By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/17/11

Malvern Prep sophomore defenseman/LSM Greg Pelton has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Duke University. He is the first Philly sophomore to publicly give a commitment to a Division I college.

Greg Pelton log:

Greg Pelton defends

High school: Malvern Prep

Position: defenseman/LSM

Graduation year: 2014

College choice: Duke

Club affiliation: ManUp

Lacrosse honors: Inside Lacrosse Rising Sophomore Young Gun No. 7 pick and top defenseman; Philly Showcase Gait Fab 40 All-Star, 2011; Nike Blue Chip Camp, Top 205 Camp; member of Malvern Prep team that finished second in the Inter-Ac League and Inter-Ac Invitational after one-goal loss to national champion Haverford School in finals.

Academic honors: First honors every quarter at Malvern Prep

Intended major: Leaning toward Business

Why did you choose Duke? “I chose Duke because it’s always been my dream school. Once I was able to visit the campus I knew it was the place I wanted to be. It’s a great academic school that will open a lot of doors for me. Talking to coaches made me feel comfortable. The chance to compete for a national title is always exciting.”

Also considered: Notre Dame, Penn State, Princeton.

HS outlook for 2012 season: “That last game last year is a motivator for us. With our captains and upperclassmen and coach (David) Metzbower and how he prepares us, I know we’ll have a lot of success. We’ll push for an Inter-Ac championship. We’ll have a great defense and our offense has come along. We want to make an impact nationally.”

Other comments: “I want to thank coach Metzbower and my club coach, Jim Schorn, for helping me through the (recruiting) process. I also want to thank my family for sticking with me and offering support through the whole process.”

Other info: Pelton’s commitment to coach John Danowski’s Blue Devils follows a recent trend of sophomore commits around the country. Already, Inside Lacrosse has reported that 30 other sophomores have committed to Division I programs. Duke also has received a commitment from defenseman Jack Harrington of Greenwich (CT).

Malvern Prep connection at Duke: Former Friars at Duke include junior defenseman Billy Conners and sophomore defenseman Henry Lobb.

Tags: Malvern Prep