The bond between Bryant University and Wilton High School (Conn.) when it comes to lacrosse keeps getting stronger.
For starters, Bryant head coach Mike Pressler was an All-American for Wilton his senior year in 1978 and is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame.
Peter McMahon, a 2009 WHS grad who is now a senior attackman at Bryant, led the Bulldogs in assists last season with 25.
Soon, there will be another connection between the two programs.
Brendan Devane, a junior attackman for the Warriors, verbally committed to Bryant this past week.
The 5-foot-11, 155-pound lefty has strong stick skills, good speed and an excellent knowledge of the game.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Brendan on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The main factor was the size of the school. I liked how it was small, and it wasn’t to far from home. Also, Bryant has an exceptional lacrosse team and from the times I have seen them play, I liked the way the offense was run.
Coach Pressler, (Assistant) Coach (Casey) Brodersen and (Assistant) Coach (Brian) Ross also were extremely helpful in the recruiting process. On my overnight visit, they were very welcoming, and that made me want to spend my college career at Bryant.
Also, a few of the recruits in the 2014 class are good friends of mine and good lacrosse players as well.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
Vermont, Marist, Providence, Air Force, UMBC, Drexel, Hartford and Richmond.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My speed, vision and my lacrosse IQ. I feel most comfortable dodging from X. If the shot is open, I take it, but when the slide comes I usually can find the open man for a goal.
When I dodge, my first objective is to beat my man, and I adjust to the play after that. An assist is just as good as goal in my opinion, so I am always looking for cutters.
Another strength is my ability to finish. I am confident with my outside shot, and one-on-ones with the goalie.
Lastly, my lacrosse IQ helps me out, I tend to make smart decisions on the field, and try to avoid turnovers as much as possible.
Coach Pressler was an All-American at Wilton. Did his connection to the school have an impact in your decision?
Coach Pressler’s connection did have an impact on my decision. However I knew right away that I wanted to play for him, regardless of his connection to Wilton. He is a great coach and a tremendous guy, and his being from Wilton makes it even better. Since he is from Wilton, I think that will make my transition to college a bit easier then it would have been.
Who have been some of the biggest influences in your development as a player?
My two coaches (at Wilton) right now — (Head) Coach (John) Wiseman and (Assistant) Coach (Steve) Pearsall — my family, and certain players on the Wilton High School team.
Coach Wiseman and Coach Pearsall pushed me the entire season. They saw a lot of potential in me and they didn’t want to see me waste it. Even though they were hard on me at times, they were also very supportive throughout the spring season and the recruitment process.
My family also had a big influence, my brother and dad especially. When I was young, I would always play lacrosse outside with them. That’s when I discovered my true passion for the game.
My brother and dad helped me become the lacrosse player I am today. Lastly, Nick Wells and Luke Reyes-Guerra Dunn (senior captains) were very influential on my development.
Nick is a great defenseman and he always pushes me to play at the best of my ability. Every practice I dodge against him, and we bring out the best in each other. Without Nick to guard me, my dodging skills would not be where they are today.
Luke is one of the best middies in Connecticut and he has had a major impact on my development. We go shooting together often and he has helped me improve my stick skills and shot. He has also helped me become more confident as a lacrosse player.
What travel team did you play on and what were some of the big showcase events you participated in last summer?
I played on the Long Island Sting and the Warrior Pride. I went to Tri- State, Peak 200, and the Brine National Lacrosse Classic, and these were the events where I was seen by all the coaches.
* For more info on Brendan, check out his player profile by clicking here.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com.
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Posted In: Connecticut, fciac, Recruiting Rundown
Congrats big guy. Looking forward to the next 2 varsity season at WHS.
Bryant sounds like a great fit on many fronts.
This kid has skills and athleticism and a big upside.
FCIAC is definitely anybody’s to win. The poll voting reflects that.