Young Guns: Class of 2029 Defenders to Know

As we continue our look at the 2029 class worth keeping tabs on, we turn to the defensive side of the ball, where talent is abundant across the map.    Always in position to make a play, Arata is a pest who sits in his defensive stance and sticks to his man's gloves. He presses out when needed, throwing hard slaps or pokes to dislodge the ball, with competitive energy and relentless effort always on display. With a strong lower body, he flips his hips and matches feet, recovering quickly when out of position. His stick work off the ground and in the clearing game stands out, though he's not one to cross the midline too frequently. Overall, he's super steady and composed, possessing defensive acumen beyond his years. The Cadets' lineup is loaded with established upperclassmen on the defensive side of the ball, but Arata looks poised to be a key contributor for the next three seasons once the '26s move on.     Between his towering frame and the number of things he does at a high level, DeFusco neither looks nor plays like a freshman. The New York City native turned heads against top competition at Lawrenceville's high school team event to close out an excellent November, dominating between the lines and stacking one impactful play after another. His stick skills are remarkable, making him a vacuum off the ground, a major asset off the wings, and a stalwart in transition. Quick to initiate contact and throw his stick around, DeFusco moves impeccably for his size and is a constant threat to put the ball on the ground. On paper, Taft is loaded defensively; still, DeFusco's skill set may make it difficult to keep him off the field—even as a freshman in a league filled with 18 and 19-year-olds.     Rangy and long, Denney is a promising defender who has proven to be disruptive both down low and up top. He's willing to take risks and is flashy with his checks, often finding success going over the head. At the same time, Denney seldom throws checks just to throw them, unlike many young defenders. His instincts stand out, as he consistently disrupts shots and knocks down passes, throwing opposing possessions out of sync. He uses his stick impeccably well, showing an offensive mindset with the ball in his stick to make things happen in transition. The Saints boast a deep group of '28 and '29 defenders who looked the part this fall on the club circuit, making the competition worth monitoring this spring. Based on what I've seen, Denney is well-positioned to make his presence felt.     Another pole who passes the eye test both physically and athletically, Finard is an excitable playmaker with a knack for sniffing out the ball and providing a spark in all facets. Whether it's a big hit on a timely slide, a huge 50–50 ground ball, or a precise check to jar the ball loose, Finard is constantly around the ball, looking to cause chaos and push it upfield. A bona fide field-tilter with the instincts of a defensive back, he's tenacious yet disciplined, and once the ball is in his stick, he's elusive and decisive. Advanced for his age as an off-ball defender, Finard consistently makes plays when sliding. At this point, it feels inevitable that he'll put the ISL on notice as a freshman and wreak havoc for years to come.     There's been a steady pipeline of high-level Division I defenders coming out of the Dallas area in recent years, and Swann — along with Highland Park's Cook Chilian, among others — appears to be next in line. Swann closed out his summer in style (and in his own backyard), scoring twice in Adrenaline's Futures Game and topping 100mph three times in the event's fastest shot competition. While he's certainly an asset in transition, there's much more to his game. Sticky on-ball and consistently in the right spots, Swann applies relentless pressure, using his hands and body to make life difficult for opposing attackers. Whether playing up top or down low, he'll catch opponents slipping with a trail or over-the-head check and is quick to push the pace in the clear. Like any player his age, his ceiling remains high — especially with ESD annually facing one of the more rigorous schedules among Southern programs.

As we continue our look at the 2029 class worth keeping tabs on, we turn to the defensive side of the ball, where talent is abundant across the map.