They might not always get the headlines, but some of the most important plays in lacrosse start with a long pole in the middle of the field. As our look ahead to the 2027 DeeThreeLax season continues, it’s time to highlight one of the most versatile and impactful positions on the field: long-stick midfielders (LSMs). The best LSMs do a little bit of everything, They disrupt passing lanes, create turnovers, scoop up ground balls, defend some of the most dangerous offensive midfielders in the country, and turn defensive stops into transition opportunities.

And while caused turnovers and ground balls give us a starting point, the numbers don’t always tell the entire story. An elite LSM can completely change the flow of a game without recording a single point. Whether it’s shutting down an opponent’s top midfielder, winning a crucial ground ball, or creating an extra possession in transition, their impact goes well beyond the box score. With that in mind, there is plenty of talent returning to the position in 2027.

From Owen Giorgio’s incredible 121 ground balls and 25 points to Tyler Berens’ 47 caused turnovers, several returning LSMs put together impressive statistical seasons.

Here are some of the top returning long-stick midfielders to know heading into 2027.

Owen Giorgio – Husson

38 CTs – 121 GBs – 25 Points

There might not be a more eye-catching statistical profile on this list than Owen Giorgio. The Husson LSM recorded 38 caused turnovers, an incredible 121 ground balls, and 25 points last season. Giorgio led this returning group in both ground balls and points, highlighting his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. An LSM who can win possessions and become a legitimate offensive threat in transition adds another dimension to a team’s game plan. Giorgio enters 2027 as one of the most intriguing returning players at the position.

Tyler Berens – Hope

47 CTs – 59 GBs – 10 Points

Hope brings back one of the most disruptive LSMs in DeeThreeLax. Tyler Berens recorded a group-high 47 caused turnovers last season while collecting 59 ground balls and contributing 10 points. Creating nearly 50 turnovers is significant production, particularly from a player operating in the midfield. Berens’ ability to disrupt opposing offenses and help generate extra possessions makes him an important piece returning for Hope. With double-digit offensive production as well, he has demonstrated an ability to contribute beyond the defensive end.

Gabe Henry – Elmhurst

46 CTs – 65 GBs – 3 Points

Right behind Berens in caused turnovers is Elmhurst’s Gabe Henry. Henry recorded 46 caused turnovers while scooping up 65 ground balls. Creating turnovers is one thing. Finishing the play by securing possession is another. Henry’s production in both categories suggests he was consistently involved in turning defensive stops into opportunities for Elmhurst. He enters 2027 as another returning LSM capable of making life difficult for opposing midfielders.

Brody Smith – SUNY Maritime

46 CTs – 68 GBs – 2 Points

Matching Henry’s 46 caused turnovers is SUNY Maritime’s Brody Smith. Smith also collected 68 ground balls, giving him one of the stronger defensive statistical profiles among this returning group. LSMs are often asked to cover significant ground, pressure ball carriers, and create disruption in transition. Smith’s combination of caused turnovers and ground balls makes him another player worth following heading into the new season.

Jake Gruzas – Kean

36 CTs – 39 GBs – 3 Points

Kean’s Jake Gruzas returns after recording 36 caused turnovers and 39 ground balls. Gruzas also contributed three points. His caused-turnover total places him among the more productive returning LSMs on this list. Being able to disrupt opposing midfielders and create opportunities for teammates is a major part of the position, and Gruzas has shown he can do exactly that.

Ben Birch – Concordia Wisconsin

33 CTs – 80 GBs – 12 Points

Ben Birch put together one of the more impressive all-around seasons among this group. The Concordia Wisconsin LSM recorded 33 caused turnovers, 80 ground balls, and 12 points. His ground-ball total ranks second among these returning players, while his offensive production also stands out. An LSM who can consistently secure possession and push the ball the other direction can turn a routine defensive stop into an immediate scoring opportunity. Birch brings that versatility back to Concordia Wisconsin in 2027.

Joe Hurton – Wesleyan

33 CTs – 47 GBs – 3 Points

Wesleyan’s Joe Hurton returns after recording 33 caused turnovers, 47 ground balls, and three points. The statistical production is impressive, but the context is important as well. Playing in the NESCAC means regularly matching up against some of the most talented offensive midfielders in DeeThreeLax. Those assignments aren’t easy, and the ability to defend effectively against high-level competition can be just as valuable as creating turnovers. Hurton gives Wesleyan an experienced presence returning to the midfield.

Logan Fletcher – RIT

32 CTs – 50 GBs – 5 Points

RIT has consistently featured talented defensive personnel, and Logan Fletcher gives the Tigers another experienced piece returning in 2027. Fletcher recorded 32 caused turnovers, 50 ground balls, and five points last season. For a program accustomed to competing against high-level opponents and playing meaningful games late in the spring, reliable defensive midfield play is essential. Fletcher brings experience, production, and another proven option to RIT’s defensive unit.

Cameron Van Lunen – Hampden-Sydney

32 CTs – 40 GBs – 17 Points

The Hampden-Sydney LSM recorded 32 caused turnovers and 40 ground balls while contributing 17 points. That offensive production ranks second among this returning group. For an LSM, the ability to contribute offensively adds an entirely different element to the game. Van Lunen has demonstrated that he can create opportunities on both ends of the field, making him an intriguing player to watch in 2027.

Ethan Hodge – St. John Fisher

31 CTs – 42 GBs – 2 Points

St. John Fisher brings back Ethan Hodge after a productive season that included 31 caused turnovers and 42 ground balls. Hodge also contributed two points. His ability to create turnovers provides another important element to St. John Fisher’s defensive unit. With more than 30 caused turnovers last season, Hodge enters 2027 as another experienced LSM capable of disrupting opposing offenses.

Ethan Ferrant – Dickinson

27 CTs – 29 GBs – 5 Points

Dickinson’s Ethan Ferrant returns after recording 27 caused turnovers, 29 ground balls, and five points. Playing in the Centennial Conference provides plenty of challenging matchups for defensive midfielders. Ferrant’s experience defending against talented offensive personnel should be valuable as Dickinson prepares for another competitive season. His caused-turnover production also highlights his ability to create opportunities for the Red Devils.

Ronan West – Haverford

24 CTs – 64 GBs – 8 Points

Haverford’s Ronan West brings another well-rounded statistical profile into 2027. West recorded 24 caused turnovers, 64 ground balls, and eight points last season. His ground-ball production stands out, particularly when paired with his ability to contribute offensively. Winning loose-ball battles is one of the most important responsibilities of an LSM, and West has demonstrated that he can consistently help Haverford secure possession.

Bruno Batty – Babson

13 CTs – 29 GBs – 3 Points

Babson’s Bruno Batty rounds out this returning group after recording 13 caused turnovers, 29 ground balls, and three points. While his statistical totals may not match some of the leaders on this list, evaluating LSMs requires looking beyond the box score. Defensive assignments, positioning, communication, and the ability to limit opposing midfielders are all important parts of the position. Batty gives Babson another experienced player returning to its defensive midfield heading into 2027.

DTL Returning LSMs to Watch

• Tyler Berens – Hope: 47 CTs, 59 GBs, 10 Points
• Gabe Henry – Elmhurst: 46 CTs, 65 GBs, 3 Points
• Brody Smith – SUNY Maritime: 46 CTs, 68 GBs, 2 Points
• Owen Giorgio – Husson: 38 CTs, 121 GBs, 25 Points
• Jake Gruzas – Kean: 36 CTs, 39 GBs, 3 Points
• Ben Birch – Concordia Wisconsin: 33 CTs, 80 GBs, 12 Points
• Joe Hurton – Wesleyan: 33 CTs, 47 GBs, 3 Points
• Logan Fletcher – RIT: 32 CTs, 50 GBs, 5 Points
• Cameron Van Lunen – Hampden-Sydney: 32 CTs, 40 GBs, 17 Points
• Ethan Hodge – St. John Fisher: 31 CTs, 42 GBs, 2 Points
• Ethan Ferrant – Dickinson: 27 CTs, 29 GBs, 5 Points
• Ronan West – Haverford: 24 CTs, 64 GBs, 8 Points
• Bruno Batty – Babson: 13 CTs, 29 GBs, 3 Points
• Colin Foley – Rivier: 40 CTs, 64 GBs, 13 Points