We are just over halfway through the 2016 campaign so I
thought it would be appropriate to check in on some of the 2017 MLL draft
prospects. Specifically, I want to look at this years draft-eligible midfield
group.
Last season, I don’t think it was much of a question that
Duke midfielder, Myles Jones, was the best midfielder and would be drafted #1
overall. Is Sergio Perkovic that guy this year? It is still early, and some things
can change, but today I will take a look at my top 5 midfielders eligible for
the 2017 MLL draft.
#1. Sergio Perkovic, Notre Dame
Although his scoring is slightly down so far this season, he
is still the best midfielder in the country at the moment. At 6’4, 220 pounds,
he possess elite size and is a force to be reckoned with. With the game on the
line, you want the ball in his hands, and he doesn’t shy away. Take a look at
his game-winner earlier this year in OT against Virginia.
#2. Jake Froccaro, Villanova
Froccaro is a player who can flat out score. He started his
career at Princeton, had a 10 goal game his sophomore year vs. Yale, and then
would miss last season due to injury. This year, he began fresh transferring to
Villanova where, through 9 games, has 31 goals and 7 assists. That’s good for
second in D1 in goals per game behind Brown’s Kylor Bellistri.
#3. Tyler Pace, Denver
Tyler Pace is a 6’0, 180 pound Canadian who has had quite
the career with the Pioneers. 37 points as a freshman, 49 points (and a National
Championship) as a sophomore last season, and is currently averaging a
career-high 3.0 points per game, through 9 games. He’s well-coached, savvy, and
could easily sneak into the 1st round.
#4. Zach Miller, Denver
Zach Miller spent his first two seasons at Denver playing
attack. He’s made the transition to midfield this season and, while his numbers
are slightly down, he’s a staple of that Pioneers offense. He’s a career 42%
shooter, to date, and is also a member of the Iroquois national team.
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| Denver's Zach Miller is a crafty southpaw from The Hill Academy |
#5. Zed Williams, Virginia
There are a few other names that you could throw in at #5 and make an argument for as a top 5 junior midfielder. I like Zed Williams. He was a highly touted recruit (ranked #4 by Inside Lacrosse) and broke the high school national records for total goals and total assists at Silver Creek in New York. He started to come into his own last year scoring 37 points and is being relied upon more this season. He’s still a bit raw but has the tools and the size to be successful at the next level.
There are a few other names that you could throw in at #5 and make an argument for as a top 5 junior midfielder. I like Zed Williams. He was a highly touted recruit (ranked #4 by Inside Lacrosse) and broke the high school national records for total goals and total assists at Silver Creek in New York. He started to come into his own last year scoring 37 points and is being relied upon more this season. He’s still a bit raw but has the tools and the size to be successful at the next level.
