Top Defenders to know from Prep Soccer Texas 2028 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Soccer state rankings for Texas' 2028 class were released this week. Check out <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/08/updated-2028-texas-girl-rankings/">the full rankings here.</a> Learn more about <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/how-we-rank/">the ranking process here.</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defenders in this group stood out as some of the players with the highest potential. Below is a scouting report on a few of the names to know among the freshman class in Texas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["214727"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c4ce7a3d82b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sands is a defender on the Sting Royal 2010 ECNL team. She plays as a center back for her club side. She was outstanding during the ECNL playoffs. She did well in the tackle in using her body to shield players off the ball. She moves her feet and rarely dives in. Her terrific technique in 1v1 defending suggests she could feature as an outside back as well. She is calm and confident on the ball. She is right footed and can deliver a great pass over distance. Sands looks like a future star in the defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["214160"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c4ce7a3d888"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The left back for FC Dallas is one of the top outside backs in this class. She is an excellent two-way player. Kahn impressed me throughout the players with her strong defensive play. There were a number of instances that she shut down the opposition with her expert positioning and calm play. Kahn is also an excellent passer. She is a player to keep an eye on as she continues to make a case as one of the best outside backs in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["214156"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c4ce7a3d8c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hendrix was called into the US Soccer Talent ID event in October for this age group so she is already on the radar for US Soccer scouts. The left center back for FC Dallas is a top player. She consistently shows this on game film. She is one of those players who makes a ton of game-deciding actions in every game. She is often the last line of defense for FC Dallas and she makes the right play every time. Hendrix is an excellent defender, team leader, and sharp passer. She offers the traits to be a top center back in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["214744"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c4ce7a3d903"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defender. Right center back. Kelly impressed me with her play during the ECNL playoffs. She's a solid defender. Reads the game well and gets into the spots to help her teammates. I think she excels as a support center back - in an off ball role - almost like an old school sweeper. She is a good 1v1 defender when the situation arises, but often in the open field she gives space to the attacker to let her teammates recover - a strong preference to the delay approach. On the ball, she is clean with her touch and an excellent passer. She has the tools to be a top defender in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->