Defense
JT Giles-Harris – Duke
Not much hasn’t been said about JT Giles-Harris in lacrosse circles over the last several seasons. The Duke product would have potentially been a top draft pick in the PLL last season had he decided to leave school. Regarded by many as the top defender in the nation, Giles-Harris has started almost every game since arriving in Durham in 2017 and is a three-time All-American.
Currently ten caused turnovers away from surpassing the Duke record held by Luke Duprey, Giles-Harris has the athleticism, skillset and lacrosse IQ to step right onto a PLL field and make a difference when called upon to cover some of the world’s best. He’s the front-runner to win the Schmeisser Award and is feared by collegiate attackmen for a reason.
Ric Beardsley’s Take: JT Giles-Harris is a freak athlete. He’s a great cover guy and is superior off-ball. He’s been great in college, but he is going to play very well into the rules with the smaller field in the PLL.
Nick Grill – Maryland
While Grill might not get the publicity and recognition to the extent that Giles-Harris does, he’s been an integral part of the Terps’ success so far this season. After spending his first three years at Marquette, Grill has spent the last two seasons under John Tillman at Maryland. Since arriving in College Park, the defender has started every game for the Terps and drawn top offensive assignments in the Big Ten including current Archer and last year’s top pick, Grant Ament. What he lacks in size, Grill makes up for in tenacity and lacrosse IQ. Grill will look to join brother, BJ, in the PLL this summer.
Ric Beardsley’s Take: I love this kid’s toughness. Even though he’s small he’s always on the hands. Forget the fact that he’s 5’8” because he plays like he’s 6’5”. Overall he’s just a great lockdown defenseman.
