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
Saverio Rocca
Director of Coaching
Sav Rocca is one of the few athletes to compete professionally in both AFL and the NFL. After more than 250 AFL games with Collingwood and North Melbourne, he made history as the oldest rookie in NFL history, punting for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders across six seasons.
Following his NFL career, Sav returned to the AFL as goal-kicking coach at Carlton (2015–2020), working with elite players to sharpen their kicking craft. Today, as Head Coach at The Gridiron Company, he draws on his unique journey from Australia to the US to mentor the next generation of athletes chasing college scholarships and professional opportunities abroad.
Darren Bennett
Technical Director
Darren Bennett is widely regarded as the pioneer of Australian punters in the NFL. After a successful AFL career with Melbourne and the Sydney Swans, he became an All-Pro punter with the San Diego Chargers and later played for the Minnesota Vikings.
Darren was selected to 2 Pro Bowls, The NFL Team of the Decade in the 1990’s, The 1996 All Madden Team and The San Diego Chargers 40th and 50th All Time Teams as well as finishing his Career with the Chargers records in punts and punt yards in a game, season and career.
In 2012, Darren was enshrined into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor. He is credited with introducing the Drop Punt into the American game in NFL Europe in 1995 and the NFL in 1997, leaving a lasting mark on American football.
Now based in the United States, Darren serves as Technical Director of The Gridiron Company. With his extensive network of NCAA coaches and recruiters, he leads the placement of our athletes into US colleges, ensuring every player has the best opportunity to secure a scholarship and succeed on and off the field.
Dwayne Armstrong
Scouting Director
Dwayne Armstrong brings decades of international football experience to The Gridiron Company. A former Iowa State University Letterman and defensive back, he spent time with the Los Angeles Raiders development squad (1993–95) before serving as an NFL International Development Manager (1998–2003).
He also made the Essendon Bombers’ AFL International List (1997–98) and was a key figure in the NFL Super Punt program (1999–2002), bridging Australian talent to opportunities in the NFL and World League.
Over his career, Dwayne has helped develop elite athletes who went on to succeed in the NFL, including Jon Ballantyne (Broncos), Sav Rocca (Eagles/Redskins), and Matt McBriar (Seattle, Dallas, Steelers, Chargers).
Today, as Scouting Director, Dwayne is focused on identifying Australia’s best kicking and punting talent and guiding them on the pathway to top NCAA college football programs in the United States.
Rhys Felton
WA Coaching
Rhys is an expert in both AFL and American football codes. Rhys played footy in WA up until U19s when he switched codes and went to the USA on a scholarship as a punter.
After being named to the All-American team twice, Rhys came back to Australia and won $100k in prize money in the longest kick-in Australia competition.
Specialising in the aspect of punting and kicking, Rhys heads up our coaching and development in Western Australia.
Rhys has been coaching for over 10 years and has a degree in Sports Science and Human Movement.
Rhys has worked with and passed on his knowledge to the current team of Australians who are making a name for themselves in college Football in the United States of America.
Our Trusted Partners
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
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
Mike Scifres - Chargers Legend, Carolina Panthers and UCLA Specialists Coach- California
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
Kenny Spencer - Michigan State Kicking and Punting Coach - Florida
Steve Christie - NFL Legend Bills/Chargers/Giants - Kicking and Punting Coach - East Coast
Mike Scifres - Chargers Legend, Carolina Panthers and UCLA Specialists Coach- California
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
Steve Christie - NFL Legend Bills/Chargers/Giants - Kicking and Punting Coach - East Coast
Steve Christie - NFL Legend Bills/Chargers/Giants - Kicking and Punting Coach - East Coast
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