The Denver Outlaws have again proven to be one of the most difficult teams to play in 2014. Boasting a league best 7 win and 1 loss record, the Outlaws have heavily relied on veteran talent as well as second and third year players. With all the depth of the Outlaws roster some holes still needed to be filled, so it was up to the rookies to rise up to the challenge that is Major League Lacrosse.
The first rookie to be discussed for the Denver Outlaws isn’t a typical MLL first-timer. This year, Curtis Dickson decided he had what it takes to play in the MLL. The former University of Delaware standout has had prolific seasons for the Calgary Roughnecks of the NLL since 2011. In his four year career with the Roughnecks, Dickson has amassed 175 goals and 110 assists over 77 games. That is an astounding 3.7 points per game. Dickson hasn’t slowed down in the MLL either, tallying 13 points in only 3 games. Dickson looks to bolster an already explosive Outlaws offense and drive the team to another playoff appearance.
This first selection by the Outlaws in the 2014 collegiate draft was Jeremy Noble (6th overall). Noble played college lacrosse at the University of Denver and was a notable leader for the Pioneers. Traditionally used as a set-up man, Noble tallied 80 assists for the Pioneers during his four seasons. It is not wise to only think of Jeremy as a set-up man because the Canadian middie can score as well. Noble has dressed for three games for the Outlaws this year accumulating three points – all assists.
For their second round selection, the Outlaws drafted Brent Hiken (16th overall). Hiken was a force on face-offs at Stevenson University. In 2013, Hiken won just under 71% of his face-offs for the Mustangs. For the 2014 season, that number increased to 72%. The Outlaws brought in this new talent at face-offs to possibly replace Anthony Kelly who is their current specialist, but it hasn’t panned out quite yet. In the only game Hiken as seen, he went for an abysmal 1-5 on face-offs. For this former DIII standout to remain an Outlaw, his numbers will need to improve as the season wears on.
The fourth selection by the Outlaws in the draft was Colin Dunster (30th overall), another middie. Dunster came to Denver by way of Bryant University. Dunster was a captain of the Bulldogs in his senior season. It appears as though the Outlaws were looking for a middie that could produce goals, as Dunster has had no less than 34 goals per season since his sophomore year. In two games for the Outlaws, this rookie has one goal which came against Charlotte in a 14-17 loss.
The Outlaws were no stranger to drafting Denver Pioneers when the third DU alumnus came in the seventh round in Terry Ellis (54th overall). Ellis drew attention while in high school as an offensive weapon, winning his school’s 2008 and 2009 offensive MVP award. While at Denver, Ellis was developed and shined as a defensive middie. The Outlaws were looking to sure up the defensive midfield by drafting Ellis. The first game for Ellis was on 6/21 against Chesapeake this season.
To round out the rest of the 2014 MLL collegiate draft, the Outlaws selected the following players which either remain on the collegiate inactive list or the practice squad.
22nd overall – Ty Sounders, Lehigh, Defense
38th overall – Jamie Faust, Denver, Goalie
43rd overall – James Connelly, Delaware, Defense
46th overall – Nick Fernandez, Princeton, Midfield
All of these players possess a great understanding for lacrosse and some good talent, but haven’t yet suited up in the MLL. Time will tell if these rookies will live up to the hype, or fall by the way-side. One thing is for certain though; the Outlaws will continue to search for the winning formula in pursuit of the franchise’s first championship.
