Written up at length in May’s Defensive Big Board piece, MacFarland saved his best for last and was named Player of the Year by both the Inter-Ac and PhillyLacrosse.com, putting up 57 groundballs and 53 caused turnovers. He plays both spots better than anybody else in the class and has the makings of an elite college defender, checking in as the No. 2 longpole in the class and No. 15 overall. Wherever he lined up, he was instrumental in the Churchmen’s success as they shared an Inter-Ac title for the first time in 27 years. Individually, MacFarland had his way with just about every matchup, applying relentless disruption while showcasing his athleticism, strong defensive principles, and high-level stick and footwork. For the second time in three recruiting cycles, Kevin Warne will have a five-star defenseman to work with, as MacFarland will join All-American rising junior Ty Banks on the Hoyas’ defense. Right now, it’s just a matter of whether the freshman lines up down low or up top at LSM.

MacFarland has developed as well as anyone on this list, blossoming from an unranked recruit as a rising junior to a bonafide five-star talent as a senior. Big, aggressive, and disruptive, he gets all over his matchups’ hands and overpowers them until the final whistle. MacFarland has excellent instincts in the open field and has the ability to make plays that flip the script of a game. A vacuum off the carpet, his footwork is lights out, and he’s got the hips to change directions at an exceptional level. It’s hard not to picture MacFarland as anything but an everyday contributor in one of the top defenses in all of Division I, and there’s no doubt that he’ll make the Hoyas’ unit better from Day 1.

As polished as any defenseman in this class, it’s tough to find holes in MacFarland’s game. He’s developed into an elite defensive playmaker after being unranked heading into his recruitment, choosing Georgetown over a pair of Ivies last September. Regarding his skill set, his top-flight footwork is a great place to start. Whether below or above GLE, he can match feet with the shiftiest and most athletic dodgers and execute checks while running full speed or rely on his footwork and position play to erase the opponent’s top option, which he did at NHSLS. A bonafide vacuum off the ground, MacFarland has an outstanding stick and tremendous instincts in transition, making a significant impact in the open field and once he crosses the midline to affect outcomes of games. He’s a talented soccer player, yet brings a level of physicality to the table that is more in line with a linebacker in football. Based on what he has shown in his first three years, he looks beyond capable of ultimately becoming a multi-year starter for Kevin Warne’s defense.