Tucker Durkin has been tormenting opposing attackmen since his days learning the game at Abington Lacrosse Club (Pa.). He has risen to the status of one of the world’s best defenseman, but says he hasn’t reached his peak.

Durkin always had defensive instincts, and he honed his skills at La Salle College under legendary defenseman Tony Resch, the 2015 U.S. indoor team head coach and current field team assistant. He continued to develop in college under another defensive great in Dave Pietramala at Johns Hopkins.

Now almost five years post-college, Durkin has taken his game to another level as the 2018 FIL World Championships approach. He may be on top of the world, but he’s not satisfied.

“There are so many things to work on,” he said. “I still have the mindset that, I don’t think I’ve arrived.”

Durkin’s opponents describe his game as having the full package — with the strength to match up with anyone and quick feet and agility to keep up with them. His reputation started growing as early as high school.

That’s where he squared off against future MLL greats like Marcus Holman and Eric Law. He stood out among his teammates, both in stature and in skill level.

“He was just a man amongst boys out there,” said Law, who played against La Salle when he was with Arapahoe (Colo.). “Someone I’ve never seen that big that can move that well. I felt like whenever I was trying to do anything, he was always one step ahead of me.”

“Tucker possessed a great combination of physicality with fantastic foot speed,” said Holman, whose Gilman (Md.) team took on La Salle in a classic 2009 matchup.

Durkin was turning heads within his first few games at Johns Hopkins — one in which he faced future U.S. teammate Rob Pannell at Cornell.

“Everyone looks at his attributes of being big and strong, but he’s got great feet as well, so it makes it super difficult for attackmen to go against him,” Pannell said. “If you can’t use your quick feet to get around someone, maybe you resort to being a little more physical.”

By his senior season, Durkin was one of the best defensemen in the country. Type in “Tucker Durkin” on YouTube, and the first video you’ll find is a much-anticipated matchup between him and Albany’s Lyle Thompson.

“Even at the beginning of the game, I realized how good he was,” Thompson said. “I wasn’t able to do the things I typically do. As an offensive player, you have your go-to moves. Mine was to push your guy topside, get him to 5-and-5 and roll back to the inside. He stayed right on me. He was physical and he was stronger than me.”

Durkin finished his college career as a three-time All-American, but those that had gone up against him knew he was only getting better. After he was drafted by the Hamilton Nationals, Durkin quickly became one of the league’s best defensemen.

He left his opponents with bruises and sores — reminders for next time they met.

“I was carrying the ball and he threw one check and it got my arm,” Law said of a 2013 encounter. “It actually sent my whole arm numb. I’ve never had that to this day happen again. It wasn’t even a crazy check. It was just a normal slap check. I definitely remember that one.”

“I can remember certainly bruises after games that hurt a little bit more because they came from him,” Pannell said. “He’s so physically imposing.”

But it’s not just Durkin’s physical nature or its aftereffect. He can cover just about anyone — or at least keep them off balance, thanks to quick feet and the ability to never cross them.

“Tucker is the enforcer for any defense he plays on, but also has some of the best footwork in the world to be able to cover all different types of attackmen,” said New York Lizards attackman Will Manny, who also competed against Durkin with the U.S. training team.

“Tucker is very good at timing his push out just above GLE when you might be getting ready to shoot,” Pannell said. “He times it up really well to get you off balance. He does a good job timing your passes or shots.”

The consensus among Durkin’s opponents?

He’s the best defenseman in the world, and life on Durkin Island isn’t easy.