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There were many success stories before and during the victories in Amiens, not least the emergence of two bright young stars of the National Programme. Both are excellent examples of how the progression from Team England and Scotland, to GB Youth to GB Senior should occur.
OLB Jason Brisbane was the tournament’s leading tackler, using blazing speed and a knack for the big play to drive the GB defense in Amiens. He made arguably the biggest play of the tournament for the Lions when against France, the opening kick off was lost inside the GB 25-yard line. On the ensuing play, Jason read the route of Frankfurt Galaxy’s WR Marc Soumah perfectly, and picked off the ball to end the threat. His athletic ability and pass rushing skills were maximised with several specific defenses installed to deal with the French offense, and his play was a major factor in upsetting their offensive rhythm.
He first came to prominence as a pass rushing DE/OLB in the European Junior Championships in 2002. On an unremarkable team, Jason made play after play, and proved his toughness by playing with a cast and a pin in a stabilised broken wrist. A further strong performance came in the 2002 England vs Scotland game, reinforcing his great potential. A star on the London Blitz defense since then, Jason was recognised as the BSL MVP last season, a remarkable feat for any young player, let alone a defensive player. In addition to this, his value and potential for the future was recognised by GB HC Riq Ayub, who named him a permanent vice-captain at the December camp.
Another fast developing player is CB Adam Biggs, who followed a similar route to Jason into the GB Senior team. After trying out for the GB youth team as a WR, Adam travelled to Holland but did not see action. His graduation to the BSL saw Adam really emerge as a force to be reckoned with. Adam showed an uncanny ability to make plays in coverage, and demonstrated a willing, physical style of play, cutting down runners in open field and run support. Still learning, he relied heavily on athletic ability, but as his skills increased, so did his productivity.
Adam made an immediate impact at the GB trials, and was earmarked immediately by Coaches Ayub and Mulhall, as a must take player for the European Championships. Nicknamed ‘Rookie Biggs’ by DB Coach Eddie Thompson, Adam proved a quick study, and was solid throughout the entire tournament, picking off a pass against Spain and not giving up a single long pass against the vaunted French wideouts. Adam’s intelligence, athletic ability and unassuming personality will serve him well in the future.
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