2021 PLL College Draft Preview: Defense

Jack Kielty – Notre Dame

Death, taxes and Notre Dame poles in the PLL. Kielty seems to be the next in line from Kevin Corrigan’s crew to make the jump and an impact at the next level. To see what Kielty can do on the field, you need to look no further than what he was able to do in Notre Dame’s impressive victory over Duke on April 10. Kielty who was tasked with handling Michael Sowers and held the talented attackman to just a single assist and three shots on net. Kielty has started every game since his sophomore season and utilizes his 6’2” frame very well against opponents. Strong and smart, Kielty shouldn’t have issues transferring his game to the next level.

Ric Beardsley’s Take: Notre Dame defensemen are great in the PLL and Kielty is going to continue that trend. The Irish play a great scheme and have intelligent defenders. As we saw last week against Duke, he can be a very effective number one defender and shut down some of the most skilled players out there. 

Chris Fake – Yale

Even though Fake will enter the summer having only played four competitive games dating back to the start of the 2020 season, he brings a wealth of experience and PLL-ready game. During his two full seasons under Andy Shay, Fake finished each season ranked in the top three in caused turnovers. From his first day on campus, Fake was facing top opponent’s top attackmen and was an integral part of the Bulldogs 2018 National Championship run. If you’re worried his lack of collegiate experience will hurt his development as a player, all you have to do is look at some of the players Fake faced on a daily basis at practice while with the Bulldogs. From Matt Gaudet to Ben Reeves, Fake has competed against the best of the best while at Yale. 

Ric Beardsley’s Take: The year off may hurt him or it may not. Either way, this kid is a specimen. He is going to come out of the gate in great shape. Wherever he goes, he will be a lockdown close defenseman who can break arms. Pad up PLL attack!