The Men’s Junior All Americans first winter camp wrapped up, but the group - or at least two-thirds of them - will be back for another go in January.

Fifty-two players were at the Casa Grande Academy in Arizona, and in January 15, about 35, including a few who weren’t there this December, will be brought in for the second camp.

Interim Head Coach JD Stephenson said he was pleased with what he and the coaches saw, but it’s not all settled - some other players remain on the radar.

“We saw a pretty well-rounded group,” said Stephenson, who is also Head Coach at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. “In terms of the skills we tested we were quite happy. We are a bit thin positionally in some areas.”

That’s the truth. While the player pool is deep in talented scrumhalves and especially flyhalves - a rarity in American rugby - other areas need help. It’s nothing new, really, that the U20s will need height. But finding that right combination of height, strength, pace, and fitness is a tall order (pun intended). 

There are several talented athletes who normally play No. 8 who might move - that’s happened before.

But back to the halfback situation, where, usually, an age-grade is trying to hold onto the few experience, skilled playmakers unearthed in the scouting process. Stephenson & Co. have such riches that we might well see some players moved to other positions.

The front row looks very solid, as well, and that will be important going forward.

On a more macro scale, things look good, said Stephenson. 

“We talked over our defensive and offensive philosophy,” said the coach. “We had very coachable guys, no dramas, no problems, no tardiness. Overall, it was a win for us. We have the right processes in place, and we’re moving toward the right outcomes. This was a big evaluation camp for both the players and the coaches. We have more buy-in now.”

The U20 program has been shaken thanks to coaching changes and upheavals. But with a little solidity behind it, and another assembly slated for January before the February 13 clash with the Canada U20s in Austin, Texas. It’s not a lot, but it’s a plan.