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This weekend sees the 2nd annual USA Collegiate Sevens taking place in Philadelphia and with it the 7s buzz returns to the USA for the first time since the IRB Sevens took place in Las Vegas in February. Once again the growth of 7s in America is on display with the tournament being broadcast on NBC across the country with some of the best players in the nation taking part for some of the best known Universities, who many are more accustomed to lifting the glass trophy in College Football but this weekend it's rugby on the agenda.

All information has been taken from www.usasevenscci.comwhere further information on the tournament including tickets, television schedules and information can be found

Pool D Preview

ARIZONA

Arizona was the surprise of the tournament in 2010, as they went 2-0-1 in pool play before ousting hometown favorites Ohio State in the Cup quarterfi nals and losing to tournament favorite Cal one step short of the fi nal. Coached by former 7s Eagle Chris Kron, Arizona utilized the powerful play of Wildcat gridiron linebacker Brett Thompson and the speed and wily running of Tim Moxness and Carl Jensen. Jensen and Moxness have since graduated, but helping fi ll the void will be speedster Peter Tiberio, who could be the only capped Eagle in the CRC this season. The impressive scrumhalf, injured during the inaugural CRC, played for the USA 7s Team in the Adelaide and Hong Kong legs of the IRB 7s World Series, and he will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting players in the 2011 event. His blinding speed is his trademark, and his experience playing in pressurepacked situations should prove invaluable.

OKLAHOMA

The Sooners will be one of the most exciting newcomers to the CRC. Oklahoma boasts several fantastic talents, even without the injured Taylor Mokate. The Oklahoma captain was capped for the Eagles 7s squad this spring, but tore his ACL playing 15s in April. If he were on the fi eld, he’d be one of the best forwards in the entire competition. U20 Eagle Kelton Miller, a special teamer for the gridiron Sooners, and perennial regional all-star Arryn Wilkinson will be fun to watch. Both are skilled passers with crafty running ability. Former Sooner Tyson Meek, who played in seven tournaments with the USA 7s National Team, is back in Norman for law school and is coaching the 7s Sooners, givine his charges some critical high-level experience. Adding to OU’s fi repower will be Zac Givens, who was a wide receiver for the Sooner football team that lost in the 2009 BCS National Championship. He’s been fi lling in at fl yhalf since Miller’s migration to football, so OU should have a pair of boots and plenty of passing prowess on the pitch at any given time.

TEMPLE

Temple doesn’t have a ton of 7s pedigree. But what they do have is one of the best talents in the tournament. If it weren’t for Gareth Jones opting to spend the spring semester abroad in Ireland, where he played for Young Munster, he may have been representing the 7s Eagles in the IRB 7s World Series. Not only is Jones representing the hometown team in Temple, but all of Philadelphia, as he grew up in Havertown, Pa. about 15 miles from PPL Park. “When I heard the CRC was coming to Philly, I was ecstatic,” said Jones. “As a proud Philly native, I know the city is a perfect fi t for the competition, and I am excited for players and supporters from across the country to experience the passionate atmosphere this area generates for all sporting events, especially rugby.” There’s more to the Owls, who made it to the Sweet 16 in 15s this season, than Jones. They pride themselves on hard work, effort and tenacious defense, which personifi es the city of Philadelphia. Also look out for is LuQman Harper, who has great pace and dexterity.

TEXAS

Texas is new to 7s, but since the arrival of new 15s coach Butch Neuenschwander, the Longhorns have created a serious 7s program that, in time, should be competitive on a high level. Heading up the commitment to 7s is coach Jacob Liberman, who’s played for Atlantis, a high-level US-Based international touring side. He brought former 7s Eagle Dallen Stanford into the fold in the fall and winter as well. Texas has played as much 7s as any team in the country in 2011. They competed in the CRC Qualifi er tournament in Las Vegas in February and emerged as 5-1 plate champs. In April, UT got a taste of what the competition will be like in Philadelphia, playing a very talented Texas A&M squad. Weeks later, UT went undefeated to win the Fiesta 7s, and followed that up with a win at the Easter 7s. The Longhorns aren’t going to out-athlete anyone in the CRC, but they’re well drilled and will be looking to outwit teams. The most talented, heady Longhorn is captain Stephen Mahoney, who is Texas’ player to watch.