Utah general manger Brandon Sparks discussed Janowick following the draft.
“Greg is another player we’ve been tracking for the past two years,” Sparks said. “If you watched Tennessee’s game against Bowling Green for the national championship in the fall, you will understand he is more than just a big, tall rugby player.
“He came to Utah earlier this week for a pre-draft workout and we were impressed to see he had shed 30 pounds and transformed his body to be ready for the MLR environment. He did a great job learning from our coaches and players while here too, but the most impressive thing for us was how he is a student of the game. His scouting work of opposition and understanding of data applied to the game of rugby are traits we are passionate about with our players.”
No. 1 Tennessee defeated Bowling Green, 36-31, in the 2021 national championship game. Tennessee led 31-19 at halftime. Janowick scored three times in the first 18 minutes of the first half, helping Tennessee open a 24-0 lead.
Tennessee and Janowick did not lose to a college team in 15s competition from Nov. 2019-Dec. 2021.
The first hour of the 2022 MLR draft will be televised on FS2 at 7 p.m. EDT. Following the first hour, The Rugby Network will provide coverage.
Senior center Josh Shetler is one of 174 draft prospects listed by Major League Rugby.
Shetler discussed the upcoming draft with Vols Wire. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior mentioned he will play for Tennessee in 2022 regardless of being drafted or has a free agent opportunity.
Shetler took part in the Wisconsin combine ahead of the MLR draft.
No. 1 Tennessee defeated Bowling Green, 36-31, in the 2021 national championship game. Tennessee led 31-19 at halftime. Janowick scored three times in the first 18 minutes of the first half, helping Tennessee open a 24-0 lead.
Tennessee and Janowick did not lose to a college team in 15s competition from Nov. 2019-Dec. 2021.
Greg Janowick (4). Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire
“Greg is a fantastic college player,” Goff told Vols Wire. “Greg Janowick was a huge part of Tennessee’s amazing 2021 fall season and he brought a lot of power and aggression. As a pro he’d have to answer questions about his fitness. He’s a big, strong guy and his combine numbers reflect that, but can he build on his mobility and endurance to take it to the next level? That’s probably the main question. As with anyone trying to pursue a career in professional rugby, effort and strength of will count for a lot. If Janowick wants to put in the work, he can be an excellent professional player.
“With so many good locks going in the draft, he has competition, but could be picked up in the three draft rounds for sure, but if he’s an undrafted free agent, that might work better for him. He can move to a city, work hard in a team’s academy system or a high-level local club, show he can make the jump, and work out a contract from there.”
