Top Attackmen
Chris Gray (North Carolina)
With the most points in NCAA Division I history, Chris Gray has proven to be one of the best all-around attackmen we have ever seen. He has lightning-quick speed and a lacrosse IQ that is off the charts. As an overlooked high school player, Chris began his career at Boston University – a mid-tier, Division I lacrosse program at the time. In only two seasons, Chris shattered records. He notched 108 points his sophomore year and elevated BU to the Patriot League powerhouse it is today before transferring to North Carolina for his junior year.
Since transferring to UNC, Chris has continued his reign of dominance. What makes Gray so electric? He can attack you from any area of the field: X, the wing, up top, and even from the box. Like many lacrosse greats, he has a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net when the game is on the line. Chris Gray can add an immediate spark to any team in the PLL, but all eyes are on Chrome with the #1 pick in the draft.
Likely Landing Spots: Atlas, Chrome
Matt Moore (Virginia)
As “positionless” as they come, Matt Moore is an offensive weapon for UVA. Whether he’s rolling on the crease, taking a step down or streaking from the alley, Moore leverages strong, hard shots and shoots around defenders. Similar to Stephen Rehfuss’ impact on the Cannons, the two-time national champ can instantly become an initiator for a team like the Atlas or Chrome, two teams that thrive off of momentum.
Likely Landing Spots: Atlas, Chrome, Redwoods
Logan Wisnauskas (Maryland)
Put some respect on Logan Wisnauskas name. Pundits spent years praising 2021 Tewaarton winner Jared Bernhardt without acknowledging the fact that Logan Wisnauskas was putting up equivalent numbers every year – on the same attack line. Wisnauskas quietly became the Terps all-time points leader in program history this season. He’s a big body attackman standing at 6’3, 215 lbs, which bodes extremely well at the professional level.
John Tillman and Maryland have a reputation for producing dominant, professional-level attackmen (Matt Rambo, Connor Kelly, etc.). Wisnauskas is the next evolution of that prototype. I think he’d fit quite well on the Chaos working alongside Josh Byrne, or on the Atlas, who could use a big body attackman to work off of Jeff Teat on the left side.
Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Atlas, Chaos, Chrome
Brendan Nichtern (Army)
After putting up 80 points during his freshman campaign, Nichtern has been a force to be reckoned with in the Patriot League. He is a poised operator behind the cage, able to absorb hard checks while effortlessly zinging the ball to any teammate on the field. He is continually drawing attention from the defense. Brendan’s impact is highly reminiscent of former Army great, Garret Thul, who went on to dominate at the professional level. Nichtern is set to do the same.
Nichtern would be a great fit on nearly any PLL offense and could potentially go later than he probably deserves since military commitments can sometimes prevent service academy grads from playing full seasons. Wherever he ends up getting drafted, a PLL team will have an immediate weapon who can draw slides whether on attack or or out of the box.
Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Atlas, Chaos
Asher Nolting (High Point)
At 6’2, 210 lbs, Asher Nolting is another big body attackman poised to have an immediate impact in the PLL. Asher is easily the greatest player in High Point lacrosse’s history, consistently putting up 68+ points in every season of his career. His strength is his strength. Asher has countless highlights getting to 5-and-5 with defenders draped all over him. Similar to Wisnauskas, the Atlas could have success using Nolting to complement Jeff Teat. Another team that could use Nolting is Chrome, who have a big hole on the left side after trading Justin Guterding to the Whipsnakes last season.
Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Atlas, Chrome
Other Notable Attackmen: John Piatelli, Keegan Khan, Kevin Lindley, Marc O’Rourke, Ryan Lanchbury
[…] familiarize yourself with the top PLL prospects, be sure to check out Steve Gaglierdi’s 2022 PLL College Draft preview or the latest episode of the Pro Lacrosse Talk […]