Rankings Analysis: Hidden gems at defense in Michigan 2027 class

The Prep Soccer state rankings for Michigan's 2027 class was released this week. Check out <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/michigan/rankings/girls/2027-rankings/">the full rankings here</a>. Learn more about <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/how-we-rank/">our ranking process here</a>.   Check out a scouting report on ten defenders from the 2027 rankings below.    Lewis is one of the top players on the National 09 ECNL team. She is the right center back on that team. Her ability to pass the ball accurately over distance stands out compared to her peers. She has exceptional footwork on the ball. She can play as an outside back with her speed and quality on the ball. Lewis has among the highest upside in this class as an impactful player at the highest levels of the game.      Left center back for the Midwest United 09 ECNL team. She has quick reactions. She beats the mark to the ball more often than not because she reacts first. It's a trait that probably doesn't register for a ton of defenders, but Mills uses it to her advantage. She was very good against Eclipse earlier this season thanks to that quick thinking. She is right footed and a good passer for the position. She has the tools to be a standout at center back at the college level.     Krywko is an outside back from Nationals 09 ECNL. She is a two-way impact player who is excellent in the combination play. She moves well off the ball and is quick to make decisions, but also shows an advanced understanding of timing of the pass to lure the defender in and then blast past them with her pace. She is a stellar 1v1 defender too. She returned to the field from injury in June and looks to be better than ever in recent games.     Fedulchak is a defender for the Michigan Hawks 09 ECNL team. She plays right back. She is the captain of the team. Fedulchak is a star in her role. She plays mistake-free soccer. She is smart in her decision-making for when to pass out and when to clear the danger. She is an asset for her team in possession in the attacking half as well as she plays with her head up and finds her teammates with clean passes. Fedulchak is a shutdown 1v1 defender. She is strong in the tackle and uses her body well to keep the attacking player off the ball. She has the tools to be a starting outside back at the next level early on in her career.      Kessler is an unstoppable force. An outside back who has the versatility to play any role on the wing, Kessler is a valuable piece that is difficult to take off the field. She is a high-every player who is fearless in the tackle and always playing at full speed. Kessler's enthusiasm and tenacity results in many winning plays for her side. The valuable asset on the Nationals team will be a top target in this class because of the endless effort plays she makes in every game.      McClure is a left back (or outside back) on the Michigan Hawks Magic 09 ECNL team. She is a great two-way player. She is very comfortable on the ball and Hawks often play through her side of the field to utilize her quality in passing and dribbling. McClure routinely beats the opposing winger with the ball at her field and ends up playing in a more advanced role. Her club team style of play depends on the outside backs being threats going forward and she fits that bill. She is a solid defender. There is some room for improvement there. She has the athleticism to be more aggressive in 1v1 duels. McClure's quality as a two-way player makes her one of the best players in the state in her class.     Listed as forward, saw her playing right back. Might not be the most natural fit for her positionally. She still has that attacking instinct and some of those attacking qualities are beneficial in that role. She could improve as a 1v1 defender. She is active and on her front foot in the duel, but her body shape is too square at times and gives top wingers too many options to work around her. The athleticism and determination make me believe the potential is there as an elite wide player.     Villareal-Roman earned a spot on the ECNL Midwest All-Conference Second Team last season. The way she is playing at the start of this season, she will be on the First Team this year. The left center back was outstanding in Arizona. The game film is a great watch with Villareal-Roman. She is an aggressive ball-winning center back. She is also a student of the game. She is great at setting the line for the back four. She caught a few forwards sleeping with her quick movement before the pass. It's a pretty safe bet to say she is going to be a standout for many years to come. The question might be more about position. She has the athleticism and endurance to play in the center of the midfield. She also has the passing to stand out in that role. However, that defensive quality to organize a back four with a sharp line and to mark forwards out of the game makes her an enticing option at center back.      Tousa is an outside back on the Michigan Hawks Magic 09 ECNL team. She played right back from the games I saw. One of the aspects of Tousa's game that stood out from game film was her ability to use her lower body strength to shield players off the ball. She has excellent technique in shepherding the ball over the line. Tousa has pace to get forward and made a couple of full field jaunts into the attack. She has the full package to be a standout wing defender at the next level.     Webster is a defender on the Jaguars 09 Girls Academy team. She is tall (five-foot-11) with good athleticism. She can play as an outside back as well as a center back. She has a strong right foot and can hit an accurate cross. Webster is a solid defender. She does well in 1v1 situations with using her long legs to poke the ball away from attacking players. She has also shown good technique in shielding the ball. Webster possesses elite attributes and rare qualities, which makes her a player all scouts should be interested in.

The Prep Soccer state rankings for Michigan's 2027 class was released this week. Check out the full rankings here. Learn more about our ranking process here.