Five players were named to the USA Rugby 7s All Americans that didn’t get a nod from RUGBYMag.com. As Pat Clifton wrote earlier this week, the two lists were remarkable similar. Both picked 36 players, and we disagreed on five spots.

We had: Nate Augspurger, Dominic Mauer, Danny James, Seamus Siefring. And Michael St. Clair.

They had: Darrian Woodson, Jake Anderson, Chris Mattina, Shaun Potgieter, and Paul Jarvis

Now, I’m not going to defend our picks – I think they are all superb players. But I thought I’d say something about the five we didn’t pick, largely because, is it turned out, they were in our discussion.

Woodson was clearly a possibility. The Life University back is fast and athletic. I lobbied against him because I wasn’t sold on his defense. But he was really close.

I liked Jake Anderson. He is a tall, physically strong, skilled back. I think he had a ton of potential as a 7s forward. We ended up not picking him for one of those reasons you end up questioning later – he is young, and will likely be around next year, too.

Chris Mattina was like Anderson – had a lot going for him, but young. So we passed only on that.

Shaun Potgeiter was a player Pat Clifton lobbied hard for. I ended up pushing Seamus Siefring instead, a little harder. I still really like Seifring, and if he weren’t off trying to to be a US Marine, I’d be pushing for him still. But that’s not to say Potgeiter can’t play. He certainly can.

Paul Jarvis. I love Paul Jarvis. I said after the CRC that while I think Jarvis is a little small to play forward at the highest level, I’d probably still want him as my captain. I think he may be the best captain in college rugby. He is a superb leader, and perhaps that’s what makes him a great player. He’s barely taller than me (I’m 5-8), but anyone who saw Dartmouth come back to beat Cal at the CRC will see a player who doesn’t back down.

Do I bailed on Jarvis because he isn’t huge, but I know there is no one who will play harder.

USA Rugby made some excellent picks with those five … and all the ones we agree on too!