I want to thank Tucker Durkin for taking time to answer some questions. Tucker is a human eraser that takes offensive players out of the game and is a prototype defenseman that GMs and coaches dream of drafting.
Many analysts and commentators say that your style was suited for the pro game right out of college. What do you feel are the major differences for defensemen making the transition from college to the MLL?
Durkin: First and foremost, every player on every MLL team is extremely talented and was certainly one of the best players on their respective college teams. The physicality and overall speed is really impressive; the ball moves much faster and opposing players are never intimidated by their matchup. In 60 seconds it’s the offense’s best punch vs. the defense’s best punch; best unit wins.
What qualities do you feel make a good defenseman?
Durkin: You really have to be well rounded; you have to be able to compete athletically and on the ball, but also within a system and be a great communicator. While everyone plays a different role in a defensive system (are all equally important), the guys that can be interchangeable on any given day, or play, are the guys I want on my team.
Critics have said the Launch defense struggled last season, but you played some great games towards the end of the season. How do you feel about next season?
Durkin: We definitely have a lot to prove this upcoming season not only as a team, but as a defense as well. Down the stretch—unfortunately it was a little late—I thought we put together some really good games on both sides of the ball. We started to find ourselves and really came together. I believe the future is extremely bright for our franchise and I couldn’t be more excited to get out there with what I know is a tremendous group.
How have your rookie teammates made the transition this past season?
Durkin: Our rookies were great the entire season and only got better as the year went on. I was really impressed with the maturity and confidence that all of our rooks were able to exude throughout the season. It’s not easy to make the transition from college, literally right after your senior season, to MLL, but these guys came in and were ready to play. If you look at our rookie class with guys like Lyle, Buczek, Ikeda, and Frazier (to name a few), these guys all came in and made legitimate impacts.
Your workouts with Scott Rodgers are making the rounds on social media and speak volumes about your dedication to staying in shape for lacrosse. What does a typical workout entail?
Durkin: Scotty is one of my good buds and I’m fortunate to live close to him and be able to workout with him on a regular basis. He’s a guy that works his ass off and someone I have a ton of respect for, tremendous competitor. Our workouts are pretty intense, and typically include some type of drill where we are competing against each other.
What are your views on the expansion draft? Who would you take first if you were picking?
Durkin: I think the expansion draft is pretty cool, it’s always really exciting to see a new team enter the league. I’m confident Atlanta will be a great market for lacrosse; I actually worked a camp down there for a week for four years straight with Coach Dwan (Hopkins) and Coach Tierney (Hofstra). My experiences with Atlanta were all extremely positive: nicest people you will meet, extremely passionate about lacrosse, and look to feed you a lot of good food. What else could you possibly want from a city??
What are your goals for next season?
Durkin: To win a championship.
Where do you see the MLL in five years?
Durkin: I see the league growing, probably two more teams, and more guys making a fulltime living out of lacrosse.
You and John Grant Jr. have some physical battles. Are there any attackmen you look forward to facing?
Durkin: John Grant Jr. is legend and one of my personal favorite, and toughest, matchups. He’s a beast and is basically old enough to be my Dad. I think his combination of Dad strength, creativity, and stickwork is what sets him apart.
What do you enjoy most about playing lacrosse in general, the Florida Launch specifically and are they any other sports you enjoy?
Durkin: Playing for the Florida Launch down in Boca is awesome: the coaches, teammates, and fans make it more than an enjoyable experience.
Who is taller? You or Coach Ross?
Durkin: Coach Ross literally has to look down to talk to me. I think he grew three or four inches from 2014 to 2015.
Now you get to ask me a question.
Which ILWT writer would fare the best in a cage match vs. @Scottyrodg42?
I would say Chris Panos or Ryan Conwell since they coach and are in shape, but since you invoked the cage clause I will nominate myself. Short people are determined and mean. Calling you out Rodgers! (He’s not going to see this, right?)
