Instead of targeting the specific player why not change it to a small amiable AoE that moves you to that location? If the player is in the AoE when they get there they take single target damage from it if a different player is now in it they take the damage instead. No snare, no root, just skill. The farther the gap close the greater your chance of a miss due to movement or the damage could be calculated on launch not landing. It can either hit everyone or just 1 person I'm unsure which I think would be best atm.
This would bring skill into gap closing, allow players to charge into a location within range (even when enemies aren't there.) Enemies you pass thru/near should still Agro you though.
This is just a suggestion and I welcome constructive criticism.