Jalen Robinson is one smooth player. The U16 defender of D.C. United has been steadily improving as he learns from his string of U.S. National team experiences and now benefits from his participation in the U.S. Development Academy.

Having come over from Bethesda SC, Robinson gives D.C. an athletic and agile competitor in the back. He played particularly well at the Winter Showcase in Phoenix where he stood out at center back because of his ability to hold off attackers and knack for communicating.

He also stands out as one of the top 2012 players in the Mid Atlantic region.

His teammate Yaw Amankwa is another player to be reckoned with. Amankwa is a well-built striker who is often the most physically dominant player on the field. He is surprisingly shifty for his size and can really run when he puts his head down and sprints.

Joining him in the discussion is Malcolm Harris of the Baltimore Bays Chelsea. Through his young club career Harris has played a variety of positions and excelled at defender or central midfielder.

He reads the game well and has good technical ability to boot.

Harris has played in U.S. National Team camps with Fernando Pina, Austin Harris, Andrew Chang and Ryan Masch, has trained with Celtic Football Youth Academy in Scotland and was also invited to train with Pachuca of Mexico

Yes, Harris is going places.

And then there’s Richmond Strikers midfielder Todd Wharton, a  special midfielder with great foot skills. Wharton has matured greatly in the last couple of years and has a great soccer temperament.

Owen Howe, of Annandale Boys and Girls Club, Jackson Eskay (FC Frederick) and Jonathan Beck (Reston Futbol Club) are also standouts to be acknowledged within the class. Beck has good size and competes well in ODP gatherings.