Recruiting: Why Jack Rabazzi of Rivers opted for Colgate

Junior defender Jack Rabazzi of Rivers School recently committed to Colgate. (Dave Arnold/New England Lacrosse Journal)

Every college team in the country is looking for that big, intimidating defenseman who can command the defense, dominate one-on-one matchups, and be ready to jump into the fast break to create offense.

A player like Jack Rabazzi.

At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, the Rivers School junior from Burlington, Mass., fits that mold of a top defender, and recently announced his commitment to play Division 1 lacrosse at Colgate.

Rivers head coach Matt Hudson has seen Rabazzi’s development, and how he has taken the next steps to use his size to his advantage and make an impact all over the field.

“Obviously, he jumps off the page when you see him on the field,” said Hudson. “From the start of the season to the end of the season, I thought he made tremendous amounts of development in his aggression, his IQ, his commitment to being an imposing presence on the field, and he just covers ground so well.”

While many top junior recruits choose their schools quickly after the Sept. 1 first contact date, Rabazzi took his time during his process. For him it was about finding the right fit, academically and for lacrosse.

“With social media you see all these kids committing right away, and you’d think it puts a little pressure on you, but actually for me there was no pressure,” said Rabazzi. “For me, academics always comes first and lacrosse is a great thing that I can have along with that.

“Colgate was exactly what I wanted for that. When the Colgate coaches called me on Sept. 1 it was great because I had already researched the school. When I finally got up there I fell in love with it immediately.”

Colgate, located in Hamilton, N.Y., finished 2-9 overall last spring, missing out on the tournament in the Patriot League.

Rabazzi’s size has always given him an advantage, but he knew that he needed to fill out his frame to prepare for the grueling Independent School League season. The weight room was just as important as getting reps on the field.

“Leading up to this past spring, I was lifting at 5 a.m. before school four days a week,” said Rabazzi. “It really helped me step up my game to play against bigger and more physical competition. You know every ISL team is going to have multiple guys who are going to go play high D-1 lacrosse, so you have to mentally prepare yourself, and be ready to get low and dominate the one-on-one matchups.”

After going 6-10 overall last spring, and finishing outside the top eight and missing the ISL championship tournament, the Red Wings should be much improved all over the field with new players and strong returners.

Rabazzi’s continued development will be crucial for Rivers to make strides in the ISL. He plays club with the Fighting Clams.

“I see Jack being one of the anchors of our defense,” said Hudson. “I think he’s going to take on more of a leadership role as he finds his voice and has the confidence to speak up. I’m looking forward to him blossoming as a vocal leader in the school, in the weight room and on the field.”

In the grand scheme of the Class of 2025’s commitments, players like Rabazzi often end up being the key players that colleges pick up in the process. When both the player and coaches take their time to ensure it will be the right fit, in a few years time that can translate to that player making a true impact.

“I think Colgate got a really good defenseman, and if they keep getting kids like Jack Rabazzi, they’re going to be in a good spot,” said Hudson.

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