Maryland’s Top 2027 Defensive Recruits Still on the Board

Many of Maryland's top defenders in the 2027 class are already off the board, but there's still no shortage of talent left to be recruited. At Prep Lacrosse, we haven't covered some of these players as much as they deserve, yet they've continued to prove themselves against high-level competition. Coming from powerhouse clubs like the Crabs and Annapolis Hawks, this group showcases the size, athleticism, and IQ that define Maryland lacrosse. These uncommitted defenders have the tools to make an impact at the next level—whether it's locking down matchups, grinding between the lines, or sparking transition. Here's a closer look at some of the best defensive prospects from Maryland still available in the 2027 class.    This “Swiss Army knife” from Boys' Latin is a player worth betting on. Erdos can do a little bit of everything, but he projects best at the next level as a short-stick defensive midfielder who can also play the wing during faceoffs. He's an athlete and competitor who grinds between the lines and embraces the dirty work.   Defensively, Erdos stands out with his footwork and physicality, mirroring dodgers and forcing them off their preferred lanes. He also has a knack for generating turnovers with crafty checks and chicken-wing type moves. With the ball in his stick, Erdos is no slouch—he could easily contribute on offense, but that skill set only boosts his value in transition and makes him a reliable one-man clear. With his versatility, toughness, and energy, Erdos looks like the kind of glue guy college coaches will want in their 2027 class.     Hommel is the type of player who will immediately stand out to college coaches. Unfortunately, knee injuries have kept him sidelined lately, but the upside is clear. He made varsity as a freshman at St. Mary's, and at 6'4", he already has the size, length, and athletic profile that translates to the next level. When healthy, there aren't many weaknesses in his game.   Hommel's size plays a huge role in how he defends. He uses his reach to generate turnovers with slick checks on ball and to knock down or pick off passes off ball. He's physical in matchups, confident sliding to help, and disruptive around the crease. In transition, he's a steady ball handler who helps start clears, and he has an “X factor” quality—making momentum-shifting plays when his team needs them most. If he stays healthy and continues to develop, Hommel has the tools to be a difference-making college defender.     The short-stick defensive midfielder from Bullis had a valuable spring, earning key reps against some of the best competition in the country. Often slotted in as the second or third SSDM on the depth chart for the Bulldogs' loaded unit, opponents looked to target Stephenson—but he consistently held strong. His athleticism, footwork, and physicality make him tough to beat in one-on-one matchups, and his crafty stick checks limit clean looks at the cage.   In transition, Stephenson adds even more value. He handles the ball well, turning clears into punt-return style runs up the field, and he's steady enough with his stick to move the ball under pressure. When the opportunity presents itself, he can rip shots in transition to generate offense. With his toughness, athleticism, and two-way ability, Stephenson is the type of SSDM who can carve out an important role at the next level.     Clark first caught my eye in the spring when he delivered a massive hit against St. Paul's that drew a flag. It was the type of foul defensive coaches can live with—one that sets the tone physically and puts attackers on notice. Since then, Clark has matured his game while maintaining that same edge.   He brings plenty of force with his stick checks, leaving attackmen bruised and uncomfortable. Beyond the physicality, Clark shows strength in team defense, ground balls, and clearing. He displays good defensive IQ by sliding to vulnerable matchups and protecting the paint in front of his goalie. In transition, he's crafty at avoiding checks and moving the ball upfield. While his stick skills can continue to improve, he's reliable enough with the ball in his stick. With his physical presence and improving all-around game, Clark has the tools to develop into a valuable college defender.     At 6'2" and 225 pounds, Webster already has the frame that college coaches look for in a defender. His size and strength allow him to put opposing players on the turf with ease, and he pairs that physicality with a solid understanding of the game. In slide packages, Webster shows strong awareness of angles, timing, and how to identify vulnerable matchups to shut down scoring opportunities. What makes him intriguing is the combination of raw power and IQ. He may not be the most polished prospect yet, but he plays with an edge, embraces physical matchups, and consistently impacts plays around the crease. If he continues to put in the work off the field and refine his stick skills, Webster's upside will become even more evident. With his size, toughness, and developing defensive instincts, he has the potential to grow into a college player.

Many of Maryland's top defenders in the 2027 class are already off the board, but there's still no shortage of talent left to be recruited. At Prep Lacrosse, we haven't covered some of these players as much as they deserve, yet they've continued to prove themselves against high-level competition. Coming from powerhouse clubs like the Crabs and Annapolis Hawks, this group showcases the size, athleticism, and IQ that define Maryland lacrosse. These uncommitted defenders have the tools to make an impact at the next level—whether it's locking down matchups, grinding between the lines, or sparking transition. Here's a closer look at some of the best defensive prospects from Maryland still available in the 2027 class.