Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Former Tiger Brazell turns to rugby

By Christopher Gordy

Every year, former college football players try their luck at the NFL, with many getting cut from the sport. Some give up altogether on athletics and try their hand in another field. But very rarely has anyone taken the path of former LSU Tiger Bennie Brazell.

Former LSU track star and football wide receiver Brazell has turned his attention to rugby. Brazell was added to the roster of the USA Rugby Sevens squad just weeks ago, having little to no knowledge of the game. He had no prior rugby experience, but his pure athleticism is what intrigued USA 7's coach Al Caravelli.

Brazell is an experiment for the USA 7's team, but his speed is what makes him such a dangerous threat. Also, the fact that he has a significant background in football means Brazell will not shy away from contact.

The former Olympic track and field star reached the final of the 400m hurdles in Athens, back in the 2004 Olympics. At LSU, Brazell was a two-sport athlete, taking part in both track and football. He became a five-time track and field national champion and a 14-time All-American, while serving as a wide receiver for the football team. In 2002, he was named SEC Male Track and Field Freshman of the Year.

In football, Brazell was the Tigers' seldom-used deep threat at receiver, leading the team with 22.5 yards per catch. In his senior season in 2005, he finished with 12 catches for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Brazell was also part of the 2003 LSU National Championship team.

After graduating, the Houston native tried his luck at the NFL. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Brazell spent time at wide receiver and as a return man, before being placed on injured reserve in '06. In 2007, he was cut from the 53 man roster. In 2008, Brazell tried out for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was not offered a contract.

So now Brazell finds himself on the rugby field, excited to see how his athleticism translates. He joined the USA 7's team at 6'0" and 182 lbs., offering some of the fastest speed on the sevens circuit. Some believe that the combination of his speed and football instinct could prove lethal for the American rugby team.

Crossover athletes are not uncommon in rugby, but very few have become stars after making the shift. Brazell will look to make an impact as the team prepares in Fiji, before heading off to the Wellington Sevens. They will culminate in the USA Sevens in Las Vegas next month.

Originally Published: January 27, 2010

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