Dante Trader, Jr. playing lacrosse

Dante Trader, Jr., plans to join the Maryland lacrosse team for his sophomore season in 2023, he told media ahead of Terps football’s bowl game later this month.

Trader, IL’s No. 9-ranked Class of 2021 recruit, opted not to play lacrosse his freshman season in order to focus in the weight room and secure a starting safety role with Maryland football head coach Mike Locksley. His plan worked as the 6-foot, 190-pound defensive contributor finished the regular season with 57 total tackles and two interceptions in 11 starts.

The news comes on the heels with Trader’s recent collaboration with Ohio State midfielder and content creator Mitchell Pehlke, as well what he told IL last January.

Trader spent his first few years of high school in Delmar, Del., before transferring to the more competitive MIAA ‘A’ conference with McDonogh, where football interest began to ramp up. The athletic two-way midfielder committed to Maryland head coach John Tillman first before Locksley got him to sign on to play football, as well.

Though nothing is set in stone yet with his return to the lacrosse field, Trader’s desire to play for Tillman would serve as a welcome addition after attackman Eric Malever’s season-ending knee injuries in the fall. With Malever’s injury absence and four players gone to graduation into the pro ranks, new offensive coordinator Jake Bernhardt has to replace the 2022 champions’ five top scorers.

Earlier this week, Stanford football captain linebacker Ricky Miezan committed to transferring to Virginia for lacrosse ahead of the 2023 campaign.

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