As the men's lacrosse season opener inches closer, DetroitTitans.com will have daily position previews for the upcoming 2011 season.

DETROIT -- Going into year three of the Titan program, Detroit looks to be strong in net with three talented players vying for playing time, led by sophomore #A.J. Levell# (Columbus, OH/Dublin Scioto), who started the first 13 games last season as a freshman.

“As a unit, I think we have three guys who can play and each will push each other for playing time,” said third-year head coach Matt Holtz.

Levell, who will also serve as a team captain, ended his rookie season with 136 saves, a .482 saves percentage and a 12.27 goals against average. He tallied double-digit saves nine times, setting a career high of 14 at Ohio State and at Siena. He also finished third on the team with 37 ground balls.

Levell was the winner in net as the Titans defeated Presbyterian, 16-12, for the program's first ever victory. He recorded four saves in that game and then came back to post 12 saves as Detroit downed VMI, 11-8, for its first-ever MAAC victory.

“A.J. played very well for us last year and just had some of those freshman mistakes throughout the season,” said Holtz. “So far, he is making smarter decisions and he is not turning the ball over, which is what he needed to work on.”

Behind Levell will be two skilled, but young, keepers in junior Mike Brown (Troy, MI/Troy Athens) and freshman Danny Kransberger (Grand Rapids, MI/Forest Hills Central). Brown has been a member of the Titans since the program's start, lending depth at not only the goalie position, but anywhere Detroit has needed him.

Kransberger arrives at Detroit after a very successful prep career, where he was a three-time All-State, All-Conference and All-Area goalie. He left high school as the record holder for saves in a game (22), season (25) and career (701), all while posting a 36-17 career record.

“Mike is a guy who will do whatever we ask him to do,” said Holtz. “He stepped into a practice role and has improved to the point where he is a very serviceable goalie and someone who will just continue to get better,” said Holtz. “Danny is putting some pressure on A.J. for the starting job. He is a little more athletic and he is improving as a ball stopper and in the clearing game.”