Intriguing February Commits From 2027s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of talented Class of 2027 prospects who gave their verbal commitment to a DI program during the month of February 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["128624"],"_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-69a1f5bc15588"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Earlier this month, Arceo committed to Mercyhurst University. The Lakers' coaching staff is going to love this athletic, speedy, and versatile LSM. Those assets, combined with Arceo's aggressive stick and positioning skills make him a ground ball machine. Arceo can snag GBs cleanly in open space while running full speed or dive into a crowd and then emerge with the rock. Once he has possession, Arceo owns the explosive burst required to get out in transition, where he is a threat to fire on net or distribute to a teammate. The combination of all these skills makes Arceo a highly effective face-off wing, too. Defensively, his active stick, polished footwork, and non-stop motor enable Arceo to put intense pressure on opposing ball carriers. Arceo is especially adept at causing turnovers in the middle third of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["174768"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":174786,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69a1f5bc1565a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This multi-sport athlete (also plays football) with length and a solid frame recently committed to Towson for lacrosse. The Tigers have added a highly skilled prospect to their 2027 recruiting class who is slated to be a four-year starter. Last season, Forthofer pushed Wantagh to the 2025 Nassau County Class C title and was named an All-County selection. Forthofer is a force at the defensive end who excels at using heavy stick check as well as his physicality to create turnovers. But he can also play a finesse game and execute timely lifts, pokes, and can-openers that put the ball on the turf. Forthofer also does a remarkable job of anticipating passes, then knifing through the lane and intercepting the ball. Additionally, Forthofer is a plus player in the clearing game and will surprise opponents with his ability to swiftly run the ball over the midfield line.     </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["174769"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":174793,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69a1f5bc156f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ioannou is a physically imposing short stick who leverages his size and strength to dominate ball carriers. He excels at getting into a ball carrier early in his dodge and forcing the offensive player off his intended path. His quick lateral movements enable Ioannou to stay in front of even the quickest opposing attackmen/midfielders for long stretches. When the opportunity presents itself, Ioannou will drop a heavy stick or deliver a crowbar that dislodges the ball. Ioannou's speed, tenacity, and aggressive stick allow him to secure ground balls in hotly contested situations. This skill set, combined with his scoring/distributing skills, makes Ioannou a tremendous plus player in transition and on the face-off wing. As a team defender, Ioannou is a poised SSDM who communicates with teammates well. Plus, his slides, recoveries, and screen navigation are always on point. Last week, Ioannou committed to Sacred Heart.   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["174770"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":174788,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69a1f5bc15795"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last week, Pazienza announced his verbal commitment to Mount St. Mary's. The addition of this highly skilled and versatile offensive prospect further bolsters an already impressive 2027 class for the Mount coaching staff. Pazienza is a fleet-footed attack/middie with imposing size, dynamic stick skills and a wealth of box lacrosse experience. In short, Pazienza can put the ball in the back of the net. He thrives in transition, where he can run past, around, or over opposing players as he pushes the ball deep into the offensive end for a goal or an assist. In 6v6 action, Pazienza is comfortable initiating from anywhere on the field and then ripping shots on the run. Pazienza can also unload accurate and powerful overhand step-downs as well as sidearm rips from the perimeter. His crafty off-ball movements frequently produce catch-and-dunk opportunities around the crease. The Mount staff will love Pazienza's ability to shoot/finish with either hand.   <strong> </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["174771"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":174789,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69a1f5bc1582c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On Tuesday, one of the top 2027 face-off prospects in Pennsylvania announced via social media his commitment to Lafayette. One item that really pops about Stephan is the grit and toughness he brings to the face-off dot. He competes hard on every draw and will relentlessly pursue the ball until he has secured possession. Stephan's physicality, footwork, and positioning skills enable him to grind out wins at the dot. Of course, Stephan also owns the fast hands and technique needed to defeat his opponent via clean clamps. On those wins, Stephan will then use his explosive speed to charge below the restraining line for a shot on net or to drop a dime on a teammate. Stephan's polished stick skills enable him to finish around the crease in a number of creative ways. Despite his offensive prowess, Stephan has repeatedly demonstrated that he values possession more than personal glory. Thus, he will not force a low percentage fast break opportunity and instead will smartly drop the ball off to a waiting attackman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->