The Eagles made an interesting announcement yesterday as the NovaCare Complex opened its doors for Training Camp once again. With one roster spot remaining, the team decided to bring in Adam Zaruba.
Roster Move: #Eagles sign TE Adam Zaruba to a three-year contract. pic.twitter.com/IOLWuXwAFF
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 24, 2017
Just who is Zaruba? Well, as you may have guessed, Football wasn’t where he made his name. At 6’5, and 265 lbs, it was clear that his large frame could transpose with ease to the NFL. With Rob Gronkowski just being an inch taller, Zaruba possesses a prototypical tight end physique. But what else does he bring to the table?
A star of the Canada Sevens Rugby squad, Zaruba helped his team to a Bronze medal during the World Series Tournament in London. The North Vancouver naive tried out for the Eagles on Sunday and found out just hours later that the team wanted to bring him back on a permanent basis. Interestingly, he will be unable to return until he has his Visa.
Zaruba was a winger for the Canada national team and was named in the 2014-15 squad that would compete in the Gold Coast Sevens tournament. Playing in all nine games, this was a big jump up from his days with Capilano RFC in his hometown, prior to being spotted by the Canadian national sevens staff.
It goes without saying that Rugby is a very different sport to Football, however, many of the still traits apply. Zaruba is incredibly athletic, and the Eagles could always use some extra production in the way of hands. With a 40-time expected to be in the mid 4.5’s, it’s safe to say that as a Winger, agility and speed come naturally.
Most recently, after making this stunning catch, Zaruba went to workout at the University of British Columbia last year, catching passes from Quarterback Michael O’Connor. Zaruba actually played Football at Carson Graham Secondary School and was recruited to continue his career at the next level. Something that didn’t pan out as planned, but led him to the game of Rugby. In High school, he played along the trenches.
When he eventually lands permanently in Philadelphia, he will be joining an interesting spot. It wasn’t so long ago that the team carried four tight ends on the roster, with James Casey, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, and Trey Burton making up the numbers. Since then, Celek’s production as a receiving tight end has plummeted as his career reaches its tail end, while Burton was only signed to a one-year tender. Billy Brown could be looking to unseat Burton, as the Eagles strive to find stability once again beyond their starters…but could Zaruba be the answer? Only time will tell.
Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
