OK, I know that I said that today’s entry on the top five teams heading into 2009 was the final one, but I couldn’t resist singling out three squads that I think have dark-horse potential. The following three teams all did not finish with above-.500 records and missed the tournament this past season. But what they do share is a stocked starting lineup, a roster filled with savvy veterans and at least one Under Armour All-American high school recruit entering the next season. In alphabetical order, the teams flying under the radar are:

Harvard (2008 record: 6-8)

Outlook: The Crimson graduated no starters from this past season’s squad that dropped four one-goal decisions – three to Denver, Brown and Princeton. Attackmen Dean Gibbons and Jesse Fehr and midfielder Travis Burr each posted 14 goals, while midfielder Jason Duboe led the way with 26 goals. Perhaps more significantly, a defense that ranked ninth in the country with just 7.5 goals allowed per game reloads with defensemen Billy Geist (McDonogh), Max Gotschall and Sam Slaughter and goalkeeper Joe Pike (McDonogh). Throw in incoming attackman Jeff Cohen and defenseman Daniel DiMaria and former Navy assistant coach and current Harvard coach John Tillman has reason to be optimistic about next season.

Penn State (7-7)

Outlook: The Nittany Lions bid farewell to two starters, but can count on a strong defense courtesy of the return of goalie Drew Adams and defensemen Matt Bernier, Kevin Etter (Severn) and John Stuckey. That unit surrendered just 7.7 goals a contest – good enough for No. 13 in the nation. Attackmen Rob Forster and Max VanArsdale each scored 17 goals, but could use some more support from teammates like midfielders Brian Shea and Charley Henneghan. Penn State coach Glenn Thiel also welcomes a freshman class that includes three Under Armour All Americans in attackman Matt Mackrides, goalkeeper Steven Rastivo and midfielder Conrad Ridgway.

Rutgers (6-7)

Outlook: The Scarlet Knights’ biggest strength will likely be an offense that returns three starters in attackman Kory Kelly and midfielders Justin Pennington and Gerhard Buehning and key backup midfielder Jeff Rommel – all of whom scored at least 13 goals this past season. The worry for coach Jim Stagnitta is on the other end of the field where starting defensemen Mike Sissler and Nick Filippone have graduated. But defensemen Chris O’Dougherty and Will Stone will help provide some support for goalie William Olin. Under Armour All American midfielder Tim Rommel joins older brother Jeff next season.