Physicality is nothing new to T.J. Maguranyanga. An accomplished rugby player in the French rugby union league, the 22-year-old is adept at weaving through defenders and taking some hard hits when he can't -- all without a helmet or padded protection.

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Maguranyanga joined the NFL's International Player Pathway Program (IPP) in December for a 10-week training camp program and signed with the Washington Commanders as a defensive end in April. The IPP program was established in 2017 with the intention of growing the sport of American football globally by introducing talented, international athletes to the sport with the opportunity to grow their skills.

Having no prior experience in football, Monday morning's training camp practice was Magauranyanga's first time ever putting on the pads and experiencing a full-contact practice. Unlike American football, rugby emphasizes a style of tackling that minimizes contact above the shoulders, explaining why rugby players can walk away from full-contact plays largely unscathed.

"It's definitely a big adjustment," Maguranyanga said of suiting up in pads for the first time. "It's still just as physical as rugby, but just in a different way. With pads, you can manipulate and get manipulated in different ways than you can in rugby. So just adjusting to that and getting used to that is a big change."

For Maguranyanga, the hardest part about wearing full pads is getting used to the way they can impede certain movements he was used to making on the rugby pitch.

"They're not too heavy, but it's a big adjustment just having something strapped on your shoulders," Maguranyanga explained. "I'm not used to feeling a bit constricted, whereas in rugby, I feel very loose. But it's something I'm getting used to. I'm used to wearing my helmet now, I don't think about it much. So as the weeks and the practices go by, the pads will feel normal, and it will just be another day."

Although he had never picked up a football before entering the IPP in December, Maguranyanga has always had an interest in the sport.

"I grew up watching football," Maguranyama said. "The Ravens with Ray Lewis and the 'Legion of Boom' [with the Seahawks], that was my introduction to football. And then watching Odell Beckham Jr., I wanted to be a receiver growing up."

As a rugby player, Maguranyanga assumed the position of a wing, which is most closely associated with a combination of American football's wide receiver and running back positions. Positioned on the left or right backline of the offense, wingers are known for their speed and agility to maneuver through space and score.

Given Maguranyanga's prior athletic experience, it seemed natural to him that he would take up a position on the offense. After watching him play in practice, however, NFL International's Football Development Manager Dominic Fevrier-McPherson had a different idea of how to get the most out of Maguranyanga.

"Initially, I was gonna come into the program as a tight end, and then we did a workout, which was mostly like a linebacker, outside linebacker-type workout and he's like, 'I think you'd be a good edge.' Now I'm learning the trade, so I'm enjoying it."

As an edge rusher, Maguranyama has been taking snaps with the third and fourth teams during training camp. He's been learning primarily how to block and rush the quarterback, following his teammates' lead. Maguranyama has formed a strong relationship with veteran pass rusher Von Miller, who has been helping him learn the game both on the field and in the classroom.

"I love tackling, I love getting physical, and I'm loving the process of learning to be a pass rusher, especially now that we've got Von [Miller]," Maguranyama said. "It's very cool. He's someone I've looked up to, so to be able to be around him every single day and learn from him is great.

"Von's a great guy, super open. He helps me in the classroom, he helps me in the field, so honestly I can't complain. He's a great guy."

Aside from Miller, Maguranyanga feels the support of his friends and family from 7,948 miles away as he pursues a spot on the Commanders' 53-man roster.

"It's been amazing, I've got a nation of 17 million people behind me," Maguranyama said. "I've got an amazing family supporting me, so honestly, I can't complain. I'm just super grateful and privileged to be in the position I'm in today."