USA sevens star and former wide receiver] Perry Baker<\/a>, if they get the ball they\u2019ll run away from everyone else. They\u2019ll just be physically dominant.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cEven further down the road from that, our ambition is to win the Rugby World Cup in 2027. That\u2019s it, full stop. We\u2019re not there to make up the numbers.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"rich-link-17\">\n<div class=\"css-mozjxl\" data-print-layout=\"hide\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-1 | 1\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-name=\"\">\n<div class=\"css-wz7t6r\">\n<div class=\"css-1m5f2q7\"><\/div>\n<div><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-ducv57\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/f345812f914e161fe284a09c91e4e4757f3c073f\/0_323_3100_1861\/master\/3100.jpg?width=460&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=b367257d2aefcd13134fd1b3b6652d7b\" alt=\"\" \/><\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"css-upffb1\">\n<div class=\"css-m4qltb\">\n<div class=\"css-1gqsble\"><strong>Perry Baker took USA to sevens gold in Vegas \u2013 now the hard work begins<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-10wr03c\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>This, clearly, is a tall order. The Eagles have not played since the 2019 World Cup, when they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/blog\/2019\/oct\/14\/mlr-us-rugby-world-cup-tonga-gary-gold-blaine-scully\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">lost to England, France, Argentina and Tonga<\/a>. But Guthrie hopes the academy could reach pro standard after a couple of years honing its skills against youth and B-team opposition, perhaps even joining the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/pro14\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Pro14<\/a> and competing against teams from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"dfp-ad--inline3\" class=\"js-ad-slot ad-slot ad-slot--inline ad-slot--offset-right ad-slot--inline3\" data-link-name=\"ad slot inline3\" data-name=\"inline3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-mobile=\"1,1|2,2|300,197|300,250|300,274|fluid\" data-phablet=\"1,1|2,2|300,197|300,250|300,274|620,350|550,310|fluid\" data-desktop=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|300,274|620,1|620,350|550,310|fluid|300,600|160,600\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cWe\u2019ve had [brief, preliminary] discussions with Martin Anayi about perhaps joining the Pro14 at some point maybe in \u201923 or \u201924,\u201d Guthrie says.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Anayi, the Pro14 chief executive, has explored US expansion before, in talks with groups from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.americasrugbynews.com\/2017\/07\/05\/washington-dc-reportedly-join-guinness-pro-12-2018\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Washington<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2017\/may\/18\/pro-12-rugby-houston-us\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Houston<\/a> in 2017. Contacted for this article, a Pro14 spokesman did not provide comment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\"><strong>\u2018You have to be creative\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>The crossover concept might be heretical to purists \u2013 but Glendale is a heterodox sort of place. That an enclave of about 5,000 inhabitants over 369 acres near downtown Denver can claim to be the capital of US rugby is thanks to the vision of its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/post-politics\/wp\/2014\/10\/17\/meet-snoop-doggs-favorite-2014-candidate\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">characterful<\/a> mayor, Mike Dunafon. The former Broncos player discovered rugby in the Caribbean in 1978 and later oversaw construction of Infinity Park, a complex with a 5,000-capacity stadium.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"css-10khgmf\">\n<div class=\"css-1nfcn93\"><strong><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d5dcfef8a0c1ab0a7f05636df97da422817f0161\/0_0_3636_2424\/master\/3636.jpg?width=620&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=a4d355f1ed97dec22d13ab48c7ab9159 1240w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d5dcfef8a0c1ab0a7f05636df97da422817f0161\/0_0_3636_2424\/master\/3636.jpg?width=605&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=9af174d5ef86b8b547465bad5c74e538 1210w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d5dcfef8a0c1ab0a7f05636df97da422817f0161\/0_0_3636_2424\/master\/3636.jpg?width=445&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=207e1089daa863fd19b94e9e20cd19ee 890w\" media=\"(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"(min-width: 660px) 620px, 100vw\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d5dcfef8a0c1ab0a7f05636df97da422817f0161\/0_0_3636_2424\/master\/3636.jpg?width=620&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=9efd7773b208ee2b881b4a7db5732d1d 620w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d5dcfef8a0c1ab0a7f05636df97da422817f0161\/0_0_3636_2424\/master\/3636.jpg?width=605&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=7c27faf3e9ab2b3c0db0b58744efb5d3 605w,https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d5dcfef8a0c1ab0a7f05636df97da422817f0161\/0_0_3636_2424\/master\/3636.jpg?width=445&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=b4ccf026f45d0e8ac0b24c901df6c75a 445w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 660px) 620px, 100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-uk6cul\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d5dcfef8a0c1ab0a7f05636df97da422817f0161\/0_0_3636_2424\/master\/3636.jpg?width=445&amp;quality=45&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=207e1089daa863fd19b94e9e20cd19ee\" alt=\"Head coach Peter Borlase, a former prop for Canterbury in New Zealand, works with his new charges.\" width=\"3636\" height=\"2424\" \/><\/picture><\/strong><\/div><figcaption class=\"css-xe26t6\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"css-10khgmf\"><figcaption class=\"css-xe26t6\"><strong><span class=\"css-1u9p6vd\">Head coach Peter Borlase, a former prop for Canterbury in New Zealand, works with his new charges.<\/span><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Crossover Academy players are paid $1,500 a month and given rent-free use of two-bedroom apartments, three meals a day and insurance coverage. The city is funding the estimated $3m annual cost of the project and seeking sponsors.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cYou have to be creative in coming up with ways to bring people into your city and for Glendale that way has been to build a rugby stadium and to produce rugby programming here,\u201d says Linda Cassaday, the city manager.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>The academy is fostering relations with USA Rugby and has invited the Eagles\u2019 coach, Gary Gold, to sessions. USA Rugby\u2019s governing body is also based in Glendale. Its chief executive, Ross Young, is understood to be watching with interest, open to any initiative that might help deepen the talent pool.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"dfp-ad--inline4\" class=\"js-ad-slot ad-slot ad-slot--inline ad-slot--offset-right ad-slot--inline4\" data-link-name=\"ad slot inline4\" data-name=\"inline4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-mobile=\"1,1|2,2|300,197|300,250|300,274|fluid\" data-phablet=\"1,1|2,2|300,197|300,250|300,274|620,350|550,310|fluid\" data-desktop=\"1,1|2,2|300,250|300,274|620,1|620,350|550,310|fluid|300,600|160,600\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>MLR, the 12-team competition that began play in 2018, would seem to be the most logical incubator. But Glendale\u2019s split with the league <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2020\/oct\/21\/major-league-rugby-us-glendale-raptors-withdrawal\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">was not an amicable one<\/a>, driven by divisions over politics and finance, and the academy\u2019s backers argue that MLR\u2019s international recruitment strategy restricts opportunities for domestic players.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cOur goal is not to support the development of the MLR in any way,\u201d Guthrie says. \u201cNot that we\u2019re against the MLR, but it\u2019s just the MLR have gone a different direction.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>There are a lot of domestic players in MLR \u2013 and a lot of foreign talent. Guthrie contends the academy\u2019s recruits are \u201cbetter athletes to begin with than the MLR players. What I think is far more likely is that they\u2019ll be recruited by the leading European sides because they will be viewed as game-changers athletically.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>MLR did not return a request for comment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\"><strong>\u2018They adapt quickly\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Glendale\u2019s director of rugby, Mark Bullock, is himself a football-to-rugby convert.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"css-10khgmf\">\n<div class=\"css-1szt2rl\">\n<div class=\"css-1szt2rl\">\n<div class=\"css-laouyh\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/A6HbyqUccBQ?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" width=\"460\" height=\"259\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-xe26t6\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"css-10khgmf\">\n<div class=\"css-1szt2rl\">\n<div class=\"css-1szt2rl\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-xe26t6\"><strong><span class=\"css-1u9p6vd\">Glendale director of rugby Mark Bullock explains the big idea behind the crossover academy.<\/span><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cThey\u2019ve not played rugby and some of them never really have seen it,\u201d he says of his new charges, \u201cand what we\u2019re finding is we\u2019ll introduce an activity or a drill and the first part of the drill is pretty messy. Across the board, forwards and backs, they pick up what we\u2019re doing really quickly.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"rich-link-35\">\n<div class=\"css-mozjxl\" data-print-layout=\"hide\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-2 | 2\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-name=\"\">\n<div class=\"css-wz7t6r\">\n<div class=\"css-1m5f2q7\"><\/div>\n<div><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-ducv57\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/04c8f5a0fd596a1d995788bde3c386a60ceeda9d\/0_0_2560_1536\/master\/2560.jpg?width=460&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=7e4c01a00906916510cbaae2a38fee5d\" alt=\"\" \/><\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"css-upffb1\">\n<div class=\"css-m4qltb\">\n<div class=\"css-1gqsble\"><strong>Six for the Six Nations: Players to watch from Genge to Woki<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-10wr03c\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-1ctotnz\">\n<div class=\"article-body-commercial-selector css-79elbk article-body-viewer-selector\">\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>Their first game is scheduled for 6 March against an academy side from the LA Giltinis \u2013 an expansion team due to join MLR when it kicks off season four later that month. There are tentative plans to face youth teams from Welsh and Irish clubs later in the year.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>\u201cI know that it can be done,\u201d says Bullock. \u201cNo one\u2019s ever done this in a concerted effort, like an organised effort.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-38z03z\"><strong>To Gelen Robinson, out on the field, learning to tackle and scrummage, \u201cThere are guys out there who want to compete but they don\u2019t know about the game of rugby. There is so much talent out there that is untapped.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-1hju8r1\">\n<div class=\"css-1ey43xh-straightLines-fourLines-Lines\">\n<h2><strong>WHO IS GERALD MCDOWELL<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>2018 Football Roster<\/strong><\/h2>\n<header class=\"sidearm-roster-player-header sidearm-roster-player-header-plain\">\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-header-details \">\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-image\"><strong><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ragincajuns.com\/images\/2018\/8\/20\/McDowell_Garrald.jpg?width=300\" alt=\"Garrald McDowell\" \/><\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"medium-flex\"><strong><span class=\"sidearm-roster-player-jersey-number\"> 8 <\/span> <span class=\"sidearm-roster-player-name\"> Garrald McDowell <\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-fields flex flex-item-1\">\n<ul class=\"flex flex-item-1 row flex-wrap\">\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Position<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Defensive End<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Ht.\/Wt.<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>6-2 \/ 259<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Class<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Senior<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Hometown<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Covington, La.<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>High School<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Covington<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Prev School<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Ole Miss<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sidearm-responsive-tabs ui-tabs ui-corner-all ui-widget ui-widget-content\">\n<section id=\"sidearm-roster-player-bio\" class=\"ui-tabs-panel ui-corner-bottom ui-widget-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-tab-activated=\"true\" aria-label=\"Player Biography\" aria-labelledby=\"ui-id-1\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n<h3 class=\"hide\"><strong>Biography<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"row pad\"><strong>Ole Miss (2015-17)<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Appeared in six games during the 2017 season &#8230; Tallied six tackles and two TFLs &#8230; Made his 2017 debut at No. 12 Auburn (10\/7\/17), where he recorded one TFL &#8230; Had two tackles in the win over Vandy (10\/14\/17) &#8230; Made one tackle in the win at Kentucky (11\/4\/17), a sack for a loss of four yards &#8230; Had two stops in the win over Louisiana (11\/11\/17) &#8230; Played in 11 games, during the 2016 season, as a backup DE and on special teams &#8230; Totaled 16 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack and a forced fumble on the year &#8230; Earned second letter &#8230; vs. Wofford (9\/10\/16): Made four tackles (two solo), including 0.5 TFL &#8230; vs. #11 Georgia (9\/24\/16): Mae four tackles (two solo) with his first career sack, forced fumble and QB hurry &#8230; vs. Memphis (10\/1\/16): Posted a solo stop and a QB hurry &#8230; at #22 Arkansas (10\/15\/16): Made three tackles (two solo) &#8230; vs. Georgia Southern (11\/5\/16): Posted one tackle &#8230; at #8 Texas A&amp;M (11\/12\/16): Made two tackles (one solo) &#8230; vs. Mississippi State (11\/26\/16): Posted one tackle &#8230; In 2015, McDowell played in nine games as a reserve D-lineman and on special teams &#8230; Totaled 11 tackles and a QB hurry on the year &#8230; Earned first letter &#8230; vs. UT Martin (9\/5\/15): Made his college debut and collected three tackles &#8230; vs. Fresno\u00a0State (9\/12\/15): Made three stops (one solo) &#8230; vs. New Mexico State (10\/10\/15): Posted three tackles (two solo) and a QB hurry &#8230; vs. #15 LSU (11\/21\/15): Made one solo tackle &#8230; Sugar Bowl vs. #16 Oklahoma State (1\/1\/16): Posted one solo stop &#8230; Did not see action during the 2014 season and was redshirted &#8230; Member of the 2014 signing class.High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>First-team All-State selection as a junior. &#8230;First-team All-Metro selection as a junior&#8230;Invited to &#8220;The Opening&#8221;, an all-star summer prospect camp held on the Nike Campus&#8230;..An Under Armour All-America selection &#8230; Made two tackles and a half sack in the Under Armour All-America game &#8230; A consensus 4-star prospect by all the major recruiting services &#8230; Ranked the No. 111 recruit in the nation by ESPN.com and also a member of the Rivals250 &#8230; Listed as the nation\u2019s No. 8 defensive tackle by ESPN.com and No. 17 by Rivals.com &#8230; Listed as the No. 12 strongside defensive end by 247Sports.com &#8230; ESPN.com rates him as the 11th-best prospect in Louisiana &#8230; A first team Class 5A All-State selection by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and a two-time All-Metro pick by The Times-Picayune &#8230; Listed No. 15 on The Times-Picayune Nifty 50 &#8230; Named the District 6-5A Defensive MVP as a senior after recording 128 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, nine sacks, six pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries &#8230; Also rushed 24 times for 94 yards and eight touchdowns along with a TD reception &#8230; Helped Covington to the Class 5A state semifinals for the first time since 1987 &#8230; Registered 84 tackles, 18 TFLs and 10.5 sacks as a junior &#8230; Coached in high school by Greg Salter.Personal<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Son of Vanessa McDowell and Willie Smith &#8230; Full name is Garrald Darrell McDowell &#8230; Born: Nov. 18, 1994 &#8230; Majoring in general studies.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>WHO IS Mandel Dixon<\/strong><\/div>\n<div><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-18826\" src=\"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/MANDEL-300x184.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/MANDEL-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/MANDEL-1024x627.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/MANDEL-768x470.jpg 768w, https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/MANDEL-1080x661.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/MANDEL.jpg 1332w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/strong><\/div>\n<div>\n<header class=\"sidearm-roster-player-header sidearm-roster-player-header-action\">\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-header-details \">\n<div class=\"medium-flex\"><strong><span class=\"sidearm-roster-player-name\"> Mandel Dixon <\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-fields flex flex-item-1\">\n<ul class=\"flex flex-item-1 row flex-wrap\">\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Position<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Tight End<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Height<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>6-2<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Weight<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>240<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Class<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Senior<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Hometown<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Dallas, Texas<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"large-6 flex columns\">\n<dl class=\"flex-item-1\">\n<dt><strong>Highschool<\/strong><\/dt>\n<dd><strong>Red Oak<\/strong><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sidearm-responsive-tabs ui-tabs ui-corner-all ui-widget ui-widget-content sidearm-accessible\">\n<section id=\"sidearm-roster-player-bio\" class=\"sidearm-section-label-fixed ui-tabs-panel ui-corner-bottom ui-widget-content sidearm-aria-labelledby-fixed\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-tab-activated=\"true\" aria-label=\"Player Biography\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n<h3 class=\"hide\"><strong>Biography<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"row pad\">\n<p><strong>Tulsa \u2013 A returning letterwinner . . . 2014 \u2013 Played in eight games . . . started six contests . . . missed the final four games \u2013\u2013 SMU, UCF, Houston and East Carolina \u2013\u2013 with an injury . . . had six receptions for 62 yards, and 17 rushing yards on six carries . . . caught two passes for a season-high 24 yards against Oklahoma . . . had his first career touchdown on a nine-yard reception at Temple . . . had two catches for 23 yards and rushed five times for 14 yards against Texas State . . . saw his first action in the season opener against Tulane . . . 2013 \u2013 Sat out the 2013 campaign after transferring from Pittsburg State.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Previous College \u2013 Played two years at Pittsburg State . . . started at fullback both in 2011 and 2012 . . . was a member of the 2011 National Championship team . . . scored seven career touchdowns on 16 carries in his two seasons . . . head coach was Tim Beck.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>High School \u2013 Was a three-year letterwinner and starter at Red Oak (Texas) High School . . . started each season on both the offense and defense . . . as a fullback and tight end, averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 10.8 yards per catch his senior season . . . collected 58 tackles from his linebacker position as a senior . . . earned second-team all-district honors as a fullback his senior season and first-team all-district accolades as a junior tight end . . . also lettered three years in basketball . . . high school football coach was Mike Shields.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Personal \u2013 Favorite movie is <em>300<\/em> . . . his favorite NFL team is the San Francisco 49ers . . . his favorite NFL player is Vernon Davis . . . favorite professional athlete is Blake Griffin . . . favorite meal that his mom cooks is meatloaf\u00a0 . . . favorite book is The <em>Outsiders<\/em> . . . lists Brazil as his favorite vacation spot . . . favorite actor is Will Ferrell . . . the most famous people he\u2019s ever met are NFL greats Tony Dorsett and Tim Brown . . . the TV game show he\u2019d like to appear on is \u201cWheel of Fortune\u201d . . . parents are Mandel and Kellie Dixon . . . majoring in exercise and sports science . . . born April 21, 19393 in Oakland, California.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><strong>Mandel Dixon played football at Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburg, Kansas before transferring to Tulsa to finish out his last two years of eligibility. During his two years at Pittsburg State, Dixon scored seven touchdowns on 16 carries and helped the Gorillas win the 2011 National Championship. In 19 games at Tulsa, Dixon carried the ball seven times for 17 yards and one touchdown while also catching 10 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Dixon had stints with the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Carolina Panthers, and The Spring League before trying his hand at rugby.<\/strong><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>WHO IS GELEN ROBINSON<\/strong><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Gelen Robinson played defensive end at Purdue University from 2014-2017. During his four years at Purdue, Robinson totaled 164 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, one pick-six, three batted ball, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 46 career games. In addition to playing football, Robinson wrestled for a year in college after winning back-to-back state titles in his junior and senior years of high school. After tryouts with several different NFL teams, Robinson played for the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football and the Dallas Renegades of the XFL. His father, Glenn Robinson, played in the NBA from 1994-2005 and his older brother, Glenn Robinson III, currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-entry-hero c-entry-hero--default \">\n<div class=\"c-entry-hero__header-wrap\">\n<h1 class=\"c-page-title\"><strong>Purdue Football: Gelen Robinson NFL Draft<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"l-segment\">\n<div class=\"c-social-buttons c-social-buttons--popover main-social\" data-cid=\"site\/social_buttons_list\/popover-1612086688_1665_408314\" data-cdata=\"{&quot;entry_id&quot;:17006181,&quot;services&quot;:[&quot;twitter&quot;,&quot;facebook&quot;,&quot;reddit&quot;,&quot;pocket&quot;,&quot;flipboard&quot;,&quot;email&quot;],&quot;base_url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.hammerandrails.com\/2018\/4\/16\/17242140\/purdue-football-gelen-robinson-nfl-draft&quot;}\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"l-sidebar-fixed l-segment l-article-body-segment\">\n<div class=\"l-col__main\">\n<figure class=\"e-image e-image--hero\"><strong><span class=\"e-image__inner\"> <span class=\"e-image__image \" data-original=\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg\"> <picture class=\"c-picture\" data-cid=\"site\/picture_element-1612086688_7545_408315\" data-cdata=\"{&quot;image_id&quot;:59403543,&quot;ratio&quot;:&quot;*&quot;}\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/OazHzUCpbKLiKagnEskOmo03RIk=\/0x0:3724x2483\/320x213\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/a-Ib54w-XrCZwPgV_hbMnLBMAqU=\/0x0:3724x2483\/620x413\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 620w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/99KbqqMqAoAWOuaCF5G8dB85M_o=\/0x0:3724x2483\/920x613\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 920w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/8KoOgz0miF_ssMjIGZ_ilBMnSlQ=\/0x0:3724x2483\/1220x813\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 1220w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/Aou5TzZEU4tE1DH7F8hYhsmhnQ8=\/0x0:3724x2483\/1520x1013\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 1520w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/J3ymtHg6FuHLxoOSePLQUZ-aVBM=\/0x0:3724x2483\/1820x1213\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/9FPZPrDDkl0WjnKH7gZrEtR5f1k=\/0x0:3724x2483\/2120x1413\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 2120w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/7-ru1K9SBtaGlszkgPScz44vBY8=\/0x0:3724x2483\/2420x1613\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863):format(webp)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 2420w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1221px) 846px, (min-width: 880px) calc(100vw - 334px), 100vw\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/41rjotqi7kXsWf40lKhohhVUusA=\/0x0:3724x2483\/1200x800\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1221px) 846px, (min-width: 880px) calc(100vw - 334px), 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/6ZaVqEFOsTvQ5-2XLbHhl18WoyI=\/0x0:3724x2483\/320x213\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/klXfne4VbomFyzB-Ur5EQkmR4PY=\/0x0:3724x2483\/620x413\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 620w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/xWJ6NDVnXD-bccafXSqJmP4pSfM=\/0x0:3724x2483\/920x613\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 920w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/XkiJ3P_TFkdWMb6CoTMSmNcKOyI=\/0x0:3724x2483\/1220x813\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 1220w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/y9aGgsTZZZQR2Ku2KzpR-81YxUE=\/0x0:3724x2483\/1520x1013\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 1520w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/d1V2-fBEwiysj2jeFowR1_ZOApU=\/0x0:3724x2483\/1820x1213\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 1820w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/cu2B5Y30eL_5DX9DIf6F5Xeh6SM=\/0x0:3724x2483\/2120x1413\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 2120w, https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/WM1RvdRi8FSu-QT3qBYWhfe4JF0=\/0x0:3724x2483\/2420x1613\/filters:focal(2104x269:2698x863)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/59403543\/usa_today_9655460.0.jpg 2420w\" alt=\"NCAA Football: Purdue at Minnesota\" data-upload-width=\"3724\" \/><\/picture><\/span><\/span><span class=\"e-image__meta\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/figure>\n<div class=\"c-entry-content \">\n<p id=\"Wroawh\"><strong>Name: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sbnation.com\/college-football\/players\/250865\/galen-robinson\">Gelen Robinson<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"7GzQfM\"><strong>Position: Defensive Line<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"wbNqY4\"><strong>Size: 6\u20191, 280 Pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ZYgUKe\"><strong>College Career Stats: 164 Tackles, 35 TFL, 12.5 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Touchdown<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"6xzzLO\"><strong>What Experts Say: Some have Gelen going undrafted next week. Some have him from a 5th to 7th round selection. The one prediction I will cling on to is <a href=\"http:\/\/draftsite.com\">draftsite.com<\/a> they have him going to Atlanta in the 6th round of the draft. Gelen projects as an interior lineman, as that is where he was most effective at this past season.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"ghEInR\"><strong>My Opinion: I do think Gelen gets drafted, he is a heck of an athlete. He ran a 4.9 forty, which is not that bad for an interior lineman. It took him 4 years to find the position he was best at and particularly a coaching staff that new what the hell they were doing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"4tRkXt\"><strong>He started as an OLB, then a stand up Rush End, then a hand in the dirt End, then finally he mainly played the 3 tech this past season, where he should have been all along. I do believe that Gelen will get drafted, but it will be on the 3rd day of the draft, which is fine, he just needs an opportunity. Best of luck next week, Gelen!<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"Fjglwg\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"p-scalable-video\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aquNwRT-62E?rel=0&amp;\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"Ba9HZL\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"p-scalable-video\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qQZAOUDL4k0?rel=0&amp;\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"sidearm-responsive-tabs ui-tabs ui-corner-all ui-widget ui-widget-content\">\n<section id=\"sidearm-roster-player-related\" class=\"sidearm-roster-player-related ui-tabs-panel ui-corner-bottom ui-widget-content\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-tab-content=\"related\" data-bind=\"stopBindings: true\" aria-label=\"Player Related Content\" aria-labelledby=\"ui-id-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"sidearm-roster-player-related-container\">\n<section class=\"sidearm-roster-player-related-stories row pad\" aria-label=\"Player Related Stories\">\n<h2><\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"onwards-upper-whensignedout\">\n<div class=\"css-1ilyui9\">\n<div class=\"css-8atqhb\">\n<section class=\"\">\n<div class=\"css-1by57kh\">\n<div class=\"css-1qun6ii\">\n<section class=\"css-1ac8blb\">\n<div class=\"css-740tkm\"><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"css-1pjuho0\">\n<div class=\"css-gvaali\">\n<footer class=\"css-wuq7e5\" data-print-layout=\"hide\" data-link-name=\"footer\" data-component=\"footer\">\n<div class=\"css-3ub84c\">\n<div class=\"css-v7ptng\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can American football talent become rugby gold? One Colorado city says yes Mandel Dixon Position Tight End Height 6-2 Weight 240 Class Senior Hometown Dallas, Texas Highschool Red Oak Bio Related Stats Historical Biography Tulsa \u2013 A returning letterwinner . . . 2014 \u2013 Played in eight games . . . started six contests . [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18829,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2405,11,8,1314,1456,1156,13,14,104,124,1,39,2805,7,9,10],"tags":[3525,3523,3524,3522],"class_list":["post-18820","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-business","category-entertainment","category-global-business-entrepreneurs","category-global-news-updates-and-more","category-global-sports","category-health","category-most-commented","category-ncaa","category-ncaa-football","category-news","category-nfl","category-rugby","category-sports","category-us","category-world","tag-garrald-mcdowell","tag-gelen-robinson","tag-mandel-dixon","tag-rugby","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18820","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18820"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18820\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18829"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18820"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18820"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18820"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}