SPARKS, Md. – Connor Kelly was selected with the second overall pick of the 2018 Major League Lacrosse Draft by the Atlanta Blaze to lead a group of five Maryland men's lacrosse players chosen Wednesday evening at US Lacrosse Headquarters.
Maryland has had 36 players selected in the MLL draft since head coach John Tillman took over the program in 2011, leading all schools nationally during that span.
Joining Kelly (Atlanta Blaze – 1st Rd, 2nd overall) were midfielder Tim Rotanz (Charlotte Hounds – 2nd Rd, 12th overall), defender Bryce Young (Ohio Machine – 2nd round, 15th overall), midfielder Adam DiMillo (Charlotte Hounds – 6th round, 48th overall) and goalkeeper Dan Morris (New York Lizards – 6th round, 50th overall).
The Terps have had at least three selections every year since 2011, including at least five players drafted five of the last eight seasons.
Kelly, who was drafted by the Atlanta Blaze, is the highest pick for a Terp since Joe Walters went first overall in 2006.
The list of accolades is endless for Kelly, who was a USILA First Team All-American in 2017 when he helped lead Maryland to the NCAA National Championship. He has rounded out his game in 2018, posting 32 goals and 28 assists through 11 games. His 60 points through 11 games is the most for a Terrapin in that span since Bob Boneillo in 1978.
A 2017 USILA All-American, Rotanz has been one of the steadiest forces in the midfield for the Terps the last few seasons. Rotanz most memorably scored a game-high three goals in the 2017 NCAA National Championship game, including the empty net dagger in the waning moments. He currently has 24 points (12g, 12a) this season.
Recently named a candidate for the USILA National Player of the Year, Young is one of the top close defenders in the country. A 2017 USILA All-American, Young has started 29 career games for the Terrapins.
DiMillo has long been heralded in College Park for his work ethic and toughness, missing just one game in four seasons. He has appeared in 68 career games, which ranks second among active players nationally trailing only his teammate Kelly. DiMillo scored two of his five goals in 2017 in the NCAA National Championship game.
A 2017 Inside Lacrosse All-American, Morris has tabbed a 26-4 career record between the pipes for the Terrapins over the last two seasons. Morris has been lauded for his character both on and off the field, being recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award.
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