With the University of Richmond’s announcement on Friday that it will be upgrading to Division I in men’s lacrosse, newly launched programs have been very much in the spotlight.
Especially their recruiting efforts.
It seemsince the summer travel season started, a week hasn’t gone by in without a tristate standout committing to one of the upstart programs.
So perhaps it’s appropriate that we start this week with news of one of the leading juniors in New Jersey, Jackson Kinley, deciding on the University of Michigan, which just wrapped up its first D-I season.
Kinley is a 6-foot, 170-pound lefty longstick midfielder from Glen Ridge.
Kinley, who play short-stick middie this past season, is an athletic player who excels in transition.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Jackson on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The main factors in my decision were the academics. Michigan is great school regarding academics and it has the major I want to focus on, which is Business. Also, (Michigan Head) Coach (John) Paul and (Assistant) Coach (Ken) Broschart are great coaches who will take the program to the next level very soon.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was also considering Villanova, Boston U, Fairfield, Denver, Dartmouth and Rutgers. I visited Villanova, Boston U, Fairfield and Rutgers. I had a visit to Dartmouth scheduled next week.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My ability to create transition off a ground ball or a save. Because I played short stick in the spring with Glen Ridge, I have a very good ability to shoot more accurately with my long pole. My style of play is very up and down and a transitional style of defense to offense.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
First and foremost, I’d have to say my parents. My mom who has always been there to help guide me through the process and always supported me with every choice I made. My dad helped me find the best school that I would fit into comfortably.
Also, (Glen Ridge Head) Coach (Carl) Houser, who allowed me to gain knowledge on the offensive side of lacrosse. He also helped me through the whole process and allowed me to develop as a player. Lastly would be my club coaches; Coach Strutt, Coach Trevenen and Coach Lopes, who have all helped me develop both physically and mentally.
When did you start playing lacrosse and how did you get introduced to the sport?
I started playing lacrosse in second grade. I was introduced to lacrosse through living in a heavily lacrosse-based town. Through the past couple of years lacrosse has become a real aspect of the town.
What travel team did you play on this past summer and what were some of the premier showcases you participated in?
I played for Trilogy and Long Island Sting. I attended Nike Blue Chip, Maverik Showtime, Villanova 150 Showcase and Super Sophs.
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Posted In: New Jersey lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
