NLL entry draft: Hello, my name is … Sam DeVore

July 2nd, 2010 by Bob Chavez

Vision, ground balls and smart defense sums up the game of Sam DeVore.

Play defense at a school like Johns Hopkins and chances are good you’ll be noticed by National Lacrosse League teams. Play it well, under the coaching of one of the game’s icons, and chances are even better that an NLL team will call your name come draft day. That’s what Sam DeVore is hoping for, having completed his career with the Blue Jays under Dave Pietremala. Taken with the No. 32 overall pick in the 6th round by the Bayhawks, DeVore has yet to play a Major League Lacrosse game but as fortune might have it, he’s landed with a team that includes a fella who knows a thing or two about the NLL.

Shawn Nadelen, also a Blue Jays alum, is a teammate of DeVore. Nadelen missed much of this past NLL season with the Philadelphia Wings after injuring his knee, but word is he’s recovered well and will be a part of Team USA’s pursuit of a Worlds title in England later this month. That said, if DeVore’s fortunate enough to bend the ear of Nads, he’s sure to pick up some solid pointers from one of the NLL’s most steady defenders in the game today.

This isn’t to say DeVore’s void of talent and drive. At Hopkins, the defender he played in every game available during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. And as a freshman, he logged time in 15 games. You don’t get that much time at Hopkins without having talent and if you know Petro at all, if you don’t have the hustle, you’ll find yourself watching more games than playing. With 30 starts over his final 2 seasons at Hopkins, it’s safe to say DeVore brings a passion to the game not only to play it, but to win it.

Sam Devore

Height: 6-2
Weight: 205
Position: Defense
From: Long Island, New York
College: Johns Hopkins
MLL: Chesapeake Bayhawks

What’s your greatest asset that will help you in the NLL? “Making smart decisions. Making the right decisions clearing the ball and playing smart defense.”
A few words to describe your game? “Groundballs, vision, fluid.”
What role can you see yourself playing for an NLL team? “I can see myself playing a defensive position and doing my best to get the ball back to the offensive players.”
What accomplishment in college are you most proud of? “Winning the national championship in 2007.”

Chavez is an avid lacrosse player in Rochester and a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle as well as a longtime Inside Lacrosse contributor. Email him at bob.chavez@nllinsider.com or go to RochesterSports.com.

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