2022 PLL College Draft Preview: 20 NCAA Lacrosse Players to Watch

Top Faceoff Men

Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics

Justin Inacio (Ohio St.)

Although next year’s draft class is stacked with elite faceoff talent, expect a few names to be taken off the board this draft. Justin Inacio contributes to the Buckeye winning formula with a 59% faceoff win percentage. It’s highly possible to see him get picked up by the Waterdogs, whose only other pure faceoff athlete on the roster is fellow Buckeye Jake Withers. The Archers are another team with a need at faceoff after trading Stephen Kelly to the Cannons this offseason. They may want to add another faceoff specialist to join Conor Gaffney and Tyrell Hamer-Jackson at camp and Inacio would be a good fit.

Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Waterdogs

Jakob Phaup (Syracuse)

Phaup sits right behind Inacio with a 57.8% faceoff win percentage this season. Although ‘Cuse is having one of its worst seasons in recent decades, it’s certainly not due to Phaup’s lack of production. Similar to Inacio, Phaup could find a home with the Waterdogs, especially if current starter Jake Withers is out leading the Halifax Thunderbirds to an NLL title. He could also don the orange and navy again if the Archers choose to use one of their many picks on the Syracuse faceoff man.

Likely Landing Spots: Archers, Waterdogs

Steve Gagliardi is the founder of LaxFarmer.com - the premier online resource for finding the best lacrosse gear, equipment, and footwear. With 10+ years of lacrosse and brand-building experience, Steve is passionate about growing the game’s digital landscape through content, product, and partnerships. Steve lives in Austin, TX and you can connect with him on Twitter @SteveGagz.

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