This just in.
Lacrosse recruiting has centered on two main attributes of late – size and speed.
While still important, stick skills and shooting ability, are no longer front and center among attributes on college coaches’ check list.
At 6-3, 230 (give or take a few pounds), Yorktown senior Eric Cooley, who is also a football standout for the Huskers, has the size coaches crave in a defensive recruit.
According to a Twitter post by MSG Varsity’s Isaac Cass, Cooley is “One of most physically imposing players to come out of Ytown in recent memory.”
Cooley’s also got strong stick skills and communication ability.
So it should come as no surprise that Cooley, who is also a football standout, has seized an opportunity to play at the highest level of lacrosse.
Cooley informed me tonight that he’s accepted a scholarship offer from Rutgers after receiving interest in both football and lacrosse.
Here’s a Q&A with Eric on his commitment:
What were the main factors in your decision to attend Rutgers?
Rutgers offers a great academic program and is an awesome school. It has a rich tradition in the lacrosse program that I feel very excited to be a part of. Coach (Brian) Brecht made me feel very welcomed and it was a place that I felt very comfortable.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Marquette (for lacrosse) and D-I football schools over the summer.
How has playing football helped you become a better lax player?
Football has definitely brought a more physical mindset to my game and has always made me tougher.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player is probably my size, my lax IQ, and my surprising quickness for a big guy. I would describe my play as intense and physical.
When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
It’s always been a dream of mine to play college lacrosse and I’m very humbled and honored to have this opportunity.
Who have been the biggest influences on you as you made your way through varsity?
Coach (Mike) “House” Rescigno of the varsity football team has always been a major role model to me by being a great leader as well as a mentor.
Coach Lodey (Yorktown assistant coach Adam Lodewick) has also been a big role model for me and is always helping me improve my game.
One of the players I looked up to most of my high school career was Tyler Fahey. From watching him dominate in the weight room to giving it his absolute all on the field every minute inspires me to be the best I can be.
* For more info on Eric, check out his player profile by clicking here.
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Posted In: Recruiting Rundown, Section 1
Congratulations, Eric! Rutgers is very lucky to be receiving not only a great athlete, but a nice young man to boot. All the best!!