Maryland men’s lacrosse tops Big Ten preseason poll

Maryland men’s lacrosse enters the 2017 season with lofty expectations, but that’s commonplace for one of the winningest programs in the country.

The Big Ten just announced Maryland sits atop the men’s lacrosse preseason poll, following a 5-0 conference record last season and the program’s first Big Ten title.

The Terps are also ranked No. 2 nationally in the most recent Inside Lacrosse preseason ranking, as well as No. 2 in the USILA/ NIKE Coaches’ Poll.

Head coach John Tillman doesn’t shy away from tough opposition, and the 2017 schedule is no different. As daunting as the schedule may seem, it speaks volumes that analyst’s have enough confidence in this team to rank them so high.

Having seven preseason All-Americans probably helps. Isaiah Davis-Allen is the lone short-stick defensive mid listed in Inside Lacrosse’s Preseason First Team All-Americans, while attacker Matt Rambo and defender Tim Muller received bids as Second Team All-Americans. Connor Kelly, Colin Heacock, Matt Neufeldt and face-off specialist Austin Henningsen all received honorable mentions.

Muller and Heacock, as well as presumed starting goalie Dan Morris, were named Big Ten men’s lacrosse preseason honorees, rounding out a star-studded roster that’s looking to end the program’s 41-year championship drought.

The season begins Feb. 11, with the Terps taking on the Navy Midshipmen in Annapolis, Md.