EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette men's lacrosse program heads into its second year under head coach Patrick Myers as a team determined to build on the foundation and culture change established a year ago. With 23 freshmen on the 2020 roster, the youth movement is real on College Hill, but it's the upperclassmen, Myers says, that have bought into the mission of the program and their "greater why" of creating a program that consistently competes for Patriot League championships is attainable.
 
"Our seniors get it. They understand that they're building something that will be long-lasting from the mental side; changing the culture of the program through servant leadership, being compelled teammates and a DMGB (Doesn't Matter, Get Better) mindset on a daily basis," said Myers. "Our freshman come from winning programs and signed up to be great, so they don't know anything else. They're learning how to be Leopards in the current system from an older group that now has had a year to understand what's expected in this program. It's created a special locker room right now."
 
A hungry and energetic group with fresh eyes and new expectations, heads into a daunting 2020 schedule, featuring six games against ranked opponents. It's a schedule that was intentional, though, as Myers wants his players to build belief in their abilities and the company this program ultimately wants to keep.
 
"Aside from playing in an extremely deep Patriot League, part of raising the bar for this program is playing an elite out-of-conference schedule," Myers said. "We want our guys to ignore outside noise and we're excited for the opportunity to show continued growth as a program and look forward to the hard work and preparation required on a daily basis."
 
The Leopards open the 2020 regular season on Saturday, traveling to No. 1/2 Penn State for a 12 p.m. tilt with the Nittany Lions. Below is a full position-by-position breakdown of the 2020 edition of Lafayette men's lacrosse.
 
ATTACK
 
Sophomore Andrew Robbins, coming off a breakout rookie campaign as the Leopards' leading returning goal-scorer, leads an attack group with variety in terms of experience and skillset. Robbins scored 22 goals a year ago, including three games with three or more, registering a season-best four scores in the win over Binghamton.
 
"Andrew has expanded his game to become more of a dodging threat now and we're comfortable with the ball in his stick," Myers said. "He's developing more of a voice and we'll look to him to lead this group physically and vocally."
 
Freshman Ryan Duncan has impressed the coaching staff since arriving on College Hill and likely has secured one of the top spots, while classmate Evan Lotz and senior co-captain Robbie Garavente are battling for the third and fourth positions. Garavente tallied eight goals and three assists in 14 games with just two starts as a junior, adding a pair of ground balls.
 
Sophomore George Enman, off a an eight-goal, five-assist rookie campaign, anchors the next group along with freshmen Ian MacCauley and Jack Harrison. MacCauley comes to Easton by way of Centennial, Colorado, while Harrison has trekked north from Waxhaw, North Carolina to join the Leopards' program in 2020.
 
MIDFIELD
 
Myers has constructed his midfield units to be much more effective in transition this season as each line features a "horse," a position the staff feels comfortable with defensively if need be.
 
"When there's a saved shot or a turnover, these are guys that can not only ride effectively, but we feel comfortable with them staying in and playing defense," Myers explained.
 
Junior co-captain Bryan Hess, sophomore Ryan Kirkwood and freshman Brian Collins have stood out in those spots through the preseason. Hess was a significant offensive threat in his sophomore season, tallying 16 goals and eight assists for 24 points on the year, good for fifth on the team. Kirkwood added six goals and a pair of assists in his rookie year, finishing fifth on the team in ground balls with 25.
 
Senior co-captain Adam Close, junior Cole Dutton and freshman Nick Jessen will be seen throughout the top-two midfield lines this season, with freshmen Peyton McNeill, Jack Warren, Macklin Fitzpatrick and Gunnar Bogorowski also earning spots in the rotation. Dutton tied for the team-lead in points a year ago and was third on the team in scoring with 18 goals in his rookie season. Close made three starts in 2019 before losing the remainder of the season to injury, but tallied a pair of assists in those outings.
 
"One of the biggest differences this season is our overall depth in the midfield. We have several options that can play between the boxes," said Myers.
 
At the defensive midfield spot, a position Lafayette has labeled the "panther" position, junior John Natoli returns after an injury ended his sophomore season early. Natoli has converted from an attack spot to the panther position over the offseason and has been the clear leader of the group.
 
"I can't say enough about John's buy-in," Myers said. "The tone that he has set for our program in terms of taking on that position change is a culture-changer for us. He's gritty and tough and the exact type of person we need in the panther spot."
 
Freshman Jake Buchanan has rocketed up the depth chart through the fall and preseason as another player Myers can count on in that area. Other options include freshman Beckham Bayreuther, Dean Carnical and Liam DiFonzo, while freshman Nick Luzzo and sophomore Sam Kirby also will compete for time.
 
DEFENSE
 
The close defense group is where the freshmen infusion will materialize the most with a trio of rookies taking over the reins as foundational pieces of the program in the back. Tommy McGee, Beaudan Szuluk and J.P. Robinson have impressed from day one and, along with returner Stephen Sajer, who made six starts a year ago, will anchor the top defensive unit.
 
"These guys are just grinders. They work their tails off and just want it," Myers said. "Sajer played a couple different spots for us last year and gained plenty of experience. He's the glue guy. They all play with chips on their shoulders; a tough, disciplined style of lacrosse that we can build on."
 
Senior co-captain Jason Corcoran will compete for time as well at the close defense spot and has provided tremendous leadership to the young group.
 
"I can't say enough about Jason as a leader," added Myers. "He brings it every day and pushes everyone around him to be better. That's a special thing when you know you might not see minutes on gameday."
 
Senior Chris Adamo returns at the pole after leading the Leopards in ground balls a year ago with 48. The Bohemia, New York native was also third on the team in caused turnovers with 14.
 
"Chris is terrific on the wings of our faceoff unit," Myers said. "He creates havoc in the middle of the field and is particularly strong in the riding game."
 
Freshman Sean Rushton has impressed with his toughness and work ethic to move right alongside Adamo in the depth chart. Sophomore Alex Molto has also put himself in a position to earn minutes, while classmate Jameson Waldron will compete for time as well rounding out the group.
 
IN GOAL
 
Lafayette heads into 2020 with a four-goalie group that has been in open competition for the starting spot. Sophomore Ryan Ness has taken control at the moment after starting the first 12 games a year ago, while junior Jake Floyd-Jones, who started the final three outings in 2019, is right behind Ness.
                                            
"Ryan has worked really hard on improving his game, is more comfortable in his own skin as a leader and, knowing how young we are, his voice from goal has been important," Myers said. "Jake has a very different skillset and has the ability to get really hot. We feel really good about what he brings to the table when his number is called."
 
Freshman Will Moran has shown off his talent and proven to be a reliable option, while senior Wes Moshier, who saw one appearance as a junior, has provided veteran leadership to the group.
 
AT THE X
 
The 'X' will likely be a group effort once again as junior Gabe Smithline and freshman James Turco likely will see the majority of opportunities. Smithline returns fully healthy after injury limited his season to just five games a year ago. He won 41.6 percent of his chances in those five outings.
 
Sophomore Christian Park provides another option after taking 97 faceoffs in eight games for the Leopards last season. Carnival could also be used as a different-look option, providing more athleticism from his panther position if necessary.