Impact Recruits Part VI – 2023

The last New Jersey based middle blocker I featured as an Impact Recruit didn’t even make it to November, hopefully Jack “Don’t Call Me Mister” Freese doesn’t burn me in the same way. The 6’8 middle brings size (duh) and a surprising level of coordination for Coach Arslani’s Cougars.

He could be the best middle for Kean since Kamil Garbowski the moment he steps on campus. His offensive game is pretty polished for a first year, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they explored his viability on the right side to get him some more looks.

Another impact recruit off the talented MVP 18s (joining Andrew Ahn from Part I), the Maryland native will be battling to conduct the Pride offense in 2022. Dylan’s best attribute is utilizing the tools around him to run a balanced offense, no group is better suited to do that than the Pride.

Anderson, York, and Brandow (my sources tell me he will be back in the Spring) are a good collection of toys for Dylan. Most importantly, if Mulvaney can get the Springfield middles involved offensively that could change their dynamic as they look to return to the NCAA Championship.

Editors Note: The worst day of Mulvaney’s club career was the day he lost to Ramius in Spooky Nook. Lifetime record 1-0. Never forget.

The second Yellow Jacket to make a list this summer, I hope Coach Taylor has an XL -Tall pair of Slunks waiting for Ian. A 6’7 pin hitter from Virginia, Ian starred for ODVA the past two seasons as their OH1. While I don’t think he is more talented than Andrew Klein, I do think he will slot into the OH1 role for RMC allowing Andrew to be more efficient on a lower volume and slot in as the second terminal pin that was desperately needed against top competition last season.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend like I know who is coming back, who has graduated, and who has an 8th year of eligibility on the SVU roster. I certainly don’t know, and I’m not sure there is anyone who does.

What I do know, is that Coach Peterson has another long, springy athlete on his roster who can do a bit of everything. An AVCA HS All-American, Zaharis can be the lightning quick to McKay Walker’s slow rolling thunder and create a dangerous middle tandem for the CVC to contend with.

I’m not sure what size sneaker JD wears, but he certainly has some big shoes to fill. Not only is he the 2nd libero to be featured this summer (I know, crazy right?), but he is also stepping into former AVCA All-American Mason Scott’s role.

Stevenson has relied on scrappy defense and rock solid serve receive to remain in the national spotlight the past two seasons. If they look to remain a contender in the ultra-competitive MAC – JD will need to carry the torch for those two program hallmarks.