Rankings Analysis: Lockdown Defenders from Florida's 2028 Class

The Prep Soccer state rankings for Florida's 2028 class were released this week. Check out the rankings here. Learn more about the rankings process here.   Below is a scouting report on some of the defenders who stood out from this group for their ability shutdown the opposition with 1v1 defensive skill.    Hall is listed as a forward/midfielder on her player profile, but she played center back last season for her ECNL team, FC Prime 09. She was named to the All-Conference First Team for her contributions. Hall impressed over the summer during the ECNL playoffs with her play against top level competition. She is right footed and takes free kicks at certain spots on the field for her club team. She reads the game well and intercepts passes with her anticipation. Her passing is her elite trait. She sees passing lanes that most center backs don't have the vision to see. It's easy to imagine her potential at the next level as a center back with excellent defensive instincts and key contributions in the attack with her passing.     Symmonds is a center back on the Florida Premier 2010 ECNL team. She is a tremendous defender. She played right center back during the ECNL playoffs and her stellar play against La Roca was a major reason why the team advanced to Richmond. She is athletic, quick, and determined. She had a couple of plays in the game that reminded me of Florida State commit Kai Price. She blocked a close shot off a cross that I'm fairly confident no other center back in the country would've been able to stop. It comes down to her tactical brilliance as well as elite athleticism that makes her the best in her position in the state in this class. She was part of the US U14 Girls National Team camp in March.     Foster first impressed me at a Prep Soccer event when she took on some of the top talent in California a few yards older than her in small-sided and full game events. She has continued to live up to the potential she showed at that event as she is one of the best talents in Florida - and at a national level. She is the top player at IMG Academy and in the Girls Academy. She has earned invites to US Soccer Talent ID events for her consistent high-level play against the best competition.     Horwitz is a standout defender on the FC Prime 2010 ECNL team. She was outstanding in Washington during the playoffs. She is a sharp tackler who uses her body well in the challenge. She reads the game well and is in the right spots to make the right plays. Howritz's defensive skills are clearly the star of her game, but she is a very good passer as well. Her team tends to play through the center forward and Horwitz regularly makes accurate passes into her target's feet from over 40 yards out. She understands the tactics and timing of those passing sequences too. She has big time potential.     Listed as a forward/midfielder on her player profile, I saw Tokarz play center back for her club team last season .The FKK 09 ECNL captain is an exceptional defender. She moves her feet so well. She always stays in an athletic stance in front of the attacking player and times her tackle well. She is good on the ball and can pick out any pass. Her off-ball movement could improve some. She needs to open up earlier as an outlet in circumstances. Overall, Tokarz's strength as an on-ball defender makes her an elite prospect in this class. Her leadership should make her a top target for scouts.     Castro is an elite 1v1 lockdown defender with top level instincts and playmaking qualities on par with the best attackers in this class. Castro is a fiery competitor who is not afraid to put in a slide tackle. She is gifted on the ball and capable of embarrassing the opponent with a deft touch or a razor sharp cut. She is one of the brightest talents in the Girls Academy and stood out during the postseason.

The Prep Soccer state rankings for Florida's 2028 class were released this week. Check out the rankings here. Learn more about the rankings process here.