Seniors at Project 9: Stock Risers and Top Performers on Defense

Project 9 once again attracted some of the nation's top talent, and the defensive group from the 2026 class more than held their own. <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2025/10/seniors-at-project-9-stock-risers-and-top-performers-on-offense/">Yesterday we published the stock risers and top performers on offense from Project 9</a> during the time I spent on-site Sunday night. This group included players with the athleticism, poise, and IQ to impact games in multiple ways. From high-motor LSMs to poised close defenders, a reliable goalie presence, and a lockdown short-stick midfielder, these prospects showcased the kind of defensive depth and versatility that defines championship-level teams. Each brought a slightly different skill set, but all showed why they're ready to make noise at the next level.    Few defenders at Project 9 combined physical tools and defensive IQ quite like Virginia commit Evan Freeman. At 6'3”, 200 pounds, he checks every box—athletic, disciplined, and built to thrive in a fast-paced defensive system. He embodies the type of defender Lars Tiffany recruits: one who plays with controlled aggression and a high motor.   Freeman has a knack for punishing dodgers who make poor decisions. He times his slides perfectly, delivers forceful yet clean contact, and uses crafty checks to dislodge the ball without losing positioning. Once the ball hits the turf, he's quick to scoop and confident pushing transition. With his blend of power, timing, and athleticism, Freeman projects as a defender who can potentially anchor a unit and set the tone early in his college career.     Maggio looked like he had an extra dose of caffeine—in the best possible way—at the Project 9 event. His feet were constantly chopping to mirror dodgers, his stick was active in passing lanes, and his energy level never dipped. That's exactly what you want in an LSM: a player who plays like he's powered by a motor.   Beyond his relentless on-ball defense, Maggio stood out in the ground game and in transition. He's confident with the ball in his stick and moves like an offensive midfielder, dodging past defenders and completing high-difficulty passes that most poles wouldn't attempt. With his nonstop energy, smooth stickwork, and ability to spark transition, Maggio fits the mold of the modern two-way LSM—and Army landed one who looks ready to contribute early.     Short-stick defensive midfielders don't always get the spotlight, but Wable made it impossible to overlook him at Project 9. Constantly tested in both 4v4 and 6v6 settings, he proved to be one of the toughest matchups on the field. On-ball, he displayed elite athleticism and balance—locking down his man while staying physical and engaged. Even when offenses tried to exploit him in the two-man game, Wable stayed aggressive, using quick feet and smart positioning to force turnovers.   What makes him even more intriguing is his offensive potential. With advanced stick skills, strong shooting mechanics, and a knack for making quick reads in transition, he could easily contribute on the other side of the ball. Wable's combination of athleticism, toughness, and two-way ability makes him the kind of versatile SSDM that every college program values.     The Deerfield product looked sharp throughout Project 9, showing why Boston University landed one of the more complete and improved defenders in the 2026 class. At 6'2”, Oliver combines size, speed, and IQ to play a balanced, physical, and efficient style of defense. What stood out most was his team defense—he timed double teams perfectly, especially on rollbacks and when dodgers drifted into vulnerable positions.   On-ball, he plays with composure and control. His footwork allows him to mirror dodgers fluidly while staying confrontational, and he knows when to throw a calculated check without overcommitting. When the ball hits the turf, he tends to control the ball by like a hockey player to gain possession and uses his speed to push transition. Oliver's poise, communication, and athleticism make him the kind of defender who will thrive early at the next level.     You don't often see goalies built like Helphenstine. Standing at 6'4” in his crouched stance, he fills up the cage and presents a daunting look for shooters. At first glance, you might assume he relies on his size to make saves—but that couldn't be further from the truth. Helphenstine combines his frame with impressive quickness, reaction time, and mobility.   He's not afraid to use his body when needed, but he also tracks shots exceptionally well, flashing the hands and feet to make saves five-hole, off-stick low, or on skip passes that require him to move pipe-to-pipe. In the clearing game, he's confident stepping outside the crease, showing the athleticism to evade pressure and deliver crisp outlets to jumpstart transition. With his combination of size, poise, and athletic reaction, Helphenstine brings the kind of balance college coaches love to see in a next-level goalie.

Project 9 once again attracted some of the nation's top talent, and the defensive group from the 2026 class more than held their own. Yesterday we published the stock risers and top performers on offense from Project 9 during the time I spent on-site Sunday night. This group included players with the athleticism, poise, and IQ to impact games in multiple ways. From high-motor LSMs to poised close defenders, a reliable goalie presence, and a lockdown short-stick midfielder, these prospects showcased the kind of defensive depth and versatility that defines championship-level teams. Each brought a slightly different skill set, but all showed why they're ready to make noise at the next level.