National Player of the Year Headlines Terrier Recruiting Class
February 28, 2003 | Men's Soccer
BOSTON - Zach Riffett, the 2002 NSCAA/Adidas National Player of the Year, highlights a list of four student-athletes who have committed to play for Boston University during the early signing period.
Along with Riffett, Terrier men's soccer coach Neil Roberts announced the signings of Ryan Dreyer, Peter Doty, and Zach Kirby, who will play for B.U. beginning in the 2003 season.
One of the nation's top high school goalkeepers, Riffett is a four-time All-American out of Brenham High School in Brenham, Texas. A member of the Texas State Olympic Developmental Team since 1996, Riffett has been part of the Region III ODP Pool since 1998, progressed to the National Pool in 1999, and earned a spot on the National Under-17 team in 1999 and 2000. Currently playing in his senior season, Riffett recently set a state record for shutouts in a career with 53. Riffett was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Texas and is a finalist for Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.
"We were very fortunate that Zach chose to come to B.U.," said Roberts. "He has great leadership qualities and is extremely mobile for a big guy. Zach and Chad Comroe will bring great depths to the goalkeeper position in the future."
Dreyer, a forward at Gulliver Prep in Key Biscane, Florida, was a 2002 National High School Coaches Association All-American and All-Dade County selection. Dreyer was a starter when Gulliver Prep won the 2000 Florida State Championship and is currently aiding Gulliver Prep in their 2003 title run. Dreyer was also selected to the Superclubs National Team for its 2001 European Tour.
"Ryan has been associated with a nationally competitive program for years and we expect him to bring that same attitude to our B.U. squad. He is a technical player with great vision."
A three-time All-State selection at St. Stanislaus College Prep in Pass Christian, Mississippi, Doty brings a winning tradition to the Terriers. A forward at St. Stanislaus, Doty scored 30 goals while leading his team to the Mississippi State 4A Title. A two-time District Player of the Year and Sun Herald Player of the Year, Doty played five seasons with the Olympic Developmental Pool, including regional selections in 1998 and 2000. Doty's 111 career goals rank among the leaders in Mississippi boy's soccer history.
"Peter has a knack for getting behind players and putting away his chances. His speed is an asset and once he improves his strength, he could benefit from playing with our talented midfielders.
Kirby, a two-time All-State midfielder at Pope High School in Roswell, Georgia, will be a strong, physical one-on-one defender for the Terriers. A candidate for Georgia State Player of the Year, Kirby has spent five years with the Olympic Development Program, including four years with the Region III ODP Team. He earned a spot in the U.S. Under-17 National team pool in 2000 and 2001.
"Zach is a great athlete. He is physically ready to contribute right away and is a tremendous presence in the air. He's smooth on the ball and will compete for our vacated defensive midfield spot."
In addition to the four prospects, Roberts expects to sign at least three more athletes during the late signing period.
"For the second straight year, assistant coach Andy Fleming has done an outstanding job finding quality student-athletes. His tireless work has brought in a great group."
The Terriers completed the 2002 with an 8-6-3 record and a 3-3-1 mark in the America East Conference. It marked the 19th consecutive winning streak for Roberts.
