Quint Kessenich: Diving into a dozen difference-makers

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Duke defensive midfielder CJ CostabilePenn State goalie Austin KautLehigh midfielder Roman Lao-GosneyBucknell attackman Billy EisenreichLoyola defensive midfielder Scott RatliffMaryland's Jesse Bernhardt, UMBC's Zach LinkousArmy attackman Garrett ThulMaryland attackman Billy Gribbin, Johns Hopkins goalkeeper Pierce BassettLoyola midfielder Josh Hawkins (in white) Ohio State midfielder Shawn Kaplan (left) and attackman Logan SchussCornell's Mike Bronzino, Virginia attackman Steele StanwickNorth Carolina attackman Marcus HolmanMassachusetts attackman Will Manny

<b>CJ Costabile, defensive midfielder, Duke (11-3)</b>
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Costabile is a stat-sheet filler and possession earner. The future Chesapeake Bayhawk has 93 ground balls, five goals, three assists and 16 caused turnovers.
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"His ability to win a faceoff and be an offensive threat is unique," says Blue Devils coach John Danowski.
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ESPN announcer Eamon McAnaney has seen Costabile change games.
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"When we speak with coaches during the week before they play Duke, Costabile is the player that they are most concerned with," he says.
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"Costabile drastically changes how they approach the faceoff. Do not take the box score as gospel when it comes to Duke faceoff stats, because Costabile is relentless and causes many turnovers after possession is gained, which in turn creates unsettled opportunities for his team."
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Costabile jump-starts scoring runs.
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"The faceoff provides momentum," says Danowski. "CJ is an offensive threat. He finds the open man. He can score and is a really good decision maker."

Duke defensive midfielder CJ Costabile

( Steve Rock / February 18, 2012 )

CJ Costabile, defensive midfielder, Duke (11-3)

Costabile is a stat-sheet filler and possession earner. The future Chesapeake Bayhawk has 93 ground balls, five goals, three assists and 16 caused turnovers.

"His ability to win a faceoff and be an offensive threat is unique," says Blue Devils coach John Danowski.

ESPN announcer Eamon McAnaney has seen Costabile change games.

"When we speak with coaches during the week before they play Duke, Costabile is the player that they are most concerned with," he says.

"Costabile drastically changes how they approach the faceoff. Do not take the box score as gospel when it comes to Duke faceoff stats, because Costabile is relentless and causes many turnovers after possession is gained, which in turn creates unsettled opportunities for his team."

Costabile jump-starts scoring runs.

"The faceoff provides momentum," says Danowski. "CJ is an offensive threat. He finds the open man. He can score and is a really good decision maker."

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