Ben Speas, Senior, Forward, North Carolina
Overview:
Ben Speas knows how to pick a winner. Back in 2009 he started his collegiate career with Akron. They won the College Cup that year. Speas made it back to the final with the Zips in 2010. However, he was not playing all that much and ended the 2010 campaign with just two goals and three assists.
For the 2011 campaign, Speas opted to make the trip to Chapel Hill and join the Tar Heels. It turned out to be a very productive move for the 5-8 forward. Speas had a superb season with UNC, tallying seven goals and ten assists. While winning the national title with Akron was memorable, Speas scored the game winner in the Tar Heels 1-0 victory over Charlotte in the 2011 final.
Final Projection:
Speas’ big goal to close out the 2011 season has given him plenty of national attention. Scouts will be paying a little more attention in 2012. On a team loaded with talent, Speas did a great job doing what UNC needed him to do. He should be asked to do a little more in 2012 and if he can increase his role and become a leader for North Carolina, he will be playing professionally in 2013.
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