Danny Barrett may be figuring it out. 

The United States 7s forward put in a good weekend’s work in Las Vegas, and with his physical, sometimes fractious play, and wild hair, he has put some in mind of Todd Clever when Clever was the enforcer on the 7s team.

That’s a compliment. Barrett’s work rate is up, and what he accomplishes in the rucks has created scoring opportunities for his teammates. What he brings to the contact point is an aggressiveness that the team needs. And it’s infectious. 

“We’ve got some big forwards in this team and we’re not going to shy away from anyone,” said Barrett. 

The Eagles are coming together, and fighting for each other, just a little bit more. Barrett said during the weekend that he knew why.

“I think Coach Friday has a lot to do with it,” said the former Cal All American. “He’s willing to fight for us off the field and get us the 50-50 calls that we need, so we’re just putting back the effort in to show him that we trust in him and trust in his system.”

Friday has indeed made a stink with the referees about some of the calls his team has been getting. That’s getting back to the players, but it’s more than that. Feeling like you’re part of the team helps, too. Barrett hasn’t been with the USA squad for that long. In fact, he made his debut for the USA 7s team in Las Vegas last year, scoring a try in his first game. But that try aside, he has needed time to fit in, either in learning how the 7s game flows at the international level, or in controlling the aggression the team needs so much.

Like Clever, he can intimidate opponents, knock ballcarriers silly, and flatten defenders. And like Clever, sometimes he gets in penalty trouble. Barrett acknowledges there are times when he gets carried away, but he has help.

“I’ve got 11 teammates around me to help me out,” he said. “I’m helping those guys keep their heads and they’re helping me to keep my head. We do everything together now. We’re a brotherhood.”