BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Ryan Blume is headed to the professional lacrosse ranks. The Premier Lacrosse League's Archers claimed the LIU captain on Friday.

Blume, a standout defenseman with LIU over the past five seasons, was an All-Northeast Conference selection this past season after leading the Sharks with 22 caused turnovers.

"Ryan embodies everything we stand for as a program," LIU coach Eric Wolf said. "A two-time captain and leader of our defense, he's one of the toughest competitors we have ever had. We are hopeful he will have a chance to prove himself at training camp Memorial Day weekend."

The 6-foot-1 Blume, who hails from Eastchester, N.Y., tallied 186 ground balls, 69 caused turnovers, 15 goals and nine assists in 63 career games (60 starts) with LIU over five seasons.

"It was definitely very exciting receiving the phone call," Blume said. "I'm very grateful for this opportunity and thankful for the support of LIU, my teammates, coaches and family. I'm hoping to take this one step at a time and do whatever I can to help the Archers to a championship."