Minnesota’s Top Defenders in the Class of 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a large portion of the state's Division I commits and signees playing on the defensive side of the ball, the depth of talent at defense in the 2024 class is impressive. Diving into the film on these guys was a pleasure, as some truly dynamic game-changers are a must-watch for fans of great defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["15626"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Theile is one of the most dynamic poles in the state with his long frame and diverse skill set.  He runs like a gazelle and has great hands, allowing him to sniff out ground balls and lead transition as well as any shortstick midfielder.  Listed at 6'2, he has great reach and insanely quick feet, allowing him to stay on hands and cause disruption on whoever he is guarding.  Last year, he anchored the Chanhassen defense, picking up 46 groundballs and forcing 46 turnovers.  The Robert Morris signee earned 3rd Team All-State recognition in 2023 and is poised for another big year for the Storm.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["15291"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another 6'2 pole that runs like the wind. I love his aggressiveness on-ball but even more impressive was his off-ball defense and lacrosse IQ.  He is really smart and puts himself in fortuitous positions to make meaningful plays when he is away from the play.  Schneider was an All-Star in Maverik Showtime's rising senior division last summer and held up against some of the better uncommitted players in the country.  He's super physical and is not afraid to throw his weight around when he is playing 1v1 or when he is sliding.  The future Richmond Spider had 54 groundballs and 36 forced turnovers last season and will be part of an elite Wayzata defense in 2024.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["15540"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Nickel is another player that can do it all, but his primary position is close defense - he's the most physical and hardest-hitting player in this group. He is a heat-seeking missile on the field and causes absolute havoc for opposing offenses. On film, there were times his aggressive style put him in bad spots, however, he knows how to quickly and actively recover to safety.  He adds a physical presence and brings a unique identity to his team, setting the tone for the Raiders on defense.  In light of his aggressive style, he is skilled and understands the game at a high level. He makes smart decisions with the ball and doesn't let his aggressive defensive style lead to risky plays in transition.  Last year, Nickel, in my opinion, should have been named to one of the All-State teams, as he logged 109 ground balls and had 12 goals and six assists, extremely impressive numbers for a pole.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["17132"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Bachelor has been a mainstay on the defensive end for the rise of the Shakopee program for the past four seasons.  A physically imposing player listed at 6'3 and 230 pounds, it's rare to see him overpowered in any 1v1 situation.  Not only are his size and strength that of a high school football lineman, he has the footwork and skills to complete his game. He is really good off the ground and completely comfortable carrying the ball up in clearing situations. I think where Bachelor sets himself apart, however, is his power when throwing checks. He is so strong that when he lands a check it has a high chance of dislodging the ball and forcing a turnover.  Last year, Bachelor finished the season with 45 ground balls and 62 caused turnovers, earning him All-America, 1st Team All-State, and Star Tribune 1st Team All-Metro honors.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["17136"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Conner is an extremely good on ball defender that rarely gets beat on the first move and buys time for his defense when covering.  He has quick feet and is incredibly balanced when dealing with quick changes of direction.   I love his ability to throw checks but not overdo it.  He stays under control being sure not to foul or lose position, but, still does enough to cause disruption.  He does a really good job of putting himself in good help position away from the ball and fitting well into the scheme.  He understands when to press out and when to stay true to the team system. Conner earned himself All-America, 1u003csupu003est u003c/supu003eTeam All-State and named to the Star Tribune's 1st team all-metro last season with 52 caused turnovers and 41 ground balls helping the Red Knight's secure one of the state's top ranked defenses.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["17121"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Baker is a rangy, smart, and talented player who continues to lead the Jaguars' defense. He's versatile, as he was able to log minutes at close defense and LSM in 2023, making big plays for his team at both spots.  He's effective at throwing checks and understands where he is on the field.  On tape, I loved how he knew when he could pursue being more aggressive and cause turnovers with little risk if ended up getting beat.  That shows me he has a high defensive IQ and understanding of the game.  Last year, after producing 77 ground balls and 39 caused turnovers, Baker was named 2nd Team All-State, as well as Star Tribune 2nd Team All-Metro.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["17123"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Sam is an all-around u003ciu003elacrosse player.u003cbu003e u003c/bu003eu003c/iu003eSince his main position is close defense, I'm adding him to this specific list, but Hardy is one of those players who can do anything.  A gifted athlete who plays with an unmatched competitive edge, he is extremely difficult to play against and game plan against.  In addition to all of the quintessential things he has that make for a great defender - quick feet, physical, vocal, great on GB's - he also can lead transition as well as any offensive player, shoot and feed with accuracy. He even found himself on the man-up unit as a pole last spring. His skill set is unique and he has a very high lacrosse IQ, allowing him to do anything his team needs him to do.  The Colby signee had 66 ground balls, 37 forced turnovers and went 30-of-41 (73%) on face-offs last season for the Bears.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["17157"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Carroll is a physical specimen with great size, strength and speed. He flies under the radar a little bit because his stats don't jump off the page, but, sometimes the best defenseman are the ones that you may not notice.  He is an u0022eraseru0022 as they say.  On tape, there were times I felt like he wasn't even trying because he was so physically superior in his matchup.  I love his physical ability and endurance that allows him to press out most of the game making his attackman earn every pass, catch, dodge they have against him.  He also throws u003cemu003eheavyu003c/emu003e checks that land and is not afraid to put a body on someone. The All-State honorable mention from a year ago logged 43 ground balls but unfortunately stats were not kept for his caused turnovers.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6c5e5ce248"} /-->