Shane Knobloch becomes first Rutgers player to win Lt. Donald MacLaughlin Jr. Award

Shane Knobloch honored by the USILA.

On Thursday morning, Rutgers‘ Shane Knobloch was recognized by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) for his stellar season.

The Rutgers star became the first player in program history to win the Lt. Donald MacLaughlin Jr. Outstanding Midfielder of the Year Award. It is one of the five major awards given out by the USILA. He is the first Rutgers player to win one of the accolades since Reid Jackson in 1994.

While Knobloch’s name is now forever etched in the record books, it is not the only award he added to his trophy case. The talented midfielder also earned First Team All-American honors, becoming just the second four-time All-American in program history, joining Tom Sweeney.Β 

π“π‘πž 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐒𝐝𝐟𝐒𝐞π₯𝐝𝐞𝐫!

Shane Knobloch wins the Lt. Donald MacLaughlin Jr. Award, given to the nation’s Most Outstanding Midfielder

πŸ“°: https://t.co/Q6yvaIpSTd pic.twitter.com/FO8U0lT2ow

β€” Rutgers Men’s LAX (@RUmlax) May 23, 2024

In 14 games during the 2024 campaign, Knobloch was a scoring machine. He added 29 goals to his resume while dishing out 11 assists. The Moorestown High School product finished the season with 40 points, the second-highest total of his career.Β 

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Although Rutgers fans have become used to Knobloch’s excellence, his most recent accomplishments provide a reminder of just how good he is. Since making his collegiate debut in 2021, Knobloch was a key piece of Rutgers offense and model of consistency. That has helped him become the best at his position.Β 

With his college career in the books, Knobloch will now turn his attention to his pro career with the Carolina Chaos. He was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 PLL Draft.

Two Rutgers lacrosse players taken in PLL Draft

Rutgers lacrosse has two taken in the PLL Draft.

On Tuesday night, two members of Rutgers men’s lacrosse, Shane Knobloch and Ross Scott, were selected in the PLL Draft.

The Rutgers duo of Knobloch and Scott will be heading to Charlotte after being selected by the Carolina Chaos.Β 

After an unforgettable career at Rutgers, Knobloch made history in the draft. He was drafted fourth overall, becoming the highest-ever PLL draft pick out of Rutgers since the league started. He is the first Rutgers player to be taken in the first round since Connor Kirst was the No. 7 overall pick Β in 2021.

While Knobloch’s Chaos debut is still weeks away, excitement is already building for his future. His new head coach, Andy Towers, made that clear when he met with the media.

Shane Knobloch, Ross Scott selected by Carolina Chaos in 2024 Premier Lacrosse League Draft

✍️: @MatthewMangam
πŸ“Έ: @dcsaanchez https://t.co/oiVGXDu1kL pic.twitter.com/JgRVsu2cN4

β€” Targum Sports (@TargumSports) May 8, 2024

“We couldn’t be happier that Shane was available,” Towers told Rutgers Athletics. “He continued to impress and does not have a weakness. He’s crafty and can make defenses pay. He couldn’t be a better teammate. He’s mentally tough. He’s hyper competitive and physically tough.”

As Knobloch adjusts to a new team, he will have a familiar face to lean on in Scott. The Chaos selected Scott in the fourth round after he scored 109 goals in 66 games during his college career. He finished his Rutgers career ranked 11th all-time in school history in points and 12th in goals. His ability to make an impact offensively is one of the reasons the Chaos targeted him.Β 

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After years of providing Rutgers fans with exciting moments, Knobloch and Scott will get to take their talents to the next level starting on June 1. With the talented duo in the mix, the Chaos have a bright future that many in Piscataway will watch closely.Β