(Photo Courtesy of Johns Hopkins Athletics)

Continuing to take a look back at the 2024 season and the freshman class in particular, let’s turn the attention to those defensive players (minus goalies).

• 2024s Top Freshmen Attackmen
• 2024s Top Freshmen Midfielders

Quintan Kilrain, D, Johns Hopkins

Kilrain started the year at the LSM spot but was moved to that third spot at close defense five games in. From there he thrived, causing 11 turnovers and grabbing 33 ground balls on the season to help lead the way for a solid Johns Hopkins defense.

Ty Banks, D, Georgetown

Expected to be an immediate impact player for the Hoyas’ defense, Banks lived up to the hype as a freshman. After a shaky start, Banks, as well as the Georgetown defense overall, got into a rhythm. He ended the year with 24 caused turnovers and 33 ground balls.

Shawn Lyght, D, Notre Dame

A major piece on the back end for the national champion Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Lyght proved to be arguably the best freshmen defensemen in college lacrosse in 2024. A day one starter for the Irish, Lyght grabbed 19 ground balls and caused six turnovers on the year. A physical challenge, Lyght routinely drew the opponents top offensive weapon and proved to indeed by Notre Dame’s top cover man.

Peter Thomann, D, North Carolina

The Empire State native helped lead the way for the North Carolina defense as a freshman this past spring. Thomann ended the season as the Tar Heels’ leader in caused turnovers with 21. He also collected 28 ground balls and served as one of the Tar Heels’ top cover guys for most of the year.

Jack Combs, LSM, Vermont

The next great Sunshine State native to suit up for the Catamounts? Combs had a tremendous freshman season with Vermont as he led the Catamounts with 26 caused turnovers. He also grabbed 70 ground balls, scored a goal, and assisted on another.

Will Erdmann, SSDM, Virginia

Emerging as a crucial part of the Cavaliers’ rope unit, Erdmann grabbed 24 ground balls and caused nine turnovers on the year. He also assisted on two goals, getting in on the transition offense.