This athletic, fast, and physical LSM / close defender should be on every college coach’s radar. Roach thrives on the perimeter where his physical assets combined with his refined footwork enable him to dog ball carriers all the way out to the midfield line. His ability to stick tight to an offensive player and stay on his hands through multiple changes of direction is unique. Roach can also drop down and play close def where he can use his physicality to stand up dodgers from X or the wing. On his well-timed slides and double teams, Roach frequently takes the body too. His intimidating size (200 lbs.) and experiences on the gridiron (QB at Lambert) are the reasons Roach plays with an edge to his game. Roach’s crafty pokes, timely lifts and powerful stick checks cause a slew of turnovers. He is quick to scoop up those GBs and then run out of the defensive zone himself or clear the ball via a precise outlet pass.

The type of defenseman who will follow you into the parking lot, Roach loves to press out and harass the ball-carrier with punishing checks to the hands. He blends his physical gifts with a bruising style of play, setting the tone as a 1v1 cover man, all while setting the standard as an effective communicator. His voice can always be heard, and his presence is always felt. Though he can often be found pressing out on the perimeter, Roach plays strong interior defense and is impactful when sliding. I seldom saw his matchup get a step on him or get quality shots off, though it got to the point where attackmen didn’t really want to go at him. The Lambert standout helps make up what is a promising defensive class down South, and I’ll be intrigued to see where he winds up playing at the next level.

Dominating from the defensive end of the field, one player consistently set the tone at the Best in Class event. With a rare blend of physical tools and mental toughness, this defender brought the full package — size, intensity, communication, footwork, stick skills, and field awareness. He was the loudest voice on the field, constantly directing traffic and energizing his teammates.

Whether it was delivering a punishing slide, throwing a disruptive takeaway check, or cleanly handling the ball in transition, Patrick Roach Patrick Roach 6'2" | 190 lbs | D/LSM | Right Hand Lambert | 2027 GA made his presence felt on every rep. He doesn’t just defend — he bullies opponents into submission, the kind of gritty enforcer every elite defense needs. Players with his combination of edge, athleticism, and poise are few and far between, and Roach showed why he’s one of the top 2027 defenders in the country.

Watch 3d Georgia play and you’re sure to notice Roach, a relentless competitor and the type of defensive playmaker that makes ball-carriers keep their head on a swivel. At 6’2 and 190 pounds, he’s an intimidating presence who has to be accounted for at all times and will follow his man into the parking lot if need be. For better or for worse, Roach is always looking to make a play, and though he needs to be reined in here and there, his competitiveness and ability to cover ground allows him to be a force on the back end of the field. Possessing an incredibly active stick, he had a pretty check that helicoptered his opponent’s stick into the air, then followed that up with a nice interception later in the game against 91 LI.