Class of 2027 New York Defenders To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the contact period off and running, here's a look at five New York-based defenders worth having on your radar: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["142258"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b2e31f84f56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cunningham has honed his strategic awareness to a T. He controls matchups, reads the game with excellence, and anticipates opponents' moves with precision. He's a team-first player and a reliable last line of defense. With a versatile athletic background, Cunningham is a Top 100 prospect with loads of potential. He has size, skill, and a high lacrosse IQ, making him a great addition to any roster. In addition, Cunningham disrupts offensive plays effectively, and has a high-level understanding of the game as a whole. He is a well-rounded player and a phenomenal anchor of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["120800"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b2e31f84fad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fehsal has a tactical edge, being able to play both close defense and longstick midfield effectively. He's dynamic and disciplined, gritty and mature. He carries leadership qualities and a physical readiness beyond his years. Fehsal excels at 1v1 defense, face-offs, and strong checks to his opponents. He's also able to disrupt the offensive flow without overcommitting, something many of his peers aren't capable of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["43772"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b2e31f84ff3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCaffrey checks a lot of boxes as a high-impact player who blends physical dominance with sharp defensive instincts. Thriving off the wings during face-offs, he's quick to lock up opponents. He has an uncanny sense for where ground balls will land and has an aggressive edge you don't often see; with size and standout footwork, McCaffrey tends to be a tough match-up, avoided by many if possible. A warrior off the wings, he dominates without being reckless, showing smart checks, good positioning to shut down attackmen, and great off-ball awareness. With strong basic mechanics like speed, strength, and hustle, he cuts off passing lanes with ease. His background in football only adds to his appeal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["143725"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b2e31f85032"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chasing ground balls or locking down midfield matchups, Sweeney refuses to take a play off. A tough, hard-working, and team-focused individual, he's not flashy yet highly effective and consistent in his efforts. With a versatile playing style, a good foundation of core strength and athleticism, Sweeney is a reliable player on and off the field. His greatest strength is settled play, but he truly is an all-around player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["38544"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68b2e31f85073"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Farmingdale (N.Y.) native, Bosque is assertive in challenging opponents but avoids unnecessary penalties, a key component to any good defender. He mixes physicality with strategic awareness perfectly, is flexible with his coverage, and has an aggressive edge to him while staying smart with his decision-making. Bosque excels at man-down situations and maintains a positive attitude and strong field presence throughout games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->