Fall NAL: Uncommitted Class of 2026 Standouts, Part I

The uncommitted 2026 stars were out in force at the Fall NAL Tournament this week at DE Turf. As the fall season winds down, top players took the field with determination, aiming to impress college coaches. Below are some standout performances from the weekend:    Frank Filiberto is a fundamentally sound close defender who physically reminds me of Jake Pisano. On the smaller side, Frank plays with a physicality resembling a wrestler. His low center of gravity is a major asset—he excels at getting low on his opponents and using his leverage to drive them off balance. Like in wrestling or football, where the "low man" always wins, Frank's ability to stay low allows him to control the action, whether that means pinning an opponent or delivering a powerful hit. Frank is particularly effective when defending against dodges from X or when an attacker comes around the crease to the goal line extended. His ability to read and control those angles is impressive, making him a tough matchup for any offensive player. In addition to his defensive prowess, Frank is exceptional at securing ground balls, especially around the crease, where his tenacity, size, stick skills, and exceptional footwork are a huge advantage. He is not afraid to take a hit while fighting for those loose balls. Overall, Frank combines smart, disciplined defense with physical play, making him a valuable asset to any team.     James Fidaleo is a dynamic and versatile player who combines the speed of a Long Stick Midfielder with the footwork and fundamentals of a close defender. A hard-nosed, gritty competitor, Fidaleo excels in one-on-one defense, using his speed to shut down any type of opponent, whether it's a physical attackman or a quick midfielder. His lacrosse IQ and defensive knowledge make him especially effective in a structured defensive system, where he can neutralize offensive threats and keep opposing players from becoming a factor. Fidaleo's ability to scoop groundballs and maintain control is a major strength, and his poise when clearing the ball allows him to seamlessly transition up the field. With incredible speed and stick skills, he's also not afraid to step into an LSM role and push the ball in transition. His vision is another asset, as he has a knack for picking off passes and reading the offense, allowing him to disrupt plays and create turnovers. If I had to compare his gameplay to any player it would be Ajax Zappitello, being that he is a Swiss Army Knife with his defensive abilities. Fidaleo's combination of speed, defensive prowess, and lacrosse IQ makes him a valuable asset to any program looking for a lockdown defender with a great all-around game.     Known for his physicality and aggressive play, the Tampa native loves to throw stick checks, frequently using his strong checks to disrupt opposing players. His speed is one of his standout attributes, and he's confident in his transition ability, often pushing the ball upfield and taking the opportunity to go to the net and score if the situation allows. Ryson is also exceptional at digging out ground balls in scrums, showcasing his quickness and determination to gain possession for his team. His ability to helicopter opposing players' sticks and execute different types of checks makes him a constant threat on defense. With a relentless motor and a knack for causing turnovers, Ryson is a highly effective defender who excels in both one-on-one situations and in transition, making him a dynamic and disruptive presence on the field.     Moore is a standout defensive midfielder who excels in both transition and on-ball defense. With exceptional speed and agility, Moore is a constant threat in the open field, making him a key part of any transition game. He's a skilled groundball collector, always one of the first looks for his goalie during clears, and his ability to deliver smart, effective stick checks is a key aspect of his defensive game. Moore frequently dislodges the ball from opposing midfielders and quickly secures the ground ball to push the transition, an under-appreciated skill that creates fast-break opportunities. This highlights his confidence and awareness as a defender. Beyond his defensive contributions, Moore is also a versatile offensive threat, with a strong shot, a quick first step when dodging, and the ability to finish around the crease. As a two-way midfielder, Moore brings balance to both ends of the field, and I'm confident he'll play a huge role in Salisbury's defense and clearing game for years to come.     Foglesong is a skilled and athletic attackman from Florida, a rising lacrosse hotbed, who has already made a strong impression playing in the prestigious Founders League in New England, a league known for its high-caliber talent and post-grad players. Standing tall with great vision and quickness, he's an excellent right-handed shooter, particularly dangerous with his on-the-run shot and swift first step. He excels at dodging from X and is a consistent threat around the crease, where he finishes with precision. His ability to score in EMO situations as a crease attackman makes him a strong asset in extra-man offense. Foglesong is also a dynamic player off the ball, being that he is exceptional at riding, putting pressure on defenders, and creating turnovers. His versatility extends beyond the attack end he's capable of playing defensive midfield when needed, where his poise in transition and quick footwork enable him to impact the game on both ends of the field. Jameson's combination of skill, lacrosse IQ, and two-way ability makes him a highly attractive recruit for any program.

The uncommitted 2026 stars were out in force at the Fall NAL Tournament this week at DE Turf. As the fall season winds down, top players took the field with determination, aiming to impress college coaches. Below are some standout performances from the weekend: