Solomon Williams - Scrumhalf, University of California, Berkeley 

Williams arrives as one of the most decorated backs in the class. A three-time First Team All-American (2024, 2025, 2026) and the 2026 Rudy Scholz Award winner — college rugby's top individual honor — he served as vice-captain of a national championship team at Cal, where setting standards on and off the field was part of the job description. He's also logged serious international mileage, representing the USA at U18, U20, and U23 level. Williams started playing at five years old, following his father, who played collegiately at George Washington. Now a Data Science graduate out of Carlsbad, California, he's built his game on tempo — quick taps, sharp exit kicking, and a willingness to take defenders on one-on-one.

River Hanson - Center, Duke

Hanson's path to the draft runs through Duke football, not rugby. He played D1 safety for the Blue Devils in 2023–2024 before switching codes — and in just three years turned himself into a two-time NCR All-American. His own words on the jump: "I want to play and dominate on a global stage." For a league leaning into crossover athletes, Hanson is as clean a gridiron-to-rugby story as it gets.

Mario Storti - Fullback, Saint Mary's

Storti brings 11 years in the sport and a Bay Area rugby pedigree, having come up through De La Salle High School before starring at Saint Mary's. He captained both programs — De La Salle for a year, Saint Mary's for a year — and his file lists high-ball work, tackling, fitness, and athleticism as his calling cards under the posts. Off the field, he's got a plan already in place: once his playing days wind down, he wants to become a firefighter.

Nate Deegan - Hooker, Saint Mary's

Deegan's story has a full-circle quality to it. He grew up in the DC area, captained Gonzaga College High School's varsity side, and played club with Beltway Elite before helping Saint Mary's to a national championship run and 2025 All-American honors. He says he's been "watching the league since its inception" — a rare case of a prospect who grew up on the exact league he's now trying to join.

Logan Ballinger - Flanker, Life University

Ballinger rounds out the group after a long run through Life University's program, capped by a senior-year captaincy. A Delray Beach, Florida product who came up through the Boca Buccaneers club system starting in 2014, he's built his reputation on strong hands and work over the ball at the breakdown. His goal, in his own words: to become an Eagle.

How to watch: The MLR College Draft airs live Thursday, August 27 at 6:00 PM ET, streaming on @USMLR YouTube.

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