Top Uncommitted '26s: Midwest Defenders

Use code ‘PREP30′ at checkout to receive 30% off your annual or two-year subscription! We've finally worked our way around the map, completing a look at the top uncommitted '26 defenders in the <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/10/top-uncommitted-26s-mid-atlantic-defenders/">Mid-Atlantic</a>, <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/10/top-uncommitted-26s-northeast-defenders/">Northeast</a>, <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/10/top-uncommitted-26s-defenders-out-west/">West</a>, <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2024/10/top-uncommitted-26s-defenders-down-south/">South</a>, and now Midwest, with a breakdown of five of the top D-men in the region that have yet to commit.    Among the most physical defenders in the '26 class, Nardone is off to an excellent start to the football season in his second year as a starting inside linebacker. On the lacrosse field, he's on pace to be a 4-year starter and is coming off a sophomore season in which he picked up 2nd Team All-Region and All-Conference honors. Turn on his tape, and you'll notice a big, burly defender who anticipates plays like a linebacker and lays the boom. Nardone showed flashes at Maverik Showtime and NLF Elite 120, and though he's focused on his football season (and likely doesn't have much time for visits), he should be on the radar of Division I programs looking to add a bruiser to the backline.     First off, it always says a lot when a kid is elected varsity captain as a junior, so Lee must be respected by his teammates and looks to be a great communicator on the field. While he may not be the biggest, his heart and hustle always stand out when watching him. Lee moves well laterally and matches feet with quicker guys, plus, he's got a phenomenal set of hands. Playing an aggressive and active style, even when his opponent gets a step on him, he quickly recovers and often catches his man with an over-the-head or a trail check. It's easy to see that he's been coached exceptionally well in the way he plays angles and makes his approaches. It's clear he's been taught some flashy takeaway checks that take quite a bit of practice, too.       Carter jumped on my radar after a plethora of impressive showings on the fall and winter circuit a year ago, dazzling with his ability between the lines and knack for making plays on both ends of the field. He's 6'2 and 195 pounds but has an incredibly long reach, which he uses to knock balls away and when picking up contested groundballs in scrums. He doesn't yet have elite feet, but I love how well he handles the ball, ability to knock guys off of their line, and how he thrives in chaos. Look out for Carter to have a breakthrough spring at Culver after the Eagles graduated several key pieces of their defensive unit.     I first watched Marcus at June's One Percent Showcase, where he was an All-Star. Even though I haven't seen him in person since then, I love the athleticism and well-roundedness of his game shown in his highlights and the fact that he was making plays against a number of Top 100 recruits. He has outstanding footwork and speed, getting from restraining line to restraining line before you can even blink. Marcus is simply a full-field presence who can play lockdown D down low, cover dodgers at the top of the boxes, pick up huge GB's in nifty fashion, and then do work in transition.     Beyond being a de facto member of everyone's All-Name Team, Scheer has shown a lot of promise as a defender, having put together an excellent sophomore year which included a handful of writeups from Ohio scout Isaac Erckert. Putting forth an excitable style of play, Scheer has an innate nose for the ball and is all over the field making plays and emptying the tank. He's got a slick and active stick and executes some pretty lifts to jar the ball loose. He moves well for a bigger body and seems to be comfortable at both close and LSM.

Use code ‘PREP30′ at checkout to receive 30% off your annual or two-year subscription!

We've finally worked our way around the map, completing a look at the top uncommitted '26 defenders in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, West, South, and now Midwest, with a breakdown of five of the top D-men in the region that have yet to commit.