Ryan Terefenko – Ohio State
Although there are a lot of talented offensive players in this draft, Ryan Terefenko is exactly the type of player a team with championship aspirations should pursue. The Whipsnakes were dominant last year defensively, in large part due to the strength of their short-stick defensive midfielders who kept them from having any weak links for opponents to attack. Of the many talented SSDMs in this draft, Terefenko is the best, functioning as a de facto fifth long pole on defense.
An impressive athlete with ridiculous lateral quicks, footwork and anticipation, Terefenko is like a mirror for the man he is guarding. Or, rather, a mirror that doles out checks. If they go left, Terefenko is there. If they move right, he flashes to the spot so quick that it’s like he knew where the player was going. He stands 6’0”, but his low center of gravity allows him to body up physical attackers and maintain sound positioning. He doesn’t hunt takeaway checks, but will gladly strip a lazy O-man and take it the other way. Whether it is he or a teammate who puts the ball on the ground, Terefenko sniffs out loose balls like a bloodhound, and his athleticism creates opportunities in transition. He is the type of guy any PLL team needs.
Roy Colsey’s Take: Terefenko is another can’t miss pick. The guy does it all. He’s an absolute animal. He’s tough as nails, completely unselfish and will do whatever is asked of him. There’s no doubt that what he brings to Ohio State, he will also bring to any of the PLL teams.
