Overview:
Johns Hopkins had an amazing run to the inaugural B1G Ten Title and NCAA Final Four after a roller coaster of a start to the season. Looking to continue the trend of advancing to championship weekend in May, the Blue Jays need to fill defensive holes to keep opposing offenses at bay. Nearly the entire defensive lineup graduated and two key cogs in the offense need replacing as well. With midfielder Joel Tinney out for 2016, who will step up to replace his ability to break down defenses, score clutch goals, and take the wing on faceoffs?
Strengths:
Offense—plain and simple, the Jays are a team with plenty of options on the offensive end. With Coach Benson’s ability to put his players in the right positions, Hopkins will look to be able score along with any team in the nation. Returning at attack are senior Ryan Brown (61 G, 16 A) and sophomore Shack Stanwick (28 G, 23 A). If Stanwick and Brown can match the chemistry that Wells Stanwick and Brown had, it should be a great year for the Jays’ offense. Look for the midfield of seniors Holden Cattoni, Connor Reed, and junior John Crawley to mesh well from the start.
Weaknesses:
Defense—The Blue Jays defense had lapses last year, but came together in the end for a long run deep into May. Now the Jays need to replace many of the faces that have been starters for a number of years. Most importantly, who is going to replace graduated Eric Schneider? Senior Will Ryan had time last season as a replacement to Schneider and looks to be the incumbent. Sophomore Brock Turnbaugh had a season to learn the ropes and is applying pressure to be named the starter. Nick Fields is the lone returning defenseman and needs help to keep opposing offenses in positions to help the new goalie, whomever should win the job.
Top Returnee:
Junior midfielder John Crawley (21 G, 11 A) is the player that could be the key to the 2016 Blue Jays. Brown and Stanwick will get a lot of attention, but when looking back on the Final Four contest against Maryland, Crawley played the best of all Blue Jays. His ability to get to the goal and create are paramount for the Blue Jays. He was able to create offense for the second midfield for two seasons so far at Homewood and now he is going to be getting top honors.
Breakthrough Player:
Redshirt junior faceoff Craig Madarasz was going into last season as a candidate for regular duties at the X until an injury sidelined him for the season. Working to get back on the field and in a position to replace graduated Drew Kennedy, this is his time to shine. Hunter Moreland had an injury in the Final Four contest, but is going to be ready for the Spring, it is an open contest to get the lionshare of draws this spring. This key to also keep putting pressure on opposing defenses while limiting opportunities against their own defense that needs time to gel early in the season.
