Given that he’s in my neck of the woods, I was a bit late to catch on to Vaughan, but I liked the flashes he showed in July at NILLY and New Balance. After McDonogh graduated most of its starting lineup, he stepped into a significant role for a new-look Eagles squad in 2026 and has looked the part, especially with his stick work and ability to scoop up timely ground balls. That was especially evident in the waning moments of McDonogh’s comeback win over Spalding on Tuesday. Vaughan helped create the game-winning goal by picking the ball up off the ground and quickly moving it to a clearing middie, who then found St. Joe’s commit TC Goodman TC Goodman 5'11" | 160 lbs | A/M | Right Hand McDonogh | 2027 State MD for the dramatic finish. Overall, Vaughan is highly active and disruptive in passing lanes, and he plays with under control at all times. I like where his game is heading, and it feels like his best lacrosse is still ahead of him.

The lefty LSM who stood out for Team Baltimore at the New Balance All-America Games was Declan Vaughan. He impressed with his fundamentally sound approach to defense, rarely overextending and always staying composed in his matchups. Vaughan takes smart, calculated risks and consistently finds ways to generate turnovers between the lines. He’s automatic on ground balls and knows how to flip the field quickly. In transition, he understands his role—drawing defenders and creating space for his offense without forcing the issue. Vaughan’s poise and precision make him a safe bet for an LSM in the 2027 class.