Ranked 2023 & 2024 Georgia Defenders to Watch this 2023 HS Season

As we progress through rankings going into the 2023 high school season it's essential to look at the defensive side of the game as both 2023 and 2024 classes are full of elite defenders who any coach would love to have on their team. Often hard to understand their importance by simply looking at their stats, these players are often the glue of the team and allow their attacking players to flourish farther up the field. Here we will be looking at 5 ranked defenders I expect to have a strong 2023 high school season.     #1 [player_tooltip player_id='29316' first='Evelyn' last='Shores'], Westmienster HS 2023   [player_tooltip player_id='29316' first='Evelyn' last='Shores'] starts us off and she comes in as the top-ranked player in the 2023 class and already committed as a Tar Heel at North Carolina. Evelyn is a fantastic versatile player who fits the modern game excellently. As a rare left-footed player, she can play left back, left center back, and as a center midfielder or winger which makes her an asset and tool for any coach. Her ability technically on the ball combined with a strong physical presence means she can adapt her game either beating layers on the dribble and finding a pass or shot or using her size to defend and win the ball for her team. She's calm, and composed and constantly keeps her team flowing whether she's supporting or moving the ball up the field, and deadly is a target on set pieces. She helped lead Westminster to a championship last season chipping in with double-digit goals and assists from multiple positions and will be looking to repeat in her final season in 2023. North Carolina will be looking to build a strong team with Evelyn leading her class.     #8 [player_tooltip player_id='21481' first='Isabella' last='Moreno'], Greater Atlanta Christian School 2024   Continuing our theme with left-footed players, Isabela comes in as excellent young talent as an attacking outside back/winger. Although mainly left footed she is comfortable with her right foot as well and her technical ability allows her to easily play out of tight spaces and beat players on the dribble. She's great 1v1 whether she's attacking or defending. Her ability to read the game always puts her in the right position and she uses her explosive speed to beat players to the ball and attack space ahead. Only as a sophomore she helped GACS to a conference final appearance and played a key role in her team's success and will be looking to take a larger role going into her junior season. She will be a hot commodity for coaches looking to build from the back in the 2024 class.     #12 [player_tooltip player_id='21486' first='Kieryn' last='Jeter'], Forsyth Central 2024   A young but extremely talented outside-back, Kieryn has all the qualities to be a top player in the next few years. Penn State has already locked her down for their 2024 class as they saw the talent there early on. She played the game as an outside back at the modern level as she gets up and down the field contributing offensively but also doing her defensive responsibilities. To match her technical abilities Kieryn is also physically well-balanced and uses her height and speed to her advantage. She already has experience on varsity with Forsyth Central and helped contribute to a playoff run and will be set to have a much larger role next season.     #5 [player_tooltip player_id='21548' first='Aniyah' last='Collier'], Archer HS 2023   Aniyah is a versatile player who can play across the backline and even in midfield. Her soccer IQ combined with a great combination of technical ability and physical attributes allows her to dominate and influence the game. Able to play with both feet and is well-balanced which allows her to be so versatile and can easily adjust her position or move around based on her team's need whether it is in defense or further up the field. She commits herself to having an important role and consistently gives 100% effort on and off the ball for her teammates. Even as a defender she can be consistent in front of goals and has a clean finish and is composed In the box. The University of Virginia has already secured her talents for their 2023 class and she will be looking to finish strong in her last season at Archer with another appearance in the playoffs.     #6 [player_tooltip player_id='21795' first='Kiera' last='Staude'], Westminster HS 2024   Coming in as another outside back but also capable of playing as a center back or in midfield, Kiera's game has developed her into one of the most well-rounded players in the state, with UGA already having her committed to building their program. Kiera shows no fear in her game and is constantly looking to put her team on the front foot, aggressively winning tackles, 50-50 ball as and always looking to go forward. Primary playing on the right side of the defense, she is comfortable either moving inside or checking wide which allows her to dictate the game and keep the other team guessing as her next move. Her effort and willingness to play for the team is another standout quality as she rarely gets beaten 1v1 and never gives up on the play. Another top player from Westminster, in her final season in 2023 will have the same goal of repeating the championship.

As we progress through rankings going into the 2023 high school season it's essential to look at the defensive side of the game as both 2023 and 2024 classes are full of elite defenders who any coach would love to have on their team. Often hard to understand their importance by simply looking at their stats, these players are often the glue of the team and allow their attacking players to flourish farther up the field. Here we will be looking at 5 ranked defenders I expect to have a strong 2023 high school season.