AUDL Reset: Draco Back, Toronto Returns Big Playmaker

February 7, 2023
By Adam Ruffner

Going to keep it light in this space this week as the "AUDL Game of the Week" schedule and accompanying divisional previews and watch lists offer extensive, up-to-date coverage.

Mike Mackenzie Rejoins Toronto

After missing the entire 2022 season, Mike Mackenzie has re-signed with the Toronto Rush. Mackenzie has been a difference maker for the franchise on multiple occasions, first as a defender for a Rush team that made the championship game in 2017, and then again as Toronto’s WR1 in 2021 throughout the Canada Cup series.

Along with Mackenzie, Toronto has brought back their top scorers from last season. It remains to be seen where exactly the Rush fit in an uber competitive East, but they are now loaded with top line talent.

Top Passer Austin Taylor Back In ATL

Are there three better deep throwers in the league right now than Austin Taylor? With 108 assists, 52 huck completions, and over 8000 passing yards the past two seasons, Draco has been a one-man postal service for the Atlanta Hustle. Taylor can anchor drives from the backfield, or initiate as a receiver, using an electric first step and one of the quickest throwing windups to bombard defenses.

Atlanta will play one of the toughest schedules in the league this season, including traveling to New York and matching up with Carolina four separate times. Taylor has a proven track record in big games, particularly against the Flyers. In three games against Carolina last season, Draco had 10 assists and nearly 900 passing yards on 137-of-143 throws; he had one of the best games of his career in 2021 against the Empire in the playoffs, throwing seven assists and 498 on 58 completions with just one throwaway.

Full list of announced signings for 2023 season

Atlanta
JP Burns
Christian Olsen
Bradley Seuntjens
Matt Smith
Austin Taylor

Austin
Matthew Armour
Eric Brodbeck
Kyle Henke
Jake Radack
Evan Swiatek
Mick Walter

Boston
Chris Bartoli
Simon Carapella *
Gustav Haflin
Tanner Halkyard ^
Luca Harwood
Rocco Linehan ^

Chicago
Ross Barker
Jace Bruner
John Jones
Sam Kaminsky
Asher Lantz
Nick Pappas
Jack Shanahan
Andrew Sjogren ^