Questions for next year

[wgdsr]

Johnston will likely be back, he only played in 3 or 4 games his frosh year prior to injury so he will likely get a Med RS. They do lose Sloat, McGuire and I think a few other starting defenders. Most of the O is back though save for Sloat and the UVA transfer Mencke.

UVA brings back a lot offensively and could be very dangerous again but they do lose Sunderland, Marek (starting goalie), and multiple starting defenders including Murnane and Shroter and I believe at least 1 SSDM. They also some ancillary pieces in Balsamo, Inderlied etc. Terenzi is also technically a SR but I think also likely a candidate for a med RS for injury. He may actually have 2 years left

UNC returns almost everyone on offense and should be the unanimous pre-season #1. They have some losses on defense including both starting SSDM's and 1 long pole but that's about it. If your looking for a silver lining their current JR class is like this years SR class for SU, a lot of talent will be leaving next year including Duffy, Petro, Wambach, starting LSM and others.

ND is a mixed bag. Return a lot but lose Yago and a # of others.

johnson would have 2 years if he gets a medical redshirt in 2024.

schroter has another year, terenzi conceivably has 2 if he wants them.

 

[JeremyCuse]

johnson would have 2 years if he gets a medical redshirt in 2024.

schroter has another year, terenzi conceivably has 2 if he wants them.

Forgot Schroter RS in 23, your right he has another year.

I got Sloat and Johnston mixed, Sloat has another year potentially for a med RS.
Johnston is only a JR and could have 2 more as you noted.

 

[UrbanaOrange]

SU will almost assuredly be on the look out for an attackman in the portal. Deere returns but the entire starting attack departing is a massive loss and while they are high on Kraftson and Meyer I don't think Banks or Bucktooth project to make an impact. Peck projects to get a look as soon as this fall but hard to ask him to come in and be the QB of the entire offense with one half season of a RS and what will essentially be his frosh year.

Deere returning will be a big help but as we know he's not much of a dodger and obviously is coming off a pretty big injury. Rayfield I have heard maybe moved to attack but I think a lot depends on what they do with Bear and if he is going to move back to attack or stay at mid.

I'd be pretty surprised if SU didn't add at least one high end O player in this years portal or at least pursue one if not 2 heavily.

Any chance O'Farrell gets a look at X? I did not get the sense that Peck was a QB type when I saw him play in HS (as others have mentioned).

 

[JeremyCuse]

Any chance O'Farrell gets a look at X? I did not get the sense that Peck was a QB type when I saw him play in HS (as others have mentioned).

He could, his size is a concern though and he's been hurt all year. Again not ruling it out he was said to have looked good in practice last year but needs to get healthy and show out in fall ball.

 

[Zack80]

Johnston will likely be back, he only played in 3 or 4 games his frosh year prior to injury so he will likely get a Med RS. They do lose Sloat, McGuire and I think a few other starting defenders. Most of the O is back though save for Sloat and the UVA transfer Mencke.

UVA brings back a lot offensively and could be very dangerous again but they do lose Sunderland, Marek (starting goalie), and multiple starting defenders including Murnane and Shroter and I believe at least 1 SSDM. They also some ancillary pieces in Balsamo, Inderlied etc. Terenzi is also technically a SR but I think also likely a candidate for a med RS for injury. He may actually have 2 years left

UNC returns almost everyone on offense and should be the unanimous pre-season #1. They have some losses on defense including both starting SSDM's and 1 long pole but that's about it. If your looking for a silver lining their current JR class is like this years SR class for SU, a lot of talent will be leaving next year including Duffy, Petro, Wambach, starting LSM and others.

ND is a mixed bag. Return a lot but lose Yago and a # of others.

I think that in looking at Duke next year, one wouldn't want to forget that Duke brings in 4 top 10 ranked recruits: #1 Gillis M , #3 Mathews M, #5 Frisoli A, #9 Malone M. They are probably going to get something out of that group.

UVa brings in the #2 recruit, Lucas Garcia A, who might fill in for Sunderland.

 

[ohmilax34]

He could, his size is a concern though and he's been hurt all year. Again not ruling it out he was said to have looked good in practice last year but needs to get healthy and show out in fall ball.

I've always had the impression that O'Farrell is very skilled but better in front of the goal than behind it. Maybe in the same general style as Finn Thompson. I think Peck is pretty similar in style to Hiltz (wing shooter, good passer), but not at Hiltz's level yet.

 

[ohmilax34]

I think the offense will drop off some next year. Losing Spallina, Leo, Thompson and Rhoa is too much to not make a big impact. I also wonder though if the offense will look considerably different in style since the guys listed I would put more towards the highly skilled end of a continuum that has athletic at the other end. That maybe isn't entirely fair, but whatever.

 

[ohmilax34]

I think that in looking at Duke next year, one wouldn't want to forget that Duke brings in 4 top 10 ranked recruits: #1 Gillis M , #3 Mathews M, #5 Frisoli A, #9 Malone M. They are probably going to get something out of that group.

UVa brings in the #2 recruit, Lucas Garcia A, who might fill in for Sunderland.

Duke's recruiting has been kinda crazy the last few years. The number of high end attack recruits they bring in every year is remarkable. Kershis (who I was never really big on), then Ortleib, then Frisoli. Colsey (transfer but still), Scioletti, Gillis.

 

[DMVCuseLax]

A lot of talk of NCAA going to 5 years to play 5. Would that apply to the 26 players?

 

[GrowTheGame]

I think the offense will drop off some next year. Losing Spallina, Leo, Thompson and Rhoa is too much to not make a big impact. I also wonder though if the offense will look considerably different in style since the guys listed I would put more towards the highly skilled end of a continuum that has athletic at the other end. That maybe isn't entirely fair, but whatever.

To offer a second opinion, I do think they have some like-for-like contributors with others prepared and talented to then step-up next season that aren't getting burn right now.

1. Spallina - A almost impossible task to replace any 22 in the record books, but I'd say we still have players who can take that right side over with high efficiency such as: Krafston/Jake Meyer/Rayfield (wild card). The now veteran Krafston has the tools and confidence to be a good ACC level trigger for drawing slides to feed/shoot effectively on the islands. Meyer has a year under his belt now and already had ACC size (6'2"/204lb). He is as a Team USA u18 brogden cup champion with O'Farrell who scored and assisted at will in HS, could he be a dark horse candidate? Of course there is also highly rated Rayfield who is lighting fast, a gritty hockey player, and is working weekly with Platform Lacrosse + S&C coaches to reach his highest potential. After being coached by the Donahues for years now you never know what you will get with him immediately for impact given his high level coaching/IQ/Character.

2. Leo - Anderson is pretty much the same player with different preferred attacking angles, but also I think Peck can potentially fill a Hiltz role if we go back to putting the shooter there.

3. Thomson - Deere is the obvious replacement if he's back, but I think you also have prospects in Rawson/O'Farrell who have showcased elite inside abilities.

4. Rhoa - Hottle/Hahn/McGintee already can give you the same looks created by Rhoa imo. Again Rayfield could also fill in here too from what I've seen of him playing.

I'm extremely interested if freshman Harry Schneidwin or Parker Prater can come in and contribute right away as well. Harry, to my understanding, is Hahn 2.0 which would be great given Bogue's impact this year in big games (another documented high character kid too). Parker Prater is the most intriguing to me though given he didn't get a ton of love from the traditional recruiting outlets. I think he could be a diamond in the rough as he is a two-way high motor Culver middie who has ACC size and a great step down. Being in a military prep school is already drilling in amazing habits for him too, which can translate into earlier success.

I also want to point out that OCC has a few high potential players and ranked #1 right now nationally to potentially be excited about. Trysen Sunday and Davin Bomberry are intriguing if the academics/interest to transfer in are there. Sunday (5'11"/185lb) has 31 goals/19 assists (50pts) in 8 games, and those are numbers put up against 4 of the top 5 JUCO teams. Bomberry (6'4"/205lb) has 28 goals/18 assists in 6 games, and to confirm he did produce those numbers in the games versus the top 4 JUCO teams as well. The best signals for this pair on the stat sheet though? Sunday finishes the ball at .500% and has 4 TOs on the season so far, while Bomberry is finishing at a stunning .903% with only 5 TOs too. Will we see either in Orange and can they continue the OCC->Cuse pipeline legacy?

 

[DoctahLexus]

To offer a second opinion, I do think they have some like-for-like contributors with others prepared and talented to then step-up next season that aren't getting burn right now.

1. Spallina - A almost impossible task to replace any 22 in the record books, but I'd say we still have players who can take that right side over with high efficiency such as: Krafston/Jake Meyer/Rayfield (wild card). The now veteran Krafston has the tools and confidence to be a good ACC level trigger for drawing slides to feed/shoot effectively on the islands. Meyer has a year under his belt now and already had ACC size (6'2"/204lb). He is as a Team USA u18 brogden cup champion with O'Farrell who scored and assisted at will in HS, could he be a dark horse candidate? Of course there is also highly rated Rayfield who is lighting fast, a gritty hockey player, and is working weekly with Platform Lacrosse + S&C coaches to reach his highest potential. After being coached by the Donahues for years now you never know what you will get with him immediately for impact given his high level coaching/IQ/Character.

Only issue with Kraftson is that he is also a lefty. Anderson has the upper hand for the lefty spot next year so Kraftson will likely be an x attack if anything. Would still need someone to play the right wing, and while I like the potential with Meyer OFarrell or even Rayfield, we will likely need a more reliable option out of the portal. Too risky to rely on them for major production next year.

 

[cuselaxss26]

Now throwing this out there n know their not in transfer portal nor do i know if can talk to other players not in portal to get them in. Also if he would even leave an ivy league school for cuse. But dartmouth has two freshmen who are super good. Maby one is actual a middie n one attack. But both can dodge n feed n score. Wonder if possible try to convince them to come. As watch few dartmouth games n those two are gonna be good.

 

[cuselaxss26]

Also think no matter someone on roster or comes in need a leader. As with all talent on senior class this year i can’t say there is an actual leader. From dom petros mouth sounds like ty english is that guy for unc. Must be something with the english last name lol. But we need another english just as a true leader n field n locker room guy also.

 

[ColdAnger]

Only issue with Kraftson is that he is also a lefty. Anderson has the upper hand for the lefty spot next year so Kraftson will likely be an x attack if anything. Would still need someone to play the right wing, and while I like the potential with Meyer OFarrell or even Rayfield, we will likely need a more reliable option out of the portal. Too risky to rely on them for major production next year.

O’Farrell will be a junior and Meyer a sophomore. If not next year, when do you start relying on these guys for production? They may be absolutely killing it in practice and on scout team against our #1 D but aren’t going to displace any of the senior, all-Americans this year.

That said, you work the portal aggressively to better the team however you can

 

[GrowTheGame]

Only issue with Kraftson is that he is also a lefty. Anderson has the upper hand for the lefty spot next year so Kraftson will likely be an x attack if anything. Would still need someone to play the right wing, and while I like the potential with Meyer OFarrell or even Rayfield, we will likely need a more reliable option out of the portal. Too risky to rely on them for major production next year.

Good call out, I thought Kraftson was pretty good both hands, but forgot he was a natural lefty. I still think he should be in line to be the feeder next year with others pushing.

 

[nocohalo]

The portal is interesting. I highly doubt anyone from the ACC transfers, and if they do it won't be to Cuse. I think the best bet is to hope a volume scorer or distributor from a Patriot League team portals. Ivy's are also something to try but they usually transfer to other ACCs or teams like Georgetown. If they're a grad transfer that's a different story.

 

[Powellfan]

Maybe the staff is a lot higher on the likes of O'Farrell and Meyer than recruiting services and the like, but I am a bit bewildered as to how the situation was allowed to get to this point regarding that third attack spot. It's not just "any" attack spot, but basically the player who will direct the offense. It's pretty important! I am surprised that they weren't able to convince one of the higher rated recruits in the '27 class with the promise of the "keys to the offense". Maybe the offense won't work with just one guy directing things, but I still find it surprising they swung and missed like this.

Kraftson seems like a nice depth piece, but I have a hard time seeing him being a starting attackman for the Orange. Nick Rayfield, based on the tape I've seen looks like a natural midfielder to me, most of his play comes above the goal line. O'Farrell is a player I've been high on, but he's struck me as a player who also does most of his work above GLE. Almost a right handed Owen Hiltz in a way. Meyer is a guy who strikes me as the player who fits the role best - he's adept at playing behind the goal and he's got good size. Still, feels like a lot of pressure to put on a guy who comes in as *only* a four star. If the Orange are going to be successful next year, it really feels like the third attack spot needs to be All American caliber off the bat.

The transfer portal is something I don't have a lot hopes for. It feels like the Orange haven't been doing especially well in that department since Petro left, and as more time goes on, I am feeling like that isn't a coincidence. Also if a difference maker does enter the portal, lots of other teams, who have been more successful in the portal recently, could be in the market as well. Notre Dame will be looking to replace Yago, UNC could presumably take an upgrade over Wilson, Duke could move Johnston back to midfield to make room for an attackman. That's just the ACC.

Anyways, easy to put your hopes in the portal, but this feels like an indictment of the recruiting strategy from a few years ago. I hope it doesn't come back to bite the team too bad.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Maybe the staff is a lot higher on the likes of O'Farrell and Meyer than recruiting services and the like, but I am a bit bewildered as to how the situation was allowed to get to this point regarding that third attack spot. It's not just "any" attack spot, but basically the player who will direct the offense. It's pretty important! I am surprised that they weren't able to convince one of the higher rated recruits in the '27 class with the promise of the "keys to the offense". Maybe the offense won't work with just one guy directing things, but I still find it surprising they swung and missed like this.

Kraftson seems like a nice depth piece, but I have a hard time seeing him being a starting attackman for the Orange. Nick Rayfield, based on the tape I've seen looks like a natural midfielder to me, most of his play comes above the goal line. O'Farrell is a player I've been high on, but he's struck me as a player who also does most of his work above GLE. Almost a right handed Owen Hiltz in a way. Meyer is a guy who strikes me as the player who fits the role best - he's adept at playing behind the goal and he's got good size. Still, feels like a lot of pressure to put on a guy who comes in as *only* a four star. If the Orange are going to be successful next year, it really feels like the third attack spot needs to be All American caliber off the bat.

The transfer portal is something I don't have a lot hopes for. It feels like the Orange haven't been doing especially well in that department since Petro left, and as more time goes on, I am feeling like that isn't a coincidence. Also if a difference maker does enter the portal, lots of other teams, who have been more successful in the portal recently, could be in the market as well. Notre Dame will be looking to replace Yago, UNC could presumably take an upgrade over Wilson, Duke could move Johnston back to midfield to make room for an attackman. That's just the ACC.

Anyways, easy to put your hopes in the portal, but this feels like an indictment of the recruiting strategy from a few years ago. I hope it doesn't come back to bite the team too bad.

Disagree that Petro was the reason for the portal grabs earlier. Think it is more a combination of the recent massive reduction in players entering the portal due to the extra years from covid running out/Ivy 5th years, and us having much less of a need for portal ads in recent years. We were getting portal commits with petro on staff during an era where there were a zillion more guys in the portal and we also had more guaranteed playing time spots to fill. Also with Simmons, English, Stevens, Matt Wright, and Grace, I think Gait is more likely to be the main factor with the canadian connection.

With the 2022 class becoming seniors, we had little to offer for guaranteed playing time at both ends of the field, and also have had less of a need to grab portal guys in general. An offensive transfer would have to be elite to crack the top 6 this year. Very few outside of Yago would fit the bill. We could have gone for another long pole, but there were also not a ton of high quality options.

Attack at righty is a concern, but they would not need to be the player that directs the offense. That can also come from the left wing and x attack, where we have options/quality recruits. With Spallina as a righty we have had a righty as the main qb from the right wing, but that is not necessarily where the qb type play making needs to come from. I think Anderson likely steps up as the main initiator from attack next year.

 

[GrowTheGame]

Disagree that Petro was the reason for the portal grabs earlier. Think it is more a combination of the recent massive reduction in players entering the portal due to the extra years from covid running out/Ivy 5th years, and us having much less of a need for portal ads in recent years. We were getting portal commits with petro on staff during an era where there were a zillion more guys in the portal and we also had more guaranteed playing time spots to fill. Also with Simmons, English, Stevens, Matt Wright, and Grace, I think Gait is more likely to be the main factor with the canadian connection.

With the 2022 class becoming seniors, we had little to offer for guaranteed playing time at both ends of the field, and also have had less of a need to grab portal guys in general. An offensive transfer would have to be elite to crack the top 6 this year. Very few outside of Yago would fit the bill. We could have gone for another long pole, but there were also not a ton of high quality options.

Attack at righty is a concern, but they would not need to be the player that directs the offense. That can also come from the left wing and x attack, where we have options/quality recruits. With Spallina as a righty we have had a righty as the main qb from the right wing, but that is not necessarily where the qb type play making needs to come from. I think Anderson likely steps up as the main initiator from attack next year.

Yes I think you summarized how I feel best, the offense has fire power the trigger is just no longer going to be coming from the right wing.

With these seniors leaving, I would have to imagine the NIL/Scholarship money it frees up puts us in a good spot to attract anyone with ears open. We also have the 22 to offer if someone crazy good is interested. If we make it to the final four two years in a row that helps majorly too.

I think staff really thought that they were going to land the youngest Colsey given all the attackman who committed to UNC before him. I believe they really saw him taking over for Joey, but we just couldn’t get the job done. It’s crazy to me because he seems like the flashy player who would want to put on a show for 8k+ per week following his dads legacy, but he chose the school with better weather/academics and that’s just the way the cookie is crumbling the past few years.

Raio by all means was really close on Cuse too given his family in Bville. Maybe the guys can get in his ear up at Placid late night and make something happen transfer wise (lol one can wish). He is a stud and needs to be touching the ball more, and I don’t see that happening at UNC with last year and this years class, touches will be limited for everyone. These five stars are used to getting the ball and I really don’t see how Breschi will keep them all happy?

Are people not as high as me on the OCC kids? They seem like the exact types we used to bring in to be starters (Staats/Jammer/etc).

Also the silver lining for us is the Cuse brand is coming back. Cuse alumni in Colorado, GA, FL, SoCal, and Texas directly in these kids ears and it’s showing. If anyone has been following the unveiling of 2028 five stars so far only one isn’t following Cuse on IG and affiliated Cuse accounts. Mitch Pehlke just also dropped a video of the insanely talented 2029 freshman attackman at Malvern (most likely number 1 offensive player in his class) who is starting and putting up numbers on a nationally ranked team. He follows a bunch of Cuse accounts. That was not the case for many in the 2025-2027 classes who were ranked five stars. We just need to keep momentum moving forward!

Also while we whiffed on offense, we did land LEGIT defensive talent. If Moe turns out to be as good as Galloway we’re going to have a shot in any game.

My biggest concern honestly is replacing Mullen. We need a five star stud FO man in the 2028 class or we’re not going to dominate and rely on winning close ones.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Yes I think you summarized how I feel best, the offense has fire power the trigger is just no longer going to be coming from the right wing.

With these seniors leaving, I would have to imagine the NIL/Scholarship money it frees up puts us in a good spot to attract anyone with ears open. We also have the 22 to offer if someone crazy good is interested. If we make it to the final four two years in a row that helps majorly too.

I think staff really thought that they were going to land the youngest Colsey given all the attackman who committed to UNC before him. I believe they really saw him taking over for Joey, but we just couldn’t get the job done. It’s crazy to me because he seems like the flashy player who would want to put on a show for 8k+ per week following his dads legacy, but he chose the school with better weather/academics and that’s just the way the cookie is crumbling the past few years.

Raio by all means was really close on Cuse too given his family in Bville. Maybe the guys can get in his ear up at Placid late night and make something happen transfer wise (lol one can wish). He is a stud and needs to be touching the ball more, and I don’t see that happening at UNC with last year and this years class, touches will be limited for everyone. These five stars are used to getting the ball and I really don’t see how Breschi will keep them all happy?

Are people not as high as me on the OCC kids? They seem like the exact types we used to bring in to be starters (Staats/Jammer/etc).

Also the silver lining for us is the Cuse brand is coming back. Cuse alumni in Colorado, GA, FL, SoCal, and Texas directly in these kids ears and it’s showing. If anyone has been following the unveiling of 2028 five stars so far only one isn’t following Cuse on IG and affiliated Cuse accounts. Mitch Pehlke just also dropped a video of the insanely talented 2029 freshman attackman at Malvern (most likely number 1 offensive player in his class) who is starting and putting up numbers on a nationally ranked team. He follows a bunch of Cuse accounts. That was not the case for many in the 2025-2027 classes who were ranked five stars. We just need to keep momentum moving forward!

Also while we whiffed on offense, we did land LEGIT defensive talent. If Moe turns out to be as good as Galloway we’re going to have a shot in any game.

My biggest concern honestly is replacing Mullen. We need a five star stud FO man in the 2028 class or we’re not going to dominate and rely on winning close ones.

I am also hoping for the same with NIL after the 2022 class moves on. The extra cash could hopefully be enough to attract a quality transfer, maybe even one who would not necessarily transfer otherwise.

I am not tuned in with Cuse relevance on social media, but that is still good to hear.

 

[ColdAnger]

Maybe the staff is a lot higher on the likes of O'Farrell and Meyer than recruiting services and the like, but I am a bit bewildered as to how the situation was allowed to get to this point regarding that third attack spot. It's not just "any" attack spot, but basically the player who will direct the offense. It's pretty important! I am surprised that they weren't able to convince one of the higher rated recruits in the '27 class with the promise of the "keys to the offense". Maybe the offense won't work with just one guy directing things, but I still find it surprising they swung and missed like this.

Kraftson seems like a nice depth piece, but I have a hard time seeing him being a starting attackman for the Orange. Nick Rayfield, based on the tape I've seen looks like a natural midfielder to me, most of his play comes above the goal line. O'Farrell is a player I've been high on, but he's struck me as a player who also does most of his work above GLE. Almost a right handed Owen Hiltz in a way. Meyer is a guy who strikes me as the player who fits the role best - he's adept at playing behind the goal and he's got good size. Still, feels like a lot of pressure to put on a guy who comes in as *only* a four star. If the Orange are going to be successful next year, it really feels like the third attack spot needs to be All American caliber off the bat.

The transfer portal is something I don't have a lot hopes for. It feels like the Orange haven't been doing especially well in that department since Petro left, and as more time goes on, I am feeling like that isn't a coincidence. Also if a difference maker does enter the portal, lots of other teams, who have been more successful in the portal recently, could be in the market as well. Notre Dame will be looking to replace Yago, UNC could presumably take an upgrade over Wilson, Duke could move Johnston back to midfield to make room for an attackman. That's just the ACC.

Anyways, easy to put your hopes in the portal, but this feels like an indictment of the recruiting strategy from a few years ago. I hope it doesn't come back to bite the team too bad.

Five stars in class of 2022:

Griffin Scane, Matt Minicus, Matt Lazzaro, Mac Haley.

“Only” four stars in Class of 2022:

Luke Rhoa, Michael Leo, Matt Collison, Chad Palumbo, Max Sloat, Ryan Colsey, Aiden O’Neil

No guarantees. Player. System. Motivation. Opportunity. All have to come together.

 

[Hawknate144]

Yeah I think 2028 is shaping up to hopefully be a stronger class for us, there is a lot of talent with at least good connections with us and look attainable.

 

[Powellfan]

Yes I think you summarized how I feel best, the offense has fire power the trigger is just no longer going to be coming from the right wing.

With these seniors leaving, I would have to imagine the NIL/Scholarship money it frees up puts us in a good spot to attract anyone with ears open. We also have the 22 to offer if someone crazy good is interested. If we make it to the final four two years in a row that helps majorly too.

I think staff really thought that they were going to land the youngest Colsey given all the attackman who committed to UNC before him. I believe they really saw him taking over for Joey, but we just couldn’t get the job done. It’s crazy to me because he seems like the flashy player who would want to put on a show for 8k+ per week following his dads legacy, but he chose the school with better weather/academics and that’s just the way the cookie is crumbling the past few years.

Raio by all means was really close on Cuse too given his family in Bville. Maybe the guys can get in his ear up at Placid late night and make something happen transfer wise (lol one can wish). He is a stud and needs to be touching the ball more, and I don’t see that happening at UNC with last year and this years class, touches will be limited for everyone. These five stars are used to getting the ball and I really don’t see how Breschi will keep them all happy?

Are people not as high as me on the OCC kids? They seem like the exact types we used to bring in to be starters (Staats/Jammer/etc).

Also the silver lining for us is the Cuse brand is coming back. Cuse alumni in Colorado, GA, FL, SoCal, and Texas directly in these kids ears and it’s showing. If anyone has been following the unveiling of 2028 five stars so far only one isn’t following Cuse on IG and affiliated Cuse accounts. Mitch Pehlke just also dropped a video of the insanely talented 2029 freshman attackman at Malvern (most likely number 1 offensive player in his class) who is starting and putting up numbers on a nationally ranked team. He follows a bunch of Cuse accounts. That was not the case for many in the 2025-2027 classes who were ranked five stars. We just need to keep momentum moving forward!

Also while we whiffed on offense, we did land LEGIT defensive talent. If Moe turns out to be as good as Galloway we’re going to have a shot in any game.

My biggest concern honestly is replacing Mullen. We need a five star stud FO man in the 2028 class or we’re not going to dominate and rely on winning close ones.

Chris Colsey will be a high school senior next year, so he wouldn't help much in 2027. Obviously they did prioritize him, but for a different year I guess.

The JUCO ranks just haven't been what they used to be in recent years. GEB put up gonzo numbers at OCC as well and is a man-up specialist only. I am not sure of any other JUCO players right now playing Div I lacrosse. Maybe there are outliers, but it's not something I would count on.

 

[Hawknate144]

Yeah, like maybe I'd take some of the OCC guys, but I wouldn't rely on them to be much more than depth pieces these days

 

[JeremyCuse]

Maybe the staff is a lot higher on the likes of O'Farrell and Meyer than recruiting services and the like, but I am a bit bewildered as to how the situation was allowed to get to this point regarding that third attack spot. It's not just "any" attack spot, but basically the player who will direct the offense. It's pretty important! I am surprised that they weren't able to convince one of the higher rated recruits in the '27 class with the promise of the "keys to the offense". Maybe the offense won't work with just one guy directing things, but I still find it surprising they swung and missed like this.

Kraftson seems like a nice depth piece, but I have a hard time seeing him being a starting attackman for the Orange. Nick Rayfield, based on the tape I've seen looks like a natural midfielder to me, most of his play comes above the goal line. O'Farrell is a player I've been high on, but he's struck me as a player who also does most of his work above GLE. Almost a right handed Owen Hiltz in a way. Meyer is a guy who strikes me as the player who fits the role best - he's adept at playing behind the goal and he's got good size. Still, feels like a lot of pressure to put on a guy who comes in as *only* a four star. If the Orange are going to be successful next year, it really feels like the third attack spot needs to be All American caliber off the bat.

The transfer portal is something I don't have a lot hopes for. It feels like the Orange haven't been doing especially well in that department since Petro left, and as more time goes on, I am feeling like that isn't a coincidence. Also if a difference maker does enter the portal, lots of other teams, who have been more successful in the portal recently, could be in the market as well. Notre Dame will be looking to replace Yago, UNC could presumably take an upgrade over Wilson, Duke could move Johnston back to midfield to make room for an attackman. That's just the ACC.

Anyways, easy to put your hopes in the portal, but this feels like an indictment of the recruiting strategy from a few years ago. I hope it doesn't come back to bite the team too bad.

I think Kraftson is definitely a depth guy. Good player who I believe was originally a walk on whose really come on but I agree he's not gonna step into a Spallina role. I am high on Meyer, he put up some big #s and has the size and skill set to excel at this level. I was a bit surprised he played this year, would have preferred he take a RS (assuming he was on board). I think he will get a long look this fall at earning a spot on the starting attack.

I also think Peck is going to get a long look at well. Being on campus this spring and being able to practice is a big leg up for him. While he might not be a classic QB type attackmen he has shown the ability to dodge in HS and most importantly is considered a potentially elite level scorer.

The recruiting misses on attackmen is absolutely concerning. Clearly Carolina has increased the amount of scholarships and NIL $$ to the lax program as the rumor is most of their upper level recruits were offered full rides and even those that weren't are able to pay instate tuition rates somehow. Obviously we haven't missed completely when you look at Peck, Meyer, Garcia (flipped to Penn) but it's also clear SU should be landing at minimum 2 upper level attack recruits a cycle and were averaging about 1. Mabry the Texas kid who we flipped from BU is hopefully someone who can make an impact but hard to expect much form a true frosh from a non hot bed area .

Syracuse has done a real nice with top end middies. Hahn and McIntee clearly are gonna put up some serious #s and are both only freshmen. You also have 3 more highly recruited mids coming in next year not to mention some other younger guys who haven't seen the field much or are RS. If SU doesn't get an attackmen form the portal you have to figure at least one of those guys is gonna be moved to attack especially if they want to keep Bear at middie (though that seems unlikely).

I think the biggest issue as it stands right now is that as good as SU has been record wise the last 2 years under Gait recruiting wise we've been near the bottom of the ACC which will still very good overall is concerning. 27 is also a stacked year for the ACC with teams bringing guys back, Duke, UNC and UVA all return a ton though all 3 also graduate a ton next year.

Portal will be interesting, not expecting a huge influx but I suspect we will see a bigger name or two in there. The question is can SU land said player(s).

I do have concerns about the 2027 season though, things could get really messy especially in conference play. I think SU will likely be predicted to finish last in the ACC.