Former Albany FOGO TD Ierlan will transfer to Yale

Former Albany Great Danes faceoff specialist TD Ierlan is headed to New Haven, Connecticut and will suit up for Andy Shay and the Yale Bulldogs for the next two seasons, confirmed by Inside Lacrosse’s Ty Xanders via text. The Daily Messenger’s Bob Chavez also confirmed with Ierlan.

News of Ierlan transferring first came out earlier in June, with Cornell and Syracuse as the two favorites to land the FOGO. Cornell was seen as the leader throughout the entire process, and it was confirmed that he would land there. However last week, Ierlan reportedly visited Yale and was finishing up his application for the university earlier in the week. A source close to Ierlan said he was admitted into the Ivy League university earlier this morning.

The Victor, NY native was a USILA second team All-American last season after recording a record-setting season with Albany. He won 359 face-offs for a 79.1% win percentage and recorded 254 ground balls, all of which are NCAA records. He also contributed on offense with six goals and five assists.

As a freshman, he was a USILA third team All-American, winning 323 face-offs for a 70.8% win percentage, second in the nation, along with 202 ground balls, which was an Albany record. He also scored four goals and six assists.

Ierlan sought a more structured program as well as a high academic option. Yale fits both of those factors.

Albany head coach Scott Marr declined to comment on the situation to Mark Singelais of the Times Union. However, former teammate Tehoka Nanticoke weighed in on Twitter:

And if you’re wondering if the two teams will play next season, according to Michael Kelly of the Daily Gazette, they will certainly meet. At Albany. Brace yourself.

Ierlan’s move has him being called the Kevin Durant of lacrosse. Durant, who was on the Oklahoma City Thunder at the time in 2016, signed with the Golden State Warriors during free agency. He’s won two NBA titles since.