Back in March, Greg Downing was low key about the 2007 Major League Lacrosse draft.

“You never really know until the season is over,” he had said.

In fact, he was still calm on draft day. Downing, a 2003 Auburn High School graduate, figured he would go late-second or maybe mid-third round.

So when the Fairfield All-American's name was announced as the sixth overall selection, Downing was stunned.

“During the first round I was actually screwing around with my friend right next to me, not thinking I was going to go too early,” he said. “It was kind of a shock to me that they called my name. I didn't even know what to say.”

Downing was drafted by Los Angeles and has already suited up for the Riptide. He scored a goal and dished out an assist in his professional debut against Denver.

Though he didn't get much time on offense, Downing made an impression with the Los Angeles coaching staff.

“The coach just said that he was very excited at the way I played,” he said. “He said that I have a great future in the league because my style of play matches the play of the league.”

The list of Downing's accolades at Fairfield was impressive. He collected nearly every offensive award there was, and was selected as an All-American three times - the Stags' only multiple recipient.

Downing tallied 101 goals at Fairfield, only the fourth player to reach the century mark in school history.

The Stags opened the season with five straight wins but struggled down the stretch. Ranked as high as 12th in the NCAA Division I poll, Fairfield finished 6-6.

“The teams that we played at the beginning were good, but they weren't near the caliber of teams we played from game five on,” he admitted. “We played some pretty close games. We lost to Georgetown by one; we lost to Hobart by one. It really could've went either way.”

Downing was concerned that the slump would effect his selection, but he knew it would not do any major damage.

“You get a lot less exposure when your team doesn't do so well,” he said. “I think that's part of the reason my [Riptide] coach had never seen me play. They other (teams) that make the tournament get some TV time, and a coach from California might not make the games but he can watch them on TV and just kind of get a sense of the players out there.”

It turns out that Downing's lack of national exposure didn't have any bearing on his draft status. He competed in the draft-day combine and did well enough to be selected in the first round.

Downing made the choice to enter the draft a while ago.

“Lacrosse is an up-and-coming sport,” Downing said. “It's definitely going to be a very popular sport in the future and any way I can promote the sport and help it grow I'm interested in.”

Especially in Auburn. Downing wishes that his success might give area kids a reason to pick up a stick.

“Hopefully it will be something for the younger children to strive for - seeing a local kid play with everyone,” he said. “Hopefully it might inspire some children to start playing or continue to play.”