Grow the Game®

jacksonville_lacrosse_dolphins
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on reddit
Share on whatsapp

Alphabetical 2014 NCAA D1 Preview: Jacksonville

We’re back with the Alphabetical 2014 NCAA D1 Previews! Like last year, we’ll go through all of the D1 men’s teams for 2014 (there are 67 this year!) and we are now moving on to the Jacksonville Dolphins, located in Jacksonville, FL.

2013 was a successful year for Jacksonville University, one of the newer Division 1 programs in the lacrosse world. The Dolphins finished 8-5, and 5-1 in their conference. The season ended for Coach Guy Van Arsdale’s team when they lost to Siena in the MAAC Tournament Semi-Finals. However, this program has made great strides for a team that will be beginning their fourth year this spring. Luckily for the Dolphins, they return a large portion of last year’s talent.

Attack: The only veteran back on the attack unit is Ari Waffle, a junior. Last year, Waffle had 18 goals and 12 assists. He is the best finisher on the unit and will need his relatively inexperienced linemates to get him the ball inside. Junior Rob Moore did not play last season, but will be back to play this season. Moore is a big and powerful attackman who will create opportunities with his dodging ability. The third spot on this unit will likely go to Duncan Clancy, a fifth year senior who transferred from Rutgers. Also likely to see time is Canadian freshman Chase McIntyre.

Midfield: The Dolphins will miss the graduated Cameron Mann, but still return a large portion of last year’s midfield. Senior David Goldman is the best shooter at the position and had 14 goals and 10 assists last season. Another senior, Conor Igoe, is the most elusive dodger, adding 13 goals and five assists in 2013. Rounding out the unit is Dakota Rohlin, a sophomore who had seven goals and three assists last year. Rohlin had a nice year as a freshman, doing a good job of spreading the ball around coming out of his dodges. Also figuring to see significant time at midfield are sophomore Quint Miller and junior Rob Wertz.

FOGO: Dan McNulty took the majority of the draws for the Dolphins during his career, but has been lost to graduation. Sophomores Jet Harding and Chase Miller have to step up and replicate the success that Jacksonville has had at the X in recent years.

LSM: Tyler Black, a senior, will be the number one LSM for Jacksonville. Black has been a starter since he stepped on campus, posting 37 groundballs and 29 caused turnovers last year, good enough to be named to the All-MAAC team. Black is an aggressive pole who throws powerful checks and is able to come up with groundballs in traffic.

Defense: Junior Austin Curtis is the number one defender on the unit, earning All-MAAC honors last season. Curtis is a powerful defender who can spark transition from down low. His stats from last year are impressive; two goals, three assists, 33 groundballs and 14 caused turnovers. Joining him is fellow junior Charlie Archer, who is the group’s shutdown defender. Archer had 17 groundballs and 14 caused turnovers last season. Rounding out the unit is fifth year senior Steven Spindler. In a reserve role, sophomore Scott Cannon could see significant time.

Goalie: Peter DeLuca is an outstanding goalkeeper, who will be back after another great season last year. DeLuca was last year’s conference Defensive Player of the Year, posting a 9.28 goals allowed average and a save percentage of 55%. DeLuca is a brick wall in the cage.

Overall: Jacksonville certainly has a talented squad this year, returning most of their offensive and defensive talent. DeLuca’s netminding ability will keep Jacksonville competitive with any team they face, and the Dolphins have some serious potential this year. In the brand new Atlantic Sun conference, Jacksonville has a chance to come out on top and earn a spot in the NCAA tournament. The Dolphins are a team to watch in 2014.

For more NCAA D1 Lacrosse coverage, check out Alphabetical 2013 NCAA D1 Preview: Air ForceAlbanyArmyBellarmineBinghamtonBostonBrownBryantBucknellCanisius,
Colgate,  CornellDartmouthDelawareDetroitDrexelDukeFairfieldFurman,
GeorgetownHartfordHarvardHigh PointHobartHofstra, and Holy Cross.