Psalm Wooching reeled off an impressive senior season at Washington, but the Kealakehe graduate is ready to “turn the page” to the next chapter of his life.
The door was open for Wooching to pursue a career in the NFL, as he was considered by most outlets as a late-round prospect or possible free agent pickup. But instead, he has decided to go after his first love — rugby. His goal is to play in the Olympics and represent Team USA.
“I’ve been in deep thought and prayer about whether I wanted to continue to play football and I’ve come to a conclusion that it is time to turn the page in my life,” Wooching wrote in a message on his Twitter account. “I will be exchanging shoulder pads for short shorts and rugby boots. My first love and sport I excelled in was rugby, and it is time for me to follow my heart.”
Wooching was a standout rugby player before he caught on as a top football prospect. The skill set he refined in that sport helped him turn into a multi-faceted athlete on the football field, both as a ball carrier and defensively. He started his career with the Huskies as a fullback before becoming a force at outside linebacker.
“I can’t even describe how much rugby has helped. It gave me a huge advantage,” Wooching said in an interview with West Hawaii Today before his senior season.
Wooching led Washington with 6.0 sacks in 2016, adding 42 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
“My goal is to be able to represent my country while playing rugby and then on to playing in the next Olympics,” he wrote. “This has been a dream of mine for quite some time and I will do anything to accomplish it.”
He wouldn’t be there first crossover prospect between football and rugby. New England Patriots safety and special teamer Nate Ebner played for Team USA sevens team in 2016 in Rio. He was the only active NFL player to compete in the 2016 Olympics.
Jarryd Hayne did the opposite, giving up a stellar rugby career to try his hand at the NFL. He had a brief stint with the 49ers, getting a few reps as a running back and return man, before retiring this year.