Jack Dugan’s growth has been recognized by scouts, college recruiters

Maturity" is a word that seems to enter any discussion about Jack Dugan. "Talent" is usually right behind it.

The talent part of the equation has trumped the concerns about Dugan’s maturity of late, and the 6-foot-2, 185-pound power forward is starting to recognize some of the potential many people have seen in him since he was named the 2015 New York High School Player of the Year after leading McQuaid Jesuit High School to a Division 1 state championship as a junior.

Dugan (Pittsford, N.Y.) will play for the defending USHL Clark Cup champion Chicago Steel this season after the Steel traded up to select him with the second overall pick in the 2017 USHL Phase II Draft. The Steel are banking that one year of Dugan’s services will be worth the price of moving up to take a player with unquestioned talent, but one who has been plagued by character concerns throughout his career. Dugan is committed to Providence College for the 2018-19 season.