The position of No. 8 is one of the largest, proportionally, in our D2 list of top players.
While, based on the total number of players we're recognizing (just under 140 right now), you'd expect nine players to be named for each number on their jersey. We have 18 players with the number eight on their backs. And we've discussed that a bit in some earlier releases. There are several players here who track as locks or have seen time at flanker. Some, if they move on to play post-college might find themselves in the front row.
But often a D2 team that has a big, mobile, powerful athlete will want the ball in that player's hands, and those players end up getting seen a lot, getting noticed a lot, and getting on a list such as this.
So keep an eye on these guys. They may not be specialists, but they are rugby players.
Top D2 Players of the Fall: Front Row
Top D2 Players of the Fall: Lock
Top D2 Players of the Fall: Flanker
04.18.2025College Men
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Top DII Players Fall 2023-No. 8
First Name
Last Name
College
Aubrey
Aird
Georgetown
Sean
Archer
Illinois State
Charlie
Batterson
Ole Miss
Marius
Edwards
Norwich
TJ
Finegan
Marist
Garrett
Getz
Northern Iowa
Harry
Hagan
Memphis
Harrison
Hellner
Appalachian State
Austin
Kosco
Auburn
Riley
Mahoney
Louisiana Tech
Quinton
Martin
New Hampshire
Lex
Minniear
Montana State
Zack
Nkadi
Loyola Chicago
Paxton
Pagel
MSU Mankato
Jacob
Queen
Tennessee Tech
Aiden
Reilly
Grand Valley State
Ray
Santiago
RPI
James
Santus
Vermont
Jacob
Thorberry
UNC-Wilmington