2026 Syracuse Lacrosse Depth Chart | Syracusefan.com

2026 Syracuse Lacrosse Depth Chart

Powellfan

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I know Xtreme posted the predicted roster for next year, and I thought I would put this there, but I thought it deserved it's own thread. Would love to hear other's thoughts about what they think the starting lineup for the Orange will look like next year. SU brings back a ton of talent, but they do have some glaring holes that need to be addressed. This upcoming year has been the season SU has been building toward for the past three years. It all comes down to this. They made incredible progress the last couple of years, but it feels like this year is championship or bust, as so many seniors say goodbye after this year. Will it come together? We saw how this good team can be at times, and also how frustrating they can be. Which version plays on the field in 2026?

Attack: Joey Spallina (sr), Payton Anderson (so), Trey Deere (jr)
Spallina returns to most likely break all of the Syracuse scoring records. He should be ultra motivated to seal his legacy in a Syracuse jersey. I think coaches need to do a better job of putting him in spots where he succeeds best (off ball, not dodging 1v1). Anderson is the huge X factor. Many of us have been hoping for a better dodger on the attack, and he looks to fit the bill. He showed great promise this past year, but also some growing pains. He has huge shoes to fill with the graduation of Owen Hiltz. Trey Deere I have questions about. Not about his talent as he's a great player who can finish the ball very well. But he was benched last year when the Orange opened up ACC play in favor of Anderson. If the Orange move Thomson to midfield, that makes who to short stick pretty easy. He also had trouble finishing some pretty easy shots at the start of the year. If he does get the start at attack, he needs to shoot around 50% to really make an impact.

1st Midfield: Michael Leo (sr), Luke Rhoa (sr), Finn Thomson (sr)
A veteran group gets one last ride together. Leo looks poised to be a First Team American this year, as he's an explosive dodger who shots the ball really well. He probably could stand to pass the ball better as you can tell when he gets tunnel vision, but that feels like nitpicking. Rhoa just needs to work on his consistency. If he gets the ball on goal, it's probably going in. The issue is getting it on goal (just 47% of the time, lowest by far of all starters). He didn't look nearly as aggressive after coming back from injury this year, so I wonder if he was dealing with something. Extremely valuable given his two-handedness. The big question is how they replace Sam English on this line. Thomson can probably match his point totals (38 points as a middie in 2024), but he's not going to do it dodging. Overall this is a very good group, but if teams are able to double pole Rhoa and Leo, that could lead to issues.

2nd Midfield: Tyler McCarthy (jr), Wyatt Hottle (jr), Bogue Hahn (fr)
This is where things get concerning. McCarthy really struggled shooting the ball this year (13%). He is a decent dodger and passer, and you can tell he's athletic, but I can't help but feel he's better suited as a defensive midfielder. Hottle scored some nice goals this past year, but he just looks too small to be an effective middie in a big game. I just don't think he has the shooting range and he's not quite fast enough to make up for his size. Both Hottle and McCarthy can hold their own on defense though, which I think makes the coaching staff more comfortable playing them. Hahn is a five star lefty from McDonogh. They also bring in highly regarded Ted Rawson from Lawrenceville. Syracuse desperately needs to get more production out of their second unit. Perhaps Jackson Birtwistle comes back to use a redshirt year, but that seems unlikely. Koby White and Matt McIntee were highly rated freshmen this year who sat out with injuries, but one or both might be needed on the defensive end.

Face-off: John Mullen (jr), Drew Angelo (so)
Wings: McCarthy, Jayden Kittelberger (fr), Chuck Kucynski (r-jr), Vincent Bolognino (so), Joe Filardi (fr)
Mullen was all we could have asked for and more this season. He finished the year at 63% and broke a bunch of long standing SU records. He did fade a bit down the stretch and was sub 50% for the last two games of the year, but have to imagine he'll come back even better next year. Plus his offensive game grew as the season went along. The issue is his back up, as Angelo struggled last year and was replaced by Johny Richiusa, who didn't fare much better and graduated. Recruiting a transfer to be a backup for two years is going to be a tough sell, but Syracuse cannot go into next year with just two fogos on the roster. Wings take a big hit with English, Carter Rice and Nick Caccamo departing. McCarthy saw a lot of reps last year and finished with 17 grounders - not a lot but the most of any returning middie not named English.

LSM: Kucynski, Bolognino, Filardi
The Orange need to replace starter Caccamo, but return a few players with experience. Kucynski was the backup last year and there was little drop off from Caccamo. He's very aggressive and throws really hard checks. That said I don't think he'll ever reach AA status. Bologinio had to fill in as a SSDM last year. He's not very big which gives me some pause. He was a highly rated LSM coming in from Long Island and it's probably not entirely fair to judge a player making a position switch as a freshman. Filardi is the wild card. Spent this spring with the football team so if he does play lacrosse next year, he will have had quite a layoff from the sport (assuming he plays football this fall). He put up massive offensive numbers as a junior, something this unit lacked this season. Dylan Sageder also returns as a senior, but it feels like he keeps getting passed over.

SSDM: Kittelberger, Ryder Ochoa (jr), Jake Spallina (jr)
This is the position in greatest need of help. Kittelberger will be just a freshman, but he is a big fast kid who has played the position in prep school, so I have no problem slotting him in as our best option here. Ochoa has great size but struggled to keep up with his man all season. Spallina plays tough, but too often was over powered physically. It felt like most goals that were scored this year came after a shorty was beaten and an early slide needed to come, or the player just scored off the dodge. The Orange lose their best player in Rice, and also have to fill the shifts English took here. Have to hope someone like McIntee or White, who were hurt last year can make an impact here. Still, it feels like a lot to ask for. Maybe Nate LeVine comes back, but he would be missing all of fall ball with his injury. That just seems like a lot to ask for as well. The transfer portal doesn't look to be overflowing with talent at the position here either. Syracuse has a lot of work to do here and is by far my biggest concern.

Defense: Riley Figuerias (r-jr), Billy Dwan (sr), Donny Scott (r-so)
Figuerias and Dwan form a really great duo of defenders. Figuerias can take the shiftier, quicker players while Dwan can handle the bigger ones. That said, Dwan did struggle last year, especially in the clearing game. When he's on, he's one of the better close defenders out there, but he's not invincible. Hopefully he can regain his scoring touch as well as that seemed to affect him last year. The big question is who takes over for Michael Grace. He wasn't the best on individual defending, but he was great off ball, and brought a ton of intangibles to the field (54 grounders, the most of any long pole on the team). We've had years with long poles who couldn't pick up groundballs, and those were rough years. Scott we've been waiting on a couple of years now and he came in with big accolades. Sometimes it's not all about 1v1 defending, especially when you've got guys who can handle the 1st and 2nd matchup. Who can communicate? Grace sounds like he was a big leader of the defense. Dillon Stephens comes off a redshirt year and was a top 100 recruit by IL. After watching Maryland play defense with a bunch of brick (expletive) houses as long poles, Stephens offers solid size at 6'1 205 (Scott is listed as 6 188). Should be an interesting battle for that last spot.

Goalie: Jimmy McCool (r-jr)
Lots of talk about McCool's performance this season, but overall I thought he was really good. A lot of the goals he gave up this year weren't his fault, and he stood on his head a number of games this year, named ACC Goalie of the Year, an All American depending on where you look. Could he stand to play better at times? Yes, but I don't think he's the first thing you fix with this defense (it's the shorties).

Overall this team should once again compete for a national title. Can they cross the finish line? It feels like to catch their nemesis (Maryland), they will have to do some work in the portal. It's been often discussed, but one more offensive players (middie or attack, given Thomson's ability to play both), a backup fogo, ssdm help and maybe a close defender. It sounds like a lot, but they are really refining things rather than trying to rebuild any one spot (okay maybe ssdm). How the offense operates next year I think is the big question I have. Syracuse play a really exciting brand of lacrosse that is super effective against 95% of the teams in the country. But when they come face to face with a defense like Maryland, or any team that can really outmuscle them, things come to a grinding halt. How do they counteract that? They aren't going to reinvent how they play this offseason, so it's more about finding plan B or plan C. If Anderson reaches his potential that will really help. If they can get one more dodging midfielder or attackman that would also be huge.

Okay, hoping all facets of the team improve this offseason and they come back ready to compete for a title next year. I think it's within their grasps.

Go 'Cuse!
 
I know Xtreme posted the predicted roster for next year, and I thought I would put this there, but I thought it deserved it's own thread. Would love to hear other's thoughts about what they think the starting lineup for the Orange will look like next year. SU brings back a ton of talent, but they do have some glaring holes that need to be addressed. This upcoming year has been the season SU has been building toward for the past three years. It all comes down to this. They made incredible progress the last couple of years, but it feels like this year is championship or bust, as so many seniors say goodbye after this year. Will it come together? We saw how this good team can be at times, and also how frustrating they can be. Which version plays on the field in 2026?

Attack: Joey Spallina (sr), Payton Anderson (so), Trey Deere (jr)
Spallina returns to most likely break all of the Syracuse scoring records. He should be ultra motivated to seal his legacy in a Syracuse jersey. I think coaches need to do a better job of putting him in spots where he succeeds best (off ball, not dodging 1v1). Anderson is the huge X factor. Many of us have been hoping for a better dodger on the attack, and he looks to fit the bill. He showed great promise this past year, but also some growing pains. He has huge shoes to fill with the graduation of Owen Hiltz. Trey Deere I have questions about. Not about his talent as he's a great player who can finish the ball very well. But he was benched last year when the Orange opened up ACC play in favor of Anderson. If the Orange move Thomson to midfield, that makes who to short stick pretty easy. He also had trouble finishing some pretty easy shots at the start of the year. If he does get the start at attack, he needs to shoot around 50% to really make an impact.

1st Midfield: Michael Leo (sr), Luke Rhoa (sr), Finn Thomson (sr)
A veteran group gets one last ride together. Leo looks poised to be a First Team American this year, as he's an explosive dodger who shots the ball really well. He probably could stand to pass the ball better as you can tell when he gets tunnel vision, but that feels like nitpicking. Rhoa just needs to work on his consistency. If he gets the ball on goal, it's probably going in. The issue is getting it on goal (just 47% of the time, lowest by far of all starters). He didn't look nearly as aggressive after coming back from injury this year, so I wonder if he was dealing with something. Extremely valuable given his two-handedness. The big question is how they replace Sam English on this line. Thomson can probably match his point totals (38 points as a middie in 2024), but he's not going to do it dodging. Overall this is a very good group, but if teams are able to double pole Rhoa and Leo, that could lead to issues.

2nd Midfield: Tyler McCarthy (jr), Wyatt Hottle (jr), Bogue Hahn (fr)
This is where things get concerning. McCarthy really struggled shooting the ball this year (13%). He is a decent dodger and passer, and you can tell he's athletic, but I can't help but feel he's better suited as a defensive midfielder. Hottle scored some nice goals this past year, but he just looks too small to be an effective middie in a big game. I just don't think he has the shooting range and he's not quite fast enough to make up for his size. Both Hottle and McCarthy can hold their own on defense though, which I think makes the coaching staff more comfortable playing them. Hahn is a five star lefty from McDonogh. They also bring in highly regarded Ted Rawson from Lawrenceville. Syracuse desperately needs to get more production out of their second unit. Perhaps Jackson Birtwistle comes back to use a redshirt year, but that seems unlikely. Koby White and Matt McIntee were highly rated freshmen this year who sat out with injuries, but one or both might be needed on the defensive end.

Face-off: John Mullen (jr), Drew Angelo (so)
Wings: McCarthy, Jayden Kittelberger (fr), Chuck Kucynski (r-jr), Vincent Bolognino (so), Joe Filardi (fr)
Mullen was all we could have asked for and more this season. He finished the year at 63% and broke a bunch of long standing SU records. He did fade a bit down the stretch and was sub 50% for the last two games of the year, but have to imagine he'll come back even better next year. Plus his offensive game grew as the season went along. The issue is his back up, as Angelo struggled last year and was replaced by Johny Richiusa, who didn't fare much better and graduated. Recruiting a transfer to be a backup for two years is going to be a tough sell, but Syracuse cannot go into next year with just two fogos on the roster. Wings take a big hit with English, Carter Rice and Nick Caccamo departing. McCarthy saw a lot of reps last year and finished with 17 grounders - not a lot but the most of any returning middie not named English.

LSM: Kucynski, Bolognino, Filardi
The Orange need to replace starter Caccamo, but return a few players with experience. Kucynski was the backup last year and there was little drop off from Caccamo. He's very aggressive and throws really hard checks. That said I don't think he'll ever reach AA status. Bologinio had to fill in as a SSDM last year. He's not very big which gives me some pause. He was a highly rated LSM coming in from Long Island and it's probably not entirely fair to judge a player making a position switch as a freshman. Filardi is the wild card. Spent this spring with the football team so if he does play lacrosse next year, he will have had quite a layoff from the sport (assuming he plays football this fall). He put up massive offensive numbers as a junior, something this unit lacked this season. Dylan Sageder also returns as a senior, but it feels like he keeps getting passed over.

SSDM: Kittelberger, Ryder Ochoa (jr), Jake Spallina (jr)
This is the position in greatest need of help. Kittelberger will be just a freshman, but he is a big fast kid who has played the position in prep school, so I have no problem slotting him in as our best option here. Ochoa has great size but struggled to keep up with his man all season. Spallina plays tough, but too often was over powered physically. It felt like most goals that were scored this year came after a shorty was beaten and an early slide needed to come, or the player just scored off the dodge. The Orange lose their best player in Rice, and also have to fill the shifts English took here. Have to hope someone like McIntee or White, who were hurt last year can make an impact here. Still, it feels like a lot to ask for. Maybe Nate LeVine comes back, but he would be missing all of fall ball with his injury. That just seems like a lot to ask for as well. The transfer portal doesn't look to be overflowing with talent at the position here either. Syracuse has a lot of work to do here and is by far my biggest concern.

Defense: Riley Figuerias (r-jr), Billy Dwan (sr), Donny Scott (r-so)
Figuerias and Dwan form a really great duo of defenders. Figuerias can take the shiftier, quicker players while Dwan can handle the bigger ones. That said, Dwan did struggle last year, especially in the clearing game. When he's on, he's one of the better close defenders out there, but he's not invincible. Hopefully he can regain his scoring touch as well as that seemed to affect him last year. The big question is who takes over for Michael Grace. He wasn't the best on individual defending, but he was great off ball, and brought a ton of intangibles to the field (54 grounders, the most of any long pole on the team). We've had years with long poles who couldn't pick up groundballs, and those were rough years. Scott we've been waiting on a couple of years now and he came in with big accolades. Sometimes it's not all about 1v1 defending, especially when you've got guys who can handle the 1st and 2nd matchup. Who can communicate? Grace sounds like he was a big leader of the defense. Dillon Stephens comes off a redshirt year and was a top 100 recruit by IL. After watching Maryland play defense with a bunch of brick (expletive) houses as long poles, Stephens offers solid size at 6'1 205 (Scott is listed as 6 188). Should be an interesting battle for that last spot.

Goalie: Jimmy McCool (r-jr)
Lots of talk about McCool's performance this season, but overall I thought he was really good. A lot of the goals he gave up this year weren't his fault, and he stood on his head a number of games this year, named ACC Goalie of the Year, an All American depending on where you look. Could he stand to play better at times? Yes, but I don't think he's the first thing you fix with this defense (it's the shorties).

Overall this team should once again compete for a national title. Can they cross the finish line? It feels like to catch their nemesis (Maryland), they will have to do some work in the portal. It's been often discussed, but one more offensive players (middie or attack, given Thomson's ability to play both), a backup fogo, ssdm help and maybe a close defender. It sounds like a lot, but they are really refining things rather than trying to rebuild any one spot (okay maybe ssdm). How the offense operates next year I think is the big question I have. Syracuse play a really exciting brand of lacrosse that is super effective against 95% of the teams in the country. But when they come face to face with a defense like Maryland, or any team that can really outmuscle them, things come to a grinding halt. How do they counteract that? They aren't going to reinvent how they play this offseason, so it's more about finding plan B or plan C. If Anderson reaches his potential that will really help. If they can get one more dodging midfielder or attackman that would also be huge.

Okay, hoping all facets of the team improve this offseason and they come back ready to compete for a title next year. I think it's within their grasps.

Go 'Cuse!
Thank you!
 
what about beck with figgy n dwan? Beck has great size also n was on man down for last two years. Also i think you keep bolingino at ssdm as he has nice speed n decent strength. He was thrown in out of no where cause injury and i think he did well considered he didn’t train there much at all. N for lsm ya go with chuck , scott n even sadeger. Grant think picking on contested n hard gbs all poles n lsms should work on often n very often.

There few other poles know nothing about ryan stephens so who knows what their able to do. But ocaho did tail off toward end of season think he is ok vs guys who arnt speedy. As he has size n strong but if they have speed he’s toast as he can’t keep up at all. So think you need match him up with the bigger slower guys n he will be fine most of time. Think mccarthy is gonna be or their hoping to be their next english. Someone who can play both ways. Think they should also try this with kempney as he has nice speed n athletic also.

Def need a fogo or mullen needs to take angelo under his wing and get him up to speed. Sure if mullen can help train or give pointers he can be hopefully least a solid breather for him. Or get td irrland back to train them. I also think for O we need to get least 1-2 guys who can really sniper ball with heat. Kellogge had hard shot coming here but besides few times on man up before never seeing field if can get him dialed in to be a hammer think could go long way. As said teams who pack it in and very good at protecting the middle if can’t beat them 1v1 then you have to have snipers with good solid range. That will force D to have to come out n press n then you take your inside looks.
 
What about Bucktooth Jr.? Where do we see him contributing next year, and how high is his ceiling?
 
What about Bucktooth Jr.? Where do we see him contributing next year, and how high is his ceiling?

Still very raw for this level, he has the potential to get on the field but I think it's highly unlikely he sees any significant time next year.
 
With the caveat that it’s very hard for Freshman to make an impact in the ACC, I think the ‘25 short-stick class has a chance to contribute:

Hahn is a do everything middie, highly skilled, very athletic, and high IQ

Rawson is an athletic Canadian with a lot of field experience at one of the top prep programs (Lawrenceville)

Meyer is a big bodied, athletic, above GLE dodger with box experience as well

Kittleberger is the top SSDM in the class, a superior athlete

Pike is a downhill dodging wrecking ball

Banks is a super high IQ complementary player, the kind that does all the little things
 
Here is a relevant full game if anyone wants to a see a couple guys who could compete for time next year. Lots of good stuff from Rawson and Kittelberger in this one. I flipped around through most of it last night.

Rawson (#10 red) is tiny and not the strongest looking guy, but has both a killer first step/speed and a strong/accurate shot like many Canadians who also play box. Also some very impressive stick skills when needed. He is often matched up with Kittelberger in this game so it is a perfect chance to see both. 2 nice goals late in the game dodging on other ssdms and plenty of other good opportunities as well.

This was my first time seeing Kittelberger (#5 white) in a full game. He is without question big and strong enough for D1. Stands out over everyone else on the field with his size and strength. He has an excellent goal in transition in this one with a shot on the run from long range and a couple almosts as well. I don't know if he will come in right away and have the quickness to match feet as well as Rice (a tall order) but man when he gets a full head of steam on the clears he is blazing. Certainly has the attributes you want to see for a D1 short stick. Rawson gets a step on him a couple times, but he also gets a clean CT on him and almost scores on the one man clear after. Turns away English a couple times too. Nobody scores on him cleanly 1v1 but '26 recruit Peck gets very close on a play where they get mismatched (good stuff from him in this one too). Overall lots to be excited about from him in this one. Could easily play right away for us.

 
Stephens might be a bit underrated since he missed his HS Sr year with a torn ACL. Physical AF defender.

Major Dark horse for next year along with Bolognino, both could see the field and may have this year if not for injuries and ability to red-shirt.
 
Bolognino just needs to get some weight on him, he's athletic but struggled with physical dodgers.
 
Bolognino just needs to get some weight on him, he's athletic but struggled with physical dodgers.

Agreed, I think it shows his athleticism that he saw time at SSDM this year once Levine went down. I think he does need to bulk up a bit but I think he could be in competition for major minutes at LSM next year especially if Filardi is behind schedule and or SSDM if needed.
 
So who do we have returning and coming in as freshman for ssdm?
Anyone wanna list em all…
 
So who do we have returning and coming in as freshman for ssdm?
Anyone wanna list em all…

Powellfan noted it above, Kittelberger is likely to see PT right away perhaps even start.
 
I'm quite a novice fan but from what I can tell, there's probably 10-12 really solid experienced players and then everything after that is a bit of a crapshoot. Will need the classic "soft underbelly" to make big strides in the off-season.
 
With the caveat that it’s very hard for Freshman to make an impact in the ACC, I think the ‘25 short-stick class has a chance to contribute:

Hahn is a do everything middie, highly skilled, very athletic, and high IQ

Rawson is an athletic Canadian with a lot of field experience at one of the top prep programs (Lawrenceville)

Meyer is a big bodied, athletic, above GLE dodger with box experience as well

Kittleberger is the top SSDM in the class, a superior athlete

Pike is a downhill dodging wrecking ball

Banks is a super high IQ complementary player, the kind that does all the little things

This is a great breakdown. I have high hopes for this class. I am especially excited for Meyer and Kittelbereger as they seem to offer an athletic and size level we have been missing these last few years.

We will definitely need to see better contributions from the non-senior class next season. The rising junior and sophomore classes have not done a whole lot for the Orange so far. Between the two classes, I think a grand total of three players have contributed in the way you would expect for highly ranked classes (Mullen, Anderson and Deere). 13 guys were ranked in the top 100 by IL between the two classes (eight for the jrs, 5 for the sophs). That is not a great hit rate.

Of the players in the top 100, the rising sophomore class has some excuses, as McIntee and White were hurt and redshirted and Stephens was stuck behind Michael Grace and also redshirted. Bologinio struggled a bit, but he was playing out of position and filling in due to injury. Feels like the trio of McIntee, White and Stephens have to contribute next year in a meaningful way, hopefully on defense.

The rising junior class ... not so much. Ippoliti has been behind McCool, and Scott was hurt his freshman year and was also behind Grace. But other players like Hottle, McCarthy and Jake Spallina saw lots of time and didn't perform the way we needed them to. Tucker Kellogg didn't see the field. To only have Deere (and that might be debatable given he wasn't a full time starter) and Mullen contribute is a tough look.

This team had a depth problem this year, specifically because the underclassmen didn't live up to their billing (some are excused due to injury but some are certainly not). I like the offensive talent we are bringing in on offense for the '26 class, but it makes me nervous to rely on that many freshmen (two, three?) when competing for a championship. The second line midfield was perhaps the most glaring issue. I think you want to see something from that unit that makes you comfortable projecting them onto the first line in the future. Outside of Anderson, I didn't see that from the group. Kittleberger looks set to contribute in a big way, but he'll need help. Where is that coming from?

Anyways long post to simply say, "we need better depth", but we do. It's a question as to where it comes from. Do the underclassmen improve? Do you hope the freshmen pan out? Do you hit the portal? Hopefully it's a bit from all three buckets.
 
This is a great breakdown. I have high hopes for this class. I am especially excited for Meyer and Kittelbereger as they seem to offer an athletic and size level we have been missing these last few years.

We will definitely need to see better contributions from the non-senior class next season. The rising junior and sophomore classes have not done a whole lot for the Orange so far. Between the two classes, I think a grand total of three players have contributed in the way you would expect for highly ranked classes (Mullen, Anderson and Deere). 13 guys were ranked in the top 100 by IL between the two classes (eight for the jrs, 5 for the sophs). That is not a great hit rate.

Of the players in the top 100, the rising sophomore class has some excuses, as McIntee and White were hurt and redshirted and Stephens was stuck behind Michael Grace and also redshirted. Bologinio struggled a bit, but he was playing out of position and filling in due to injury. Feels like the trio of McIntee, White and Stephens have to contribute next year in a meaningful way, hopefully on defense.

The rising junior class ... not so much. Ippoliti has been behind McCool, and Scott was hurt his freshman year and was also behind Grace. But other players like Hottle, McCarthy and Jake Spallina saw lots of time and didn't perform the way we needed them to. Tucker Kellogg didn't see the field. To only have Deere (and that might be debatable given he wasn't a full time starter) and Mullen contribute is a tough look.

This team had a depth problem this year, specifically because the underclassmen didn't live up to their billing (some are excused due to injury but some are certainly not). I like the offensive talent we are bringing in on offense for the '26 class, but it makes me nervous to rely on that many freshmen (two, three?) when competing for a championship. The second line midfield was perhaps the most glaring issue. I think you want to see something from that unit that makes you comfortable projecting them onto the first line in the future. Outside of Anderson, I didn't see that from the group. Kittleberger looks set to contribute in a big way, but he'll need help. Where is that coming from?

Anyways long post to simply say, "we need better depth", but we do. It's a question as to where it comes from. Do the underclassmen improve? Do you hope the freshmen pan out? Do you hit the portal? Hopefully it's a bit from all three buckets.
Kinda feel that’s why need to know why these coaches are doing or how they’re trying to help improve these guys. Also gait didn’t use alot of guys or give many guys any tryout guess will say. Yes don’t know what goes on in practice but also don’t mean kids arnt doing enough to get a chance at game time n gait just doesn’t n sticks with main guys. Also why think in game we should clearly win play few guys early n see how they do. Don’t let things get way out of hand before changing if goes wrong. But give meaningful mins.

Some kids takes couple games get into flow or use to it. I can’t think all these guys are bust or just not good enough to see field. Hope coaches are not only trying to win but get these younger guys better to help us down the line. Also why need to find out what all their strengths is n put them in spot to emphasize that. Giving them chance to use their strengths at first help with confidence n then see what they can do otherwise.

Some kids just hit wall n don’t get better but others improve. But also on coaches to help do that. As hottle and mccarthy did not see improve thru the year at all n wonder if can be put on coaches. As said coaching isn’t just bout winning n losing but also need to pull out the best version of these players they can be. With help of those players also.
 
Think our 2nd line midfield struggled also cause we’re all younger guys inexperienced n lacked confidence. Why i thought might of helped to put english or bump fin up to second line middie with rotation of the normal 2nd line guys. So least would have had some experience n seniority with the younger guys.

Thought if went with hottle/mccarthy with thompson, would given ya two dodgers with a highly smart finisher. Could dropped bear/deere down to attack. 2nd line middies just didn’t seem to know what to do or mostly looking to just go thru attack. Never saw any invert (not even with top line didn’t happen much). Plus don’t just wanted dodgers who just run. Leo there isn’t a lot of plant or spins or hesitation moves. Same goes with english. Or if they do change direction it’s slower which gives d better chance to recover.

As watched goldstien n kirst dodge when they do move its quick n then go. We don’t have dodgers like a tucker who can plant hard n go other way in flash. Don’t always have to just run by your guy but have to be on point with your moves know what n where ya wanna get to n while feeling the pressure of defender n take what is open. Maby ofarrel can do some these things the one goal he had was something like that. He went one way n quickly spun other way n hands free bang. Said guys also have to be better shooting with pressure or shooting thru defenders. Don’t always need 2-3 steps or even full step. Really just need half second n let it rip.

I was a fast could spin plant do things people had no idea how i could which also doing all that helped me tare my acl n mcl twice each all in same knee. To which i lost good bit of my speed n when came to other stuff use to do. Mentally had trouble doing it at full speed like use to. So had to adjust n find other ways be affected dodger. Which got better at quickly letting it go even if wasn’t out of shooting stance. Got better hiding my stick more my stick protection got better. Inside finishing got better. Just saying speed surely helps a lot but isn’t everything to be a successful dodger.
 
Delayed reaction and haven’t looked up any data, but on some level, is having the sense that a Deere make a big jump an expectation?

This junior class is beyond the pace setter, it’s them and everyone else. I just have to believe there will be a jump from a non-‘22 class guy or two, like how Mullen and McCool made BIG step in contributions this year for departing members of those classes.

Maybe it’s as simple as figuring out if there is a leader challenging the Deere’s and Bear’s that a ring depends on them, not the seniors. Not sure what the leadership looks like off the field.

Gut just says for this team to win it all next year, we need the seniors to embrace the moment, have a key transfer brought it at SSDM, back-up FOGO, and have Hahn flash in spots with some swagger. But those seniors just can’t be the stat pilers, but encourage that next level.
 
Do we have a strong recruiting class coming in? If we do maybe they can help with depth.
 
6th best recruiting class in the Nation according to IL

We have Bogue Hahn as our one 5 star and 6 4 stars and 2 3 Stars, I see maybe 2 of the 4 stars alongside Hahn could see significant playing time next year (Jayden Kittleberger almsot certainly will , Joe Filardi has the talent provided him not playing competitive Lax in 1.5 years doesn't have as large of an effect as I fear it might ) I think Ted Rawson and Jake Meyer play a bit, but not a truly significant minutes and most of the rest probably redshirt or play sparingly.
 
6th best recruiting class in the Nation according to IL

We have Bogue Hahn as our one 5 star and 6 4 stars and 2 3 Stars, I see maybe 2 of the 4 stars alongside Hahn could see significant playing time next year (Jayden Kittleberger almsot certainly will , Joe Filardi has the talent provided him not playing competitive Lax in 1.5 years doesn't have as large of an effect as I fear it might ) I think Ted Rawson and Jake Meyer play a bit, but not a truly significant minutes and most of the rest probably redshirt or play sparingly.
Hahn is the closest to plug & play ready with Kittelberger right there as well. Meyer slots in as a future righty, high wing attackman but more likely to need a year at college level, so I would think he gets 2nd line middie runs similar to Anderson, if any. Rawson can absolutely play but his game models similar to a lot of upperclassman and that probably blocks his path to minutes. Similar to Meyer, he may see 2nd line minutes, if any.

As for Filardi (and Wyatt Bowman if he still has the lax itch), it will be interesting to see how the dual sport opportunity plays out in the Dome. ND has made it work. UNC is fully committed to it.
 
6th best recruiting class in the Nation according to IL

We have Bogue Hahn as our one 5 star and 6 4 stars and 2 3 Stars, I see maybe 2 of the 4 stars alongside Hahn could see significant playing time next year (Jayden Kittleberger almsot certainly will , Joe Filardi has the talent provided him not playing competitive Lax in 1.5 years doesn't have as large of an effect as I fear it might ) I think Ted Rawson and Jake Meyer play a bit, but not a truly significant minutes and most of the rest probably redshirt or play sparingly.

Kittelberger will see significant time and may even start. I suspect Hahn will get some run on the 2nd midline although SU does like to ease in Freshmen under Gait save for the Spallina class.

Meyer is someone who remains very much under the radar despite being a 4 star. I think he has the potential to give us an attackmen style we haven't had in a while. That said hard to see him seeing a lot of time next year, I suspect a redshirt. Hopefully he understands because he could jump into a starting spot the following year.

Rawson I think could also see some time 2nd/3rd midline, depends on the young guys in front of him who redshirted or saw little time this year.

Filardi is the wild card, If he's fully available hard to see him not making an impact.
 
Bowman said hes gonna focus on Football for his first year. And if he has time he'll think about playing lax. Filardi is a magician at LSM he could start right away, Meyer has the highest upside IMO but he'll have to adjust to the D1 level play. Rawson and Kittleberger both play in D1 lite (NE prep schools). So they will be the most ready to play Right away.
 
Bowman said hes gonna focus on Football for his first year. And if he has time he'll think about playing lax. Filardi is a magician at LSM he could start right away, Meyer has the highest upside IMO but he'll have to adjust to the D1 level play. Rawson and Kittleberger both play in D1 lite (NE prep schools). So they will be the most ready to play Right away.

Ya we won't see Bowman next year, maybe 2027. Filardi we should be seeing next January and hopefully an appearance or two at fall ball.
 

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