everal newly launched programs have managed to make their mark in a short amount of time.
Look at Richmond, which fell to Virginia by just one goal in the NCAA quarterfinals.
Marquette picked up wins against Hofstra, Georgetown, St. John’s and Rutgers this past season.
The next newbie to achieve success could do it in a very big well judging by its recent success in garnering tristate commitment, specifically for the Class of 2017.
We’re talking about Michigan.
We told you last mo
nth that Brunswick (CT) rising sophomore attackman Alex Buckanavage committed to the Big Blue.
Shortly after securing that verbal, Michigan coach John Paul has landed another big verbal from a 2017 tristate attack standout in Manhasset’s Kevin Mack (pictured at left), whose verbal was reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section when it was made June 29.
The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Mack, a righty, is an outstanding feeder with strong stick skills and good field vision and quickness, who changes directions well and has a high lacrosse IQ.
Mack performed well in the Long Island Showcase on June 20 at Farmingdale State prior to making his commitmet.
Mack, who plays travel lacrosse on For the Love of the Game (FLG), second runner-up MVP of the morning session and a Fab 40 all-star at the Freshman Philly Showcase in November.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Kevin on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The University of Michigan is a world-renowned academic institution with a strong dedication to athletics. The outstanding alumni network not only has a strong presence nationally but throughout the world.
Michigan is building a strong lacrosse program which will be nationally competitive. It is a unique opportunity to be part of building something special. Coach Paul and the assistant coaches made me feel at home in Ann Arbor.
Also, there’s no better college town than Ann Arbor. The atmosphere of the school is amazing. For all these reasons it was clear to me that the University of Michigan is a special place.
What other schools were you cons
idering and what schools did you visit?
I strongly considered Notre Dame, UPenn and Harvard.
I also visited and considered Yale, Cornell and Georgetown.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I have good vision and I am strong at attacking the net with my head up and getting my hands free for an open shot or to set up a teammate.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I believe in constantly working to improve all aspects of my game. You must always be working to get better.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I was introduced to lacrosse by the Manhasset community. I have also played basketball, baseball, football and soccer.
What showcase events did you participate in?
I participated in Jake Reed Nike Blue Chip (Rising Freshman and Rising Sophmore), Philly Freshman Showcase (Individual and Team), Long Island Showcase (Nassau County Top 20) and was invited to Maverik Showtime but couldn’t play because of a broken wrist.
Any final thoughts?
First and foremost, I thank my parents for all their support especially driving me up and down the East Coast for tournaments and showcases.
I also want to say thank you to Mike Winkoff, Corey Winkoff and to the rest of the FLG lacrosse program for not only helping me develop as a player but also as a person.
Also, thanks to Coach Keith Cromwell (KC7 Lacrosse Training) for encouraging me to always work hard to be the best player I can be.
Finally, I want to thank Coach Bill Cherry for helping and supporting me throughout the recruiting process.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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Recruiting coverage
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2014
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* Class of 2013 commitment rundown by high school/prep school
* Recruiting commitment story archive
* 2012 National Letter of Intent Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 8
