We’ve had a steady stream of college commitments for the graduating high school classes of 2012 and ’13.
But earlier this week, we had our first Class of 2014 commit from the nation’s No. 1 hotbed for lacrosse, the Hudson Valley/Long Island/Connecticut region.
That distinction belongs to Taft School (Conn.) attackman Tyler Breen, who has verballed to Virginia as we told you earlier this week on our “Updated recruiting review and commitment rundown.”
If the words “Taft” and “Breen” sound familiar, they should.
Breen’s older brother, Ryan, a former standout defenseman at Taft, is a freshman at the newly launched Division I program at Michigan.
As we told you in this report back in August, Ryan Breen had a change of heart and switched his commitment to Michigan after originally verbally committing to Lafayette.
Tyler Breen is set on the Cavaliers. He explains why in this Q&A on his commitment:
What were the main factors in your decision to attend UVa?
Ever since I began playing lacrosse in the third grade, I knew I wanted to play in college. But I never dreamed I’d end up committing to a tremendous school such as Virginia. I feel that the University of Virginia offers the best mix of academics and lacrosse.
How was your unofficial visit?
I visited there this past June and as soon as I stepped on grounds, I knew this is where I wanted to go to school and play lacrosse. Coach (Dom) Starsia and (Marc) Van Arsdale were great and they made me feel welcome and wanted at UVa.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I had communication with Maryland, Duke, UNC and Princeton. My mom graduated from Princeton in 1980, so I have been there many times.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I think my strengths are my athleticism and my lacrosse IQ. I rely on my dodging ability to beat big defenders and also my IQ to make the right play and the extra pass.
When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
I think it was the summer going into my freshman year. I was at the Brine Shoot out with my former team (Team Central, Mass.) and Maryland asked my coach (John Middleton) about me. This made me realize I could play in college.
What influence did your brother Ryan play in your development as a Division I recruit?
Having an older brother who plays the same sport as you is great. He always gave me tips and made sure I was hitting the rebound wall in the driveway. Ryan is going to play for Michigan this year so I’m really excited for him. He has been such a valuable asset and mentor to me and I’m grateful for his support through this process.
* For more info on Tyler, check out his player profile by clicking here.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Be sure to email us at info@laxlessons.com.
Follow Joe Lombardi on Twitter @joe_lombardi or by clicking here. Follow LaxLessons @LaxLessons or by clicking here.
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Posted In: Recruiting Rundown
