(Photo Courtesy of Vermont Athletics)

The 2020 college lacrosse season is over just five weeks into the season due to the Coronavirus outbreak. But that doesn’t mean that we still don’t have great memories from this season, which now feels lost. 

Over the next few weeks, Lacrosse Bucket will be highlighting some of the greatest things from the 2020 college lacrosse season, including games, plays, teams, and more. Here are some of the best freshmen from the 2020 season on the defensive side of the field.

Jackson Canfield, Defense, Vermont

The Lake Mary, Fla. native made an impact for the Catamounts the second he stepped foot on campus. Starting all four games as a freshman, Canfield led the team in ground balls with 13 and caused turnovers with 10. Through just four games, he has already shown how much of an impact player he can be at the college level. 

Mason Woodward, Defense, Marquette

Woodward has made a significant impact already through his freshman season with the Golden Eagles. Through seven starts, the Towson, Md. recorded 13 caused turnovers and 28 ground balls. He lead the team in caused turnovers and ranked second in ground balls. 

Zach Buffington, Defense, Hartford

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound defenseman out of New Fairfield, Conn. put together an impressive freshman campaign through just five games. Buffington led Hartford with 10 caused turnovers and scooped up 11 ground balls, as well, to help lead the Hawks’ defense. 

James Leary, LSM, Robert Morris

Leary made an immediate impact on the Colonials’ defense the minute he arrived in Moon Township, Pa. The New Fairfield, Conn native showed his prowess as a defensive-minded LSM, recording 12 caused turnovers and 18 ground balls in the Colonials’ six games last season. He also helped spark transition like a true two-way LSM at times, as well.