IRVINE, Calif. --- Another big week begins for the Anteaters as the professional ranks come calling with the MLS Player Combine and SuperDraft.

UC Irvine has heard it's named called in the MLS SuperDraft for five straight years with the most recent, Marco Franco, becoming the 'Eaters' first to crack the first round going No. 13 overall to the Chicago Fire. The 2015 edition of the draft stretches two days beginning Thursday, Jan. 15 with the first two rounds being selected at 9:30 a.m. from Philadelphia, Pa. and finishing up on Tuesday, Jan. 20 with the latter two rounds.

Twelve in all have been selected, and currently 10 Anteaters are playing throughout the country and world, and that process starts for the freshest crop of seniors today.

At the head of the class is Cameron Iwasa, a 5'10", 175-lb attacker that runs at you, into you, and by you using a dangerous combination of speed and size.

"Cameron is an athletic forward that possesses power and strength," as assessed by Anteater Head Coach Chris Volk. "He has the ability to stretch opposing defenders with his explosive speed." Iwasa's assortment of skills has served him well as a forward in college while opening up the possibility of using him as a midfielder at the next level.

Cam Iwasa Highlights 2014 from Laura McGrail on Vimeo.

Another intangible Iwasa has harnessed is his leadership. He really took the helm over the last two seasons which resulted in captain status as a senior and trips to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. His knowledge and insight of the game has been finely-tuned and almost second-nature to him allowing him to forge on and realize his impact setting up his teammates while at the same time knowing when to take the initiative.

Get To Know an MLS Draft Prospect - Cameron Iwasa (Top Drawer Soccer)

The MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and NSCAA All-American will get to showcase his skills at the 2015 MLS Player Combine which began earlier Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Franco and Enrique Cardenas were attendees to the combine last year and benefitted from it with both finding a spot on club rosters.

Iwasa is not alone in his journey as fellow seniors Gor Kirakosyan, Lester Hayes III, and Bryan Breslin have caught some interest.

Kirakosyan was hampered by injuries early in his Anteater career, but the 5'8"-technician returned to form as a senior knocking home five goals and adding six assists. He torched the non-conference schedule posting a point in five straight matches and goals in four of those capped by clutch performances against Loyola Marymount and San Diego where he buried overtime game-winners.

"As a midfielder, Gor has the vision and accuracy to connect dangerous passes to his teammates. He also has the ability to score goals and can strike lethal free kicks," Coach Volk raved. Kirakosyan's array of skills definitely spark interest while also bringing a bit of flair with his finesse and celebratory dance moves following a goal.

Another intriguing prospect is Lester Hayes III. Standing at 6'5" the east coast-native has a considerable size advantage, and pairs it very well with quickness and offensive awareness, something echoed by Coach Volk. "Tre is a physically imposing target forward. He possesses the ability to hold off defenders in order to create goal-scoring opportunities for either himself or others."

The striker had to take on different roles as a senior with heavy depth on the Anteater roster, but has shown he is resilient and durable playing 79 matches over his Anteater career with at least 18 in each season. During that time, he knocked home 12 goals including the big ones such as a second-half game-winner to down No. 16 Louisville on the road as a junior.

Another 'Eater garnering interest is defender Bryan Breslin. An imposing figure on the backline at 6'1", 172 lbs, he's also had a knack for making the most of clutch situations. Breslin scored his first career goal in his first minute of action as a freshman. Later that season, he stepped in on the backline for his first career start in the Big West Tournament final to help defeat UC Santa Barbara in double overtime.

"Bryan is an experienced and savvy defender. He has the ability to read and deny opposing attacking players from scoring while his dominance in the air makes him a threat on set pieces," lauds Coach Volk. Breslin had countless examples of this with none more notable than his game-winning header against Cal State Fullerton.

All four have a chance to find a spot in the league, and that's really all it takes looking at players like Brad Evans, who has become the captain for the Seattle Sounders FC, to Miguel Ibarra, who has utilized his opportunity with the NASL's Minnesota United FC into a spot on the U.S. National Team roster alongside Evans as the pair prepare for friendlies against Chile and Panama in the coming months.

Another recent development has been Enrique Cardenas' signing with Mexican club Atlante FC as they prepare to open its Torneo Clausura season Thurday, Jan. 9.

I officially signed for Atlante FC in Mex. Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way. All glory be to God #AO1 #adelanteAtlante

— Enrique Cardenas (@keeeykeh) January 6, 2015

The Anteaters continue to stretch beyond the boundaries that have been set before them with the next batch set to continue the tradition.

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