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Fall 2014 Signing Week coverage
Pennsylvania lacrosse commitment story archive
Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
If you’ve been following along on our Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section, you have been take note as each new commitment has come in.
The University of Michigan has become one of the major recruiting powers in the nation when it comes to the nation’s No. 1 hotspot for lacrosse, the NY/NJ/CT tristate region, as well as its tradition-rich surrounding areas further south.
The latest big freshman verbal for the Maize and Blue comes from the Philly area, where West Chester (PA) left-handed defenseman/longstick midfielder Devin Gilligan of the Shipley School has decided on Michigan, a decision first reported when it was made last week by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The 6-foot-1, 150-pound Gilligan is an agile and skilled lefty who is strong on groundballs and dangerous in the open field.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Devin on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The main reasons that I chose Michigan were the campus and the atmosphere. Michigan had a great setup for academics and support for athletes. None of the other schools that I visited had the same atmosphere and feel as Michigan.
The visit was the biggest factor for me. Before the visit I hadn’t really thought about Michigan that much, but the visit changed everything. The staff was also great, not just the coaches but the trainers and other faculty at the school too. The coaches were great too, (Michigan Head) Coach (John) Paul was very easy to talk to.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Notre Dame, Penn State and Lehigh before Michigan.
I had been considering Notre Dame, Harvard, Princeton, Army, Air Force, Ohio State, Syracuse, Lehigh and Lafayette.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I would say that my strengths as a player are my physicality and speed. My speed allows me to keep up with attackmen or outrun them.
My physical style of play is also a key factor. I always try to body up a person if I can.
I also play very aggressively and attack the ball, forcing groundballs and turnovers.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I think that there is room for improvement in my footwork and stick skills.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I used to play football, and one year, my football coach told me to try lacrosse. I was in fourth grade when I started playing and have been playing ever since. I also play basketball and have played since I was about 8.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play for Big 4 HHH and Duke’s 2018. I attended the NXT Philly Freshman Showcase this past fall.
Any final thoughts and people you’d like to thank for helping you get to this point?
I want to thank a few people.
Brad Boyer, the coach who told me to play lacrosse and he coached me for four to five years.
Liam Resch is one of my coaches for Big 4 and I took private lessons with him after my injury.
Scott Gabrielson. He only coached me for one year but he made me a better team player.
Glenn White, who coached me at West Chester LC and Chester County All-Stars with Scott Gabrielson.
Travis McDonnell, who was my coach for Philly Fever and he got me into Shipley. He is also one of my high school coaches.
I also want to thank all of my Dukes, Big 4 and Shipley coaches not mentioned above.
Finally, I want to thank my parents. They are the ones who led me to where I am. My mom coached me since fourth grade and my dad coached since I was in sixth (grade). Without their support and help, I would not be where I am today.
* Pennsylvania lacrosse commitment story archive
Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
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Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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Recruiting Rundown section
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2015
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* Recruiting commitment story archive
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Posted In: Pennsylvania lacrosse, Philadelphia lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
