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SALT LAKE CITY - Thretton Palamo is one of the best rugby players in the country. At age 18 he earned a spot on the USA Men's Rugby team, and in 2007, became the youngest player in the history of the Rugby World Cup.
He was offered lucrative contracts overseas to play professionally but he turned them down. He chose instead to pursue an education and his dream of playing college football.
"I decided I could get an education and play football at the same time," says Palamo. "If this doesn't work out I can always go back to rugby with an education as a plan B."
"Everybody dreams to do this," says Palamo. "To walk on and try out and get a shot at playing for a school with a great reputation for football. I'm excited."
While playing for the national team in the 2007 World Cup in France, Thretton developed a relationship with teammate Blake Burdette.
"He was too young to go out (to party with teammates) and I didn't go out or anything so we became really good friends," recalls Burdette who is now the head rugby coach at Utah.
Burdette happened to be a Utah alum and member of the 2004 football team that finished 12-0 and won the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. When Thretton told him of his interest in school and football Blake knew the perfect place for him.
"He wanted to play football and I told him we'll get you connected with the right people," Burdette says. "So we did when he got on campus."
That is where Palamo's journey from rugby world cup to competing for the starting running back job at Utah began.
"Long story short, yeah, I just walked on, threw some pads on and I'm learning as I go."
"I thought when I put these pads on they are going to protect me but it just gives the defense more reason to throw their entire body at me," Thretton says. "It's not really protecting anything."
Palamo spent his freshman year at Utah just playing rugby. He led the team to a victory over Cal in the Collegiate Rugby Seven's tournament championship last June. Now a 22-year old Sophomore, he joined the football team this spring. It was his first time playing the sport since high school. You couldn't tell by his performance which has earned him a legitimate shot at the starting running back job in the fall.
"It is a work in progress with Thretton," says Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham. "He needs to continue to do the things he's doing. He's very attentive in meetings. He's a smart kid but it's all foreign to him. He has very little background in football but I'm pleased with his progress."
Palamo has the speed, power and athleticism to be a successful running back but he is still trying to master the details of the game. Making the adjustment from rugby to football is a process.
"I thought when I put these pads on they are going to protect me but it just gives the defense more reason to throw their entire body at me," Thretton says. "It's not really protecting anything."
Palamo will compete with freshman Harvey Langi and junior college transfer John White for the starting running back job this fall. His friend and rugby coach believes he has what it takes to win the job.
"I think he's gonna be good," Burdette says. "He's a great athlete and a great kid and he wants it. I think it's a recipe for success."
For Palamo this opportunity is a dream come true.
"Everybody dreams to do this," says Palamo. "To walk on and try out and get a shot at playing for a school with a great reputation for football. I'm excited. I'm aware of the situation and the competition that I have. I'm going to take it step-by-step and hopefully good things work out for me."
Thretton continues to play rugby for the Utes. He recently helped lead the team to a berth in the Collegiate Rugby Division final four. He will also play in the 2011 Collegiate Rugby Sevens tournament where the Utes will try to defend their title.
Email: jjensen@ksl.comTwitter: @JJSportsBeat
