Watch List: Top 15 local freshmen in Div. 1 men’s lacrosse

Liam McDonough has wasted no time in making an impact at UMass Lowell. (Brian Ellis – UMass Lowell Athletics)

From a national perspective, the last several weeks have brought about plenty of recognition to top upperclassmen in Division 1 lacrosse. First came the initial Tewaraaton Award Watch List, then the 2019 Major League Lacrosse Draft – putting a spotlight on the region's best and brightest.

But what about the next generation?

To answer that, New England Lacrosse Journal has highlighted 15 players from the region who have impressed early into their NCAA careers. To merit consideration, players simply needed hometown roots in New England. That, however, means freshmen like UMass attackman Gabriel Procyck and Providence attackman Matt Grillo weren't included, despite playing in the region.

Since the 2019 season is relatively young, other freshmen could turn heads as springtime nears and more games get played. Early on, these guys have shown encouraging signs.