It was announced Monday that Burkhart had made the U17 U.S. National Team, making him one of four Midwest players selected. It is easy to see why he has generated so much attention lately. Burkhart has the potential to become a No. 1 cover defender at the next level because he is so difficult to beat. He has the size and strength to stonewall every type of dodger. He is primarily a poised, stay-at-home defender, but if he smells blood in the water, Burkhart is not afraid to get out and apply pressure—whether it is in a one-on-one matchup or as an aggressive double-team option. His size is also a major advantage off the ball, where he takes up a tremendous amount of space and slides with purpose. Dodgers will not want to see him coming off a slide; he can put an opponent on the turf with a clean hit that won’t feel good.