meet the team

Our team consists of ex-NFL players, college all-stars, seasoned coaches and US college system experts.

Together, we have the tools to ensure you succeed.

Read more about our experiences and expertise below

Two men wearing The Gridiron Company t-shirts holding footballs on a green sports field.
Collage of Sav Rocca in Australian football, coaching, and American football kicking action.
Saverio Rocca
Director of Coaching
One of the rare athletes to compete at the highest level in both AFL and NFL
  • 250+ AFL games (Collingwood & North Melbourne)
  • NFL punter for Philadelphia Eagles & Washington Commanders (6 seasons)
  • Oldest rookie in NFL history
  • Former AFL goal kicking coach at Carlton FC
Darren Bennett
Technical Director
A pioneer of Australian punters in the NFL.
  • AFL career with West Coast FC and Melbourne FC.
  • NFL All-Pro punter (San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings)
  • 2× Pro Bowl selection
  • Named to NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame & Ring of Honor
Collage of Darren Bennett playing Australian football and American football in action on field.
Smiling man in beanie and grey hoodie beside vintage football images of Dwayne Armstrong in action.
Dwayne Armstrong
Scouting Director
A global talent scout with deep roots in American football development.
  • Iowa State University Letterman (Defensive Back)
  • Los Angeles Raiders development squad
  • Essendon Football Culb reserves
  • Former NFL International Development Manager
  • Key figure in the NFL Super Punt program
  • Has helped develop NFL talent including Sav Rocca, Matt McBriar, and Jon Ballantyne.
Now Scouting Director at The Gridiron Company, Dwayne identifies and develops Australia’s top kicking and punting prospects, guiding them toward NCAA opportunities.
Rhys Felton
WA Coaching
A dual-code specialist in kicking and punting development.
  • Former AFL pathway player (WA) turned U.S. college punter
  • 2× All-American selection
  • Winner of Australia’s longest kick competition ($100K)
  • 10+ years coaching experience
  • Degree in Sports Science & Human Movement
Leads coaching and development in Western Australia, helping athletes refine their skills and transition into U.S. college football.
Rhys Felton in football gear punting ball and casual wear with quote as PFAU Perth coach and record punter.
Meet Your Coaches

our trusted partners

A purpose built U.S network built to open doors at the next level.

[headshot] image of customer (for a bars & pub)
Holly Smith Abbott - International Credential and Sport Advising LLC
Holly is our Academic transcript evaluation specialist. Prior to starting her own company, Holly served as the Assistant Director of International Academic Certification in the Eligibility Center at the NCAA National Office
Connect on LinkedIn
Learn more
[headshot] image of customer (for a bars & pub)
Ben Fentress - Fentress Kicking Recruitment and Placement Specialist
Ben is a former D1 Special Teams Coach and the most respected and honest Placement specialist in the USA
Connect on LinkedIn
Learn more
[headshot] image of customer (for a bars & pub)
Mike Scifres - Chargers Legend, Carolina Panthers and UCLA Specialists Coach- California
Mike took over from Darren Bennett as punter for the Chargers in 2004 and by the end of his 12 year career owned all team records for punting. Mike is  arguably the best punter ever in the NFL for hangtime , regularly achieving punts hanging over 5.7 seconds  in games and is a member of the Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
Connect on LinkedIn
Learn more
[headshot] image of customer (for a bars & pub)
Kenny Spencer - Michigan State Kicking and Punting Coach - Florida
Kenny is an American former kicker who played seven seasons in the Arena Football League. He was Specialists Coach and analyst at Michigan state University 2020-22
Connect on LinkedIn
Learn more
[headshot] image of customer (for a bars & pub)
Steve Christie - NFL Legend Bills/Chargers/Giants - Kicking and Punting Coach - East Coast
Steve Played 15 years in the NFL, mostly in Buffalo and was known for making field goals in some of the most difficult weather conditions. He was all Pro in 1990 and is a member of the Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary team
Connect on LinkedIn
Learn more