UMass is making quite an impression among junior standouts in the region.
The Minutemen have received verbal commitments from Fairfield Prep defenseman James Marusi, Yorktown attackman Nick Mariano and Sachem North defenseman Tyler Andreassi.
Well, add another player to the list.
Smithtown West’s Dylan Gruder is the latest Class of 2013 star to decide on UMass.
Gruder (pictured at right in above photo), a two-way midfielder, will be starting his third varsity season this coming spring.
Here’s a Q&A with Dylan on his commitment:
What were the main factors in your decision?
The coaching staff and players at UMass were great and that UMass is a good academic school.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Notre Dame, Navy and Marquette.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player are that I’m good at creating offense, I’m a team player and a good defender.
What areas of your game do you think you need to improve on?
I can improve my shot.
When did you first realize you had the potential to play at the college level?
When I made varsity lax in ninth grade, because Smithtown West is one of the best programs in the country.
What were some of the big summer showcase events you’ve competed in the last couple of years and how did you do?
I was on the 2010 Suffolk County Showcase rising sophmore team and the 2011 rising junior team as well. I also played at Top 205 this past summer.
* For more on Dylan, 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, Section 11
P&G,
First the lax semi-final loss last season and now a 21-0 loss in football.
Jay has been taking it to Rye!! Another good game for Lambert.
Good luck against Pok–I’ll be rooting for the Indians! Nice to see them make a real splash in football as well as lax.
Luckily my Garnets have allowed me to see a few games in the Dome over the years and it’s a kick if you can get there!
Yehhh Dyl… COngrats kid.
Nice get for UMass. This kid is a real good athlete with a huge upside.