Aug. 2, 2011
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Three former Notre Dame standouts have been listed on Quint Kessenich’s list of the top Major League Lacrosse (MLL) rookies for the 2011 season. Kessenich, an analyst for ESPN and Inside Lacrosse, had David Earl, Kevin Ridgway and Zach Brenneman in his list of the top 35 MLL rookies.
All three players garnered All-America honors during their senior campaign and were selected in January’s 2011 MLL Draft. Brenneman, a midfielder, became the highest pick in Notre Dame history as he went fifth overall to the Long Island Lizards. The Hamilton Nationals selected Earl, a midfielder, in the third round (13th overall selection), while Ridgway, a defenseman, also went to Hamilton five picks later.
Earl was ranked third on Kessenich’s list, while Ridgway was ninth and Brenneman was 19th. Hamilton attackman Jeremy Boltus from Army topped the list, while Rochester attackman Grant Catalino from Maryland was second.
Kessenich on Earl … “The Notre Dame graduate has dazzled with 14 goals in eight games on 34% shooting. He is a great example of a player whose skillset is better suited in the pro game than college. Earl can play defense and can dodge any shorty in the league.”
Kessenich on Ridgway … “The lanky Georgetown Prep and Notre Dame alum has dressed six times for the Nationals this summer and will be a starter in the league next year with expansion.”
Kessenich on Brenneman … “Brenneman has only found the twine on 9% of his shots, but he contributes in a lot of other ways for the Lizards. He is an excellent defender and much faster in the open field than people realize. If he cleans up his shot selection, location and technique he could be a future All-Star caliber player…that’s a big if for the No. 5 draft choice.”
MLL Championship Weekend will take place Aug. 27 and 28 in Annapolis, Md. The games can be seen on ESPN2.
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