Time to discuss the three defenders that I believe will end up being the 1st-Team All Americans in Division I come the end of 2023. No hot takes, just some good ol fashioned prognostication that I think most will agree with overall. We’re going to talk about a guy from Georgetown, a guy from Cornell, and a guy from Maryland. Let’s get into it.
Will Bowen
Graduate Student, Georgetown
Bowen has had an odd go of things. He came into the 2019 season a very hyped freshman and lost the entire season due to a preseason knee injury. 2020 was the covid shortened season. A healthy Bowen forced 8 turnovers and picked up 16 gbs in 7 games while also putting up 2 assists.
2021 Bowen finally got a full season under his belt and caused 28 turnovers in 16 games. He also picked up 37 gbs and had an assist. He was named a 1st-Team All American for his efforts in 2021.
One problem. He had already graduated by the end of 2021 and due to UNC’s odd grad school requirements was forced to transfer to Georgetown with a chunk of eligibility left.
Bowen was an absolute monster in 2022 for the Hoyas. He anchored one of the filthiest defenses in the country.
Will Bowen’s 2022 Production…
- 34 caused turnovers
- 42 gbs
- 1 goal, 3 assists off 5 shots
Bowen nailed down another 1st-Team All American nod as well as the William C. Schmeisser Defensive Player of the Year award.
The difference this year is it won’t be all butterflies and rainbows on the defensive end of the field for Bowen. Gone are Gibson Smith (D) and Owen McElroy (G), both fellow All Americans so Bowen will have to have a monster season if the Hoyas are going to continue to hold things down on the defensive side of the field as they have in the past.
Inside Lacrosse just named Bowen the #3 overall returning player in 2023. One of two defenders in the top 5.
Gavin Adler
Senior, Cornell (1-year of eligibility if he transfers)
Gavin Adler was somewhat of a surprise to me in 2022. I knew he was going to be solid, but didn’t expect him to jump straight to the top of the list as one of the best defenders in the country. I will admit that Cornell head coach Connor Buczek was telling anyone willing to listen that Adler was going to be a monster. I just wasn’t sure if he was going to be a regular monster, or a titan. Turned out he was a titan.
Gavin Adler’s 2022 Production…
- 34 caused turnovers
- 75 groundballs
- 1 assist
Gavin Adler’s traits as a player…
- Surgical with checks and a master with his feet. Plays with incredible leverage to make up for his small frame (5-8, 180).
- He plays incredible on ball defense, always in position, always pestering his man, he doesn’t over-commit and “try too hard” to force turnovers. He pressures, but he’s smart and very patient.
- Seems to be everywhere the Big Red defense needs him to be. He is always ready to help via a slide or to scoop up a ball on the deck and get the rock the hell out of his end of the field.
Connor Buszek won’t have to shout from the rooftops how much he believes in Adler in 2023. Inside Lacrosse just named Adler their #4 overall top returning player in 2023.
Brett Makar
Graduate Student, Maryland
Very solid, grinder of a defender. Makes up for what he lacks in flash with being mean whenever an opportunity presents itself. You can ask him to do a lot of things on the defensive side of the ball, and he’ll be more than proficient in most scenarios. Has a low base, great feat, can guard both small and quick as well as big and lumbering. A true “utility” on the defensive side of the ball.
Makar has been a key contributor on the Maryland defense since the moment he stepped on campus. He has started in EVERY game he has played for the Terps. Over his career, Makar has amassed 57 starts, 38 caused turnovers, 115 groundballs, 1 goal and 3 assists.
Brett Makar’s 2022 Production…
- 15 caused turnovers
- 32 gbs
- 1 goal, 2 assists off 5 shots.
In the end I don’t expect Makar to put up points like the other two guys on this list. He’s not a candy thief like the other two guys I’ve discussed. He’s an old school defender that stays in front of his man, keeps a stick on him, and will both lay lumber and put the smack down on someone’s body if he gets a chance.
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