2021 PLL College Draft Preview: Defense

LSM

Ryan McNulty – Loyola

Image courtesy of Loyola University Athletics

The Philadelphia-area native returned to Loyola this season to use his final year of eligibility after a COVID shortened senior season in 2020. Ryan McNulty is a guy who can not only help shut down opponents, but also enjoys jumping into the play on the offensive half. His skill set and ability on the field was summarized by then Johns Hopkins head coach Dave Pietramala to the Baltimore Sun after facing McNulty during the 2020 season: “Ryan McNulty defines what the long-stick midfield is or quite frankly has become.”

A co-captain for three seasons at Loyola, the LSM was among the top-three on the team in both ground balls and caused turnovers in four of his five seasons, with the only exception coming in an injury-shortened freshman campaign. Through the first nine games of 2021, McNulty ranked 8th all-time at Loyola in caused turnovers and is in a position to crack the top 15 in school history for ground balls as well. 

Ric Beardsley’s Take: He’s got size at 6’2, 200lbs and the kid has balls. Loyola LSM’s learn from one of the best to play it in Matt Dwan and it shows with McNulty. He’s a hammer on any O-mid threat he faces and is excellent in transition. McNulty is a player who is set to benefit from a free-flowing game between the lines like you see in the PLL. 

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Isaac Berky

Isaac Berky is a graduate of Adrian College and Syracuse University with degrees in Digital Media and Broadcast Journalism. Even though his playing career never took off, he's been able to cover the game on the collegiate level as a broadcaster, while also working around the sports industry before joining Pro Lacrosse Talk as a contributor.

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  1. […] this NCAA season and former Syracuse defender and two-time NCAA champion Ric Beardsley believes “he can be a very effective number one defender and shut down some of the most skilled players… in the […]

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