As scores of aspiring pro football players prepare to test their skills before NFL scouts in the coming weeks, one former college star is dreaming of a different future.

Washington linebacker Psalm Wooching announced on his Twitter account on Feb. 16 that he is forgoing a possible football career at the next level to instead focus on his "first love" -- rugby.

While Wooching was projected as a possible late-round NFL selection or an undrafted free agent signee, he has well-defined aspirations for his rugby career.

"My goal is to be able to represent my country while playing rugby and then on to playing in the next Olympics," Wooching wrote on Twitter. "This has been a dream of mine for quite some time and I will do anything to accomplish it. In doing so, I hope to have all of your support because my support system -- my fans and family -- have gotten me to where I am."


Washington Huskies linebacker Psalm Wooching (28) sacks Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ryan Burns (17) during the first quarter at Husky Stadium on Sept. 30, 2016. Wooching was named the Walter Camp national player of the week after registering three sacks in the Huskies' victory. Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Wooching was an honorable-mention all-Pac-12 selection at outside linebacker for the Huskies in 2016 after leading the conference's top defense with six sacks. The senior added 42 tackles -- including seven for loss -- and forced two fumbles.

A Hawaii native, Wooching grew up playing rugby in his home state and didn't make his first foray onto the football field until high school, viewing it initially as a "girly sport." He is a former member of the U.S. junior rugby team and led Washington's club rugby squad to the Division I-AA Varsity Cup national title in 2014.

The 6-foot-4, 231-pound also has recent experience playing sevens with the Seattle Saracens rugby team.

Wooching is no stranger to big announcements over the past year. In November, he gathered some of his Washington teammates together after practice at Husky Stadium and orchestrated a surprise marriage proposal to his girlfriend, former UW softball player Courtney Gano, at midfield.