First ever FISHER/LONG AWARD nominees and winner

I've decided to begin a new tradition here on my blog. Every year after each college football season, I will be selecting and presenting my own awards for individual players from the state of Michigan. Nationally, there are already numerous individual awards, including the Heisman Trophy, the Outland Trophy and the Ted Hendricks Award, to name but a few. My first award presentation will be for the position I've always felt is the most important on any football team -- the offensive line. So without further ado, here is the first-ever FISHER/LONG AWARD. 

The FISHER/LONG AWARD is named in honor of Eric Fisher (Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, CMU) and Jake Long (Lapeer East, Michigan), two of the state of Michigan's greatest collegiate offensive linemen. Fisher was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, while Long was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2008 NFL draft. Only four offensive linemen have ever been selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft in the modern era. Two of those No. 1 overall picks have been from the state of Michigan -- Fisher and Long. That's pretty impressive, isn't it? It just shows how talented the Great Lakes State is and has been throughout the years in producing top-flight, big-time offensive linemen. The other two offensive linemen selected No. 1 overall in the NFL draft were Ron Yary in 1968 (California native, USC) and Orlando Pace in 1997 (Ohio native, Ohio State). 

I figured Fisher and Long would be two worthy players to name my offensive line award after. 

The nominees for the inaugural FISHER/LONG AWARD for the 2022 college football season are -- 

Ryan Hayes-6-6, 310-OT-sr.-Michigan (Traverse City West)

Quinton Barrow-6-6, 330-OT-sr.-Grand Valley State (Romulus)

Anthony Bradford-6-5, 340-OG-sr.-LSU (Muskegon)

The recipient of the first-ever FISHER/LONG AWARD for the 2022 college football season, given to the state of Michigan's top collegiate offensive lineman, is (drum roll, please) presented to Quinton Barrow, senior offensive tackle from Grand Valley State University and Romulus High School. 

FISHER/LONG AWARD -- QUINTON BARROW-6-6, 330-OT-SR.-GRAND VALLEY STATE, ROMULUS HIGH SCHOOL

Barrow, a long-armed left tackle for the GVSU Lakers, was named a Division 2 first-team All-American this past season. An NFL prospect, Barrow has been invited to play in this year's Senior Bowl. Barrow is projected to be a late round (4-7 round) pick in this year's NFL draft. If Barrow plays well in the Senior Bowl, it's reported his draft status could improve significantly. Because Barrow plays in Division 2, he's not as well known nationally as other Division 1 offensive linemen, but make no doubt about it, he is certainly one of the country's best at his position. On one Web site I looked at recently, Barrow was ranked among the top 25 offensive linemen coming out for the 2023 NFL draft. Of those top 25 O-linemen (Ryan Hayes was also included, as was Javon Foster-6-6, 320, West Bloomfield, Missouri), Barrow was the only D-2 player included. 

In my next blog, I will list my nominees and winner for the inaugural WOODLEY AWARD, given to the state of Michigan's top collegiate defensive lineman.

PHOTO -- University of Michigan senior offensive tackle Ryan Hayes (Traverse City West) is one of three finalists for the inaugural FISHER/LONG AWARD given to the top collegiate offensive lineman from the state of Michigan. 

A few musings regarding state of Michigan prep/college football

Just a few state of Michigan high school football musings -- 

The Class of 2024 might just be the deepest talent-wise I have seen in quite a few years. I always like selecting my preseason All-State team for each class every year and the 2024 defensive first-team back seven is truly, potential-wise, the best I can remember. 

My 2022 All-State secondary was, I thought, maybe the best ever, potential-wise, at least recently in Michigan's glorious high school football history. 

My 2022 All-State first-team secondary was -- 

CB-Will Johnson-6-2, 195-Grosse Pointe South-Michigan

CB-Dillon Tatum-5-11, 185-West Bloomfield-Michigan State

FS-Jaden Mangham-6-2, 180-Birmingham Groves-Michigan State

SS-Myles Rowser-6-1, 185-Belleville-Arkansas

Take a look, however, at my 2024 preseason All-State first-team secondary. I think it's just as good, if not better, than the 2022 All-State secondary.

My 2024 preseason All-State secondary --

CB-Jalen Todd-6-1, 170-Southfield A & T

CB-Jamir Benjamin-5-10, 175-West Bloomfield

FS-Jacob Oden-6-1, 190-Harper Woods

SS-Desman Stephens-6-3, 205-Clarkston

Now look at the linebackers playing in front of these DBs on my 2024 preseason All-State first-team -- 

LB-Derek Pennington Jr-6-2, 225-Caledonia

LB-Jeremiah Beasley-6-1, 215-Belleville

LB-Kari Jackson-6-1, 215-West Bloomfield

Unbelievable talent at every spot in this back seven. Can you imagine one of our Division I college football programs signing every single one of these guys? Everyone in the country is recruiting these players, but I guess a football-loving guy like me can dream, right? 

-- I have to say a few words about Ferris State University's Caleb Murphy. Murphy (6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Dowagiac, Michigan) is a senior defensive end/linebacker for the Division 2 national champion Bulldogs. After posting a college football high (regardless of division) and an NCAA record of 25.5 sacks (breaking the previous record set by fellow Michigander Matthew Judon, West Bloomfield, Grand Valley State University, New England Patriots, 2023 Pro Bowl selection, four-time Pro Bowl pick) and 39.5 tackles for loss, Murphy was named the recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award. The national award is given annually to college football's top defensive end. Murphy is the first Division 2 player to ever win the award. I knew about this player when he was a junior in high school. He was a high-level wide receiver and linebacker-type prospect (he was 6-4, 215 or so coming out of a small-town-type high school) and one of the top recruits in southwest Michigan. How does a future Ted Hendricks Award winner like Murphy not sign with one of our five D-I playing college football programs? How is that possible? Interestingly, players from the state of Michigan have won the last two Ted Hendricks Awards, with Aiden Hutchison (Dearborn Divine Child, Michigan, Detroit Lions) earning the accolade last year. 

Finally, how about the career of Karl Brooks (6-4, 300)? Brooks, a Lansing Sexton graduate, was recently named to the Pro Football Focus All-American first-team. A two-time captain for Bowling Green State University, Brooks, a senior, was one of two edge rushers named to the PFF All-American first team. The other edge rusher? Will Anderson (6-4, 255, Alabama). Brooks might be 6-4, 300, but he carries the weight like he's 6-4, 250. He's an amazing talent. I always enjoy looking at the PFF All-American teams because they evaluate players from all across America, not just the bigger conferences. I feel it's a true "All-American" team and not just a "popularity contest" team. Also making the PFF All-American first team was safety Kaevon Merriweather (6-0, 215, senior, Belleville, Iowa), while cornerback Kalen King (5-10, 185, sophomore, Detroit Cass Tech, Penn State) and defensive lineman Desjuan Johnson (6-3, 275, senior, Detroit East English Village, Toledo) were named to one of the three PFF All-American squads, as well. But, back to Brooks. I remember when he came out of Lansing Sexton, he was around 6-4, 225 and a ferocious pass rusher from his linebacker spot and mismatch-type wide receiver. Like FSU's Murphy, I shake my head and wonder how a player like Brooks wasn't suiting up for MSU or U-M -- especially his hometown Spartans. Like Murphy, I knew about Brooks prior to his senior year at Sexton. I work 50 hours a week at a totally unrelated job not covering high school football in the state of Michigan and how is it I knew about players like Murphy and Brooks -- and their potential, talent and skill -- and not the recruiting staffs and coaching staffs at our largest college football playing schools? Can you imagine Murphy and Brooks, for instance, on Michigan State's defense this past season? What an incredible difference both players would have made for the Green and White. Or how about U-M? And the fact both, more than likely, would've given their right arms to suit up for the Spartans or Wolverines after their prep careers had concluded. I just shake my head...

Anyhow, I'm off my soap box. Thanks for letting me vent. I haven't been blogging in quite a long time simply because, well, that 50-plus hour job and all the other things that come along in life. But this 2024 class has reignited my passion for high school football in Michigan. Look for my next blog to include not only my final Top 25 players for the class of 2023, but also my (early) Top 25 prospects for the class of 2024 and the class of 2025, plus a Top 10 for the class of 2026 and a Top 15 sleepers for the class of 2024. Eventually, I'll go position-by-position with Top 10 lists, plus other big-time performers at each position for the class of 2024.

Preview -- 

2024 -- Top 25

1. Brady Prieskorn-6-6, 225-TE-Rochester Adams

2. Jeremiah Beasley-6-1, 215-LB-RB-Belleville

3. Brandon Davis-Swain-6-4, 235-DE-West Bloomfield

4. Jaylen Washington-6-3, 290-OG-Detroit Cass Tech

5. CJ Carr-6-3, 195-QB-Saline

6. ...

2024 -- Top 15 Sleepers 

1. Dasan Smith-6-5, 285-OT-Marquette-All-Upper Peninsula Dream Team

2. Shamar Pressley-6-7, 230-DE-TE-Clinton Township Clintondale-All-Macomb County, 4.8 40

3. Callen Campbell-6-4, 235-DE-Sault Ste. Marie-All-Upper Peninsula Dream Team

4. Kentae Longuemire-6-3, 225-DE-Carrollton-61 tackles, 11 sacks, 10 TFL

5. Monte Keener-6-7, 225-DE-LB-Linden-60 tackles, 10 sacks, 15 TFL, Flint Area Dream Team

6. ...

Photo -- Rochester Adams junior tight end Brady Prieskorn (6-foot-6, 225 pounds) is the No. 1-ranked prospect in the state of Michigan's talent-rich class of 2024. Photo by Ken Smart, MediaNews Group

Top 84 High School Football Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2023 (early list)

The high school football prospects for the state of Michigan's class of 2023 is off-the-charts good. It's truly an embarrassment of riches when one looks at the level of the Great Lakes State's class of 2023 high school football talent. Every player on this early list of top prep gridiron prospects is a Division I college football recruit. I will be adding more 2023 players (and current college offers for players) in the coming days/weeks, but I figured I would start with the top 84 in the Great Lakes State. 

Top 84 high school football prospects for Michigan's class of 2023 (all are D-I recruits) -- 

1. Dante Moore-6-2, 190-QB-Detroit King-Verbal to UCLA

2. Amir Herring-6-5, 280-OT-West Bloomfield-Verbal to Michigan

3. Cole Dellinger-6-4, 270-OT-DT-Clarkston-Verbal to Michigan State

4. Bryce Eliuk-6-2, 225-LB-RB-Linden-Verbal to EMU

5. Brennan Parachek-6-6, 235-TE-Dexter-Verbal to Michigan State

6. Dylan Senda-6-5, 310-C-Dearborn Divine Child-Verbal to Northwestern

7. Johnathan Slack-6-3, 270-OG-Detroit King-Verbal to Michigan State

8. Brayden Courser-6-1, 220-LB-Detroit Catholic Central-Verbal to Michigan State

9. Taahleak Lewis--6-3, 265-DT-OG-Kalamazoo Central-Toledo offer

10. (TIE) Luke Zanotti-6-4, 285-DT-OG-Bay City Central-Verbal to WMU; 

      Jalen Thompson-6-4, 240-DE-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to Michigan State

11. Nathan Rivard-6-5, 240-DE-Midland Bullock Creek

12. Jacob Belles-6-2, 275-DT-OG-C-Ithaca

13. Ben Przytula-6-4, 250-DE-TE-Gibraltor Carlson

14. Delano Townsend-6-4, 285-OT-DT-Flint Hamady-Verbal to WMU

15. Jameel Croft Jr.-6-1, 170-WR-DB-Detroit King-Verbal to Kansas

16. Seth Jackson-6-2, 180-DB-WR-Reed City

17. Zac Affholter-6-2, 275-OG-C-DT-Reading

18. Royce Daugherty-6-3, 300-OG-DT-Watervliet

19. Tim Kloska-5-11, 205-RB-LB-Grand Rapids West Catholic-Verbal to Air Force

20. (TIE) Amare Snowden-6-3, 180-DB-WR-Roseville-Verbal to Wisconsin

      Davon Jackson-6-3, 185-S-RB-WR-River Rouge-Arizona State, Kentucky, West Virginia, Syracuse offers

21. Kenny Merrieweather-6-3, 235-TE-DE-LB-Detroit King-Verbal to Iowa

22. Javen Sewell-5-9, 165-DB-Detroit Cass Tech-CMU, Morgan State offers

23. Cole Jondro-6-0, 175-S-RB-Monroe St. Mary's Catholic Central

24. Jayden Dennis-6-3, 240-LB-Battle Creek Lakeview

25. David Chaney-6-2, 190-DB-Warren Woods-Tower

26. Brayden Clark-5-10, 180-RB-Constantine

27. Tristen Duncan-6-3, 310-DT-NG-OG-Detroit Central

28. Josh Kriekard--6-3, 255-DT-OG-Cedar Springs

29. Parker Picot-6-2, 170-WR-DB-Rochester Adams-Verbal to Alabama (for baseball)

30. Messiah Blair-6-7, 255-OT-DE-Detroit King-Verbal to EMU

31.. Drew Viotto-6-4, 215-QB-Walled Lake Western-Verbal to Minnesota

32. Andrew Priddy-6-4, 260-OT-DT-Olivet

33. Jayden Currie-6-4, 285-OT-New Lothrop

34. Andrew Berryhill-6-1, 290-C-Battle Creek Lakeview

35. Graycen Shepherd-6-2, 230-DE-TE-Whitehall

36. Rodney Brasfield-6-2, 215-LB-Montague

37. Gabe Blanchard-6-4, 220-DE-TE-Freeland

38. Brendan Dignan-6-6, 285-OT-Warren DeLaSalle

39. Jacob Booth-6-4, 275-OT-DT-Swartz Creek

40. Owen Hawley-6-6, 250-OT-DE-Livonia Franklin

41. XaVior Tyus-5-8, 175-RB-DB-Portage Northern

42. Elijah Beckman-5-11, 175-RB-DB-Wyoming Lee

43. Brandon Felts-6-4, 290-DT-OT-Clinton

44. Wyatt Powell-6-4, 280-OT-Addison

45. Adam Kidder-6-0, 185-WR-DB-Madison Heights Bishop Foley

46. Dylan McDonald--6-3, 275-OG-DT-Durand

47. Devon Emrick-6-2, 290-DT-Dexter

48. Aaron Bradley-6-6, 275-OT-Southfield A & T

49. John Burke-6-3, 290-OG-DT-Sault Ste. Marie-Verbal to CMU

50. Ralph Golden-6-1, 210-LB-Jackson Lumen Christi

51. Jobe Benschoter-6-3, 215-WR-TE-Tecumseh

52. Charlie Davidek-6-3, 245-OG-Livonia Stevenson

53. Jon Haygood-6-4, 290-OT-Warren Woods-Tower

54. Joey Donahue-6-3, 205-LB-Traverse City St. Francis

55. Romele Reed-5-11, 185-RB-DB-Battle Creek Lakeview

56. Toby Mitchell-6-2, 220-DE-LB-St. Clair Shores Lakeview

57. Jacob Reynolds-6-2, 265-DT-Three Rivers

58. Darius Taylor-5-9, 175-RB-WR-DB-Walled Lake Western-Verbal to Minnesota

59. Egan Sullivan-5-10, 175-RB-DB-Grosse Pointe South

60. Teddy Williams-6-6, 215-TE-WR-Grand Ledge

61. Jackson Zeiter-5-10, 160-DB-RB-Madison Heights Bishop Foley

62. Ethan Clark-6-0, 175-RB-DB-Clarkston-Verbal to Princeton

63. Nikko Johnson-6-1, 165-DB-WR-Sterling Heights

64. Nic Disanto-6-4, 280-OT-Riverview Gabriel Richard

65. Jake McPhee-6-3, 215-DE-TE-Bad Axe

66. Darnell Boone-6-0, 210-LB-Oak Park

67. Seth Fulton-6-1, 305-NG-DT-OG-Center Line

68. Bronson Bupp-6-2, 200-QB-Ithaca

69. Josh Buettner-6-1, 230-LB-OG-New Boston Huron

70. Kade McDonald-6-1, 170-DB-WR-Gladwin 

      

71. Malakai Haines-6-0, 180-QB-RB-WR-DB-Dowagiac

72. Laith Shamma-6-5, 240-DE-OT-Ann Arbor Huron

73. Braylon Gaines-5-10, 165-WR-DB-St. Clair Shores Lakeshore

74. Kenneth Williams-5-10, 160-RB-WR-DB-Eastpointe

75. Carlos Harris-6-0, 200-RB-LB-Bay City Central

76. Jaylen Johnson-6-2, 185-WR-DB-Grand Blanc

77. Mike Franko-6-3, 245-OG-DT-Clare 

78. Baechler Houser-6-0, 205-LB-Detroit Catholic Central

79. James Blaylock-6-4, 220-DE-WR-Oak Park

80. Zion Yoder-6-2, 195-QB-WR-Flint Carman-Ainsworth

81. Bruce Williams-6-2, 225-DE-LB-LS-Ann Arbor Huron-Purdue offer

82. Cole Cabana-5-11, 170-RB-Slot-KR-Dexter-Verbal to Michigan

83. Semaj Morgan-5-10, 175-DB-WR-West Bloomfield-Verbal to Michigan

84. Jaylen Flowers-5-9, 185-RB-DB-Davison

PHOTO -- Detroit King sophomore quarterback Dante Moore (6-2, 190) is the No. 1 prospect for the state of Michigan's class of 2023. Already, arguably, the Great Lakes State's top quarterback recruit regardless of class, Moore has verbally committed to Oregon. Photo by Carl Jones Photography

The Top 150 Football Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2022 (early list)

Here is the state of Michigan's class of 2022 top 150 player list. Every single player in this talented group is a Division I college football recruit. The class of 2022 in the Great Lakes State is dripping with big-time college football skill, size and speed. This list is fluid and will be added or subtracted from as the months pass by (I will continually be adding offer lists and postseason honors to individual player names in the coming days). From the Upper Peninsula to the Indiana border, the state of Michigan is filled with high-level, D-I college football prospects. 

Here are the Top 150 high school football prospects for the state of Michigan's class of 2022 (every player is a D-I recruit) -- 

1. Will Johnson-6-2, 185-DB-Grosse Pointe South-Verbal to Michigan

2. Alex VanSumeran-6-3, 290-DT-Essexville-Garber-Verbal to Michigan State

3. Antonio Gates Jr.-6-3, 190-WR-Dearborn Fordson-Verbal to Michigan State

4. Josh Burnham-6-3, 215-LB-QB-Traverse City Central-Verbal to Notre Dame

5. Myles Rowser-6-1, 190-DB-Belleville-Verbal to Arkansas

6. Joey Silveri-6-1, 200-QB-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Verbal to Michigan State

7. Michael Williams-6-3, 235-LB-DE-West Bloomfield-Michigan State, Michigan, Arizona State, Indiana, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee offers

8. K'Marii Landers-6-4, 290-OG-Dearborn Fordson-Michigan State, Michigan, Nebraska, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Oregon offers

9. Davonte Miles-6-5, 275-DE-River Rouge-Verbal to Michigan

10. (TIE) Malachi Davis-6-5, 245-DE-Holt-Verbal to Syracuse; Tag Bonnema-6-4, 235-LB-DE-Zeeland East-Verbal to WMU 

11. Jaden Mangham-6-3, 190-WR-DB-Birmingham Groves-Verbal to Michigan State

12. Nolan Ziegler-6-4, 205-DB-LB-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Verbal to Notre Dame

13. Dillon Tatum-5-11, 190-DB-RB-West Bloomfield-Verbal to Michigan State

14. Tayshawn Trent-6-4, 210-WR-Eastpointe-Verbal to Michigan

15. Tyrell Henry-6-1, 175-WR-DB-Roseville-Verbal to Michigan State

16. Zane Forist-6-5, 245-TE-DE-Carson City Crystal-53 tackles, nine sacks, plays quarterback out of necessity, passed for 1,103 yards and 13 TDs, rushed for 577 yards and 10 TDs, an elite, all-around athlete, Forist placed first in a national track and field competition last summer in the discus with a toss of 187-feet, seven inches and third nationally in the shot put with a heave of 57-3. 

17. Jaris McIntosh-6-2, 195-DB-Battle Creek Lakeview-Southern Miss, CMU, EMU, Toledo, Bowling Green State, Akron, Ball State offers

18. James Livingston-6-7, 275-OT-Dexter-Verbal to Kansas

19. Deone Walker-6-7, 305-DT-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to Kentucky

20. Marco Fields-6-4, 295-DT-OG-Muskegon Reeths-Puffer

21. Myles Walton-5-10, 185-DB-Muskegon-CMU, WMU offers

22. Larry Robinson-6-0, 190-WR-Slot-QB-Saline-CMU, Army, Navy offers

23. Tyler Stolsky-6-3, 225-LB-Portage Central-Air Force, CMU, WMU, EMU offers

24. Cincear Lewis-6-2, 195-DB-Kalamazoo Central-Verbal to Cincinnati

25. Danny Rosa-6-6, 320-OT-Traverse City West-Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team (two-time)

26. Dametrius Walker-6-5, 270-DE-Muskegon-Michigan State, Kentucky, Syracuse, Minnesota offers

27. Noah Bauman-6-3, 285-OG-DT-Ottawa Lake-Whiteford-AP Division 7-8 All-State, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 8 All-State, Monroe Evening News Dream Team

28. Christian Stokes-6-0, 180-DB-Harper Woods-Verbal to West Virginia 29. Blake Baliff-6-0, 220-LB-Detroit King

30. Jackson Pruitt-6-5, 315-DT-OT-Detroit Cass Tech-Penn State, Maryland, Pitt, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Colorado, Syracuse offers

31. Kade Kostus-6-3, 245-DE-Rockford-Boston College, Bowling Green State, Buffalo, CMU, Miami (OH), Toledo, WMU offers

32. Malachi Clark-6-2, 285-DT-Roseville-Air Force, CMU, Cincinnati offers

33. Andrew DeVries-6-3, 285-C-DT-Zeeland East

34. Brady Ploucha-6-5, 270-OT-Dearborn Divine Child-Verbal to CMU

35. Dennis Strey Jr.-6-7, 285-OT-Paw Paw

36. Christian Rapley-6-0, 200-DB-Belleville-Arizona State, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Penn State, Kentucky, Tennessee offers

37. Mike DePillo-6-6, 205-QB-Clarkston-CMU offer

38. Masai Reddick-6-4, 295-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to Tennessee

39. Jordan Kwiatkowski-6-1, 225-LB-RB-Sterling Heights Stevenson-Verbal to CMU

40. D.J. Voltz-6-1, 170-WR-DB-Carrollton-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 5 All-State, 22 receptions, 245 yards, two TDs, 392 yards rushing, six TDs, one kickoff return for TD, 51 tackles, one interception returned for TD

41. Lamont Parks-6-0, 175-WR-Detroit Western-AP Division 1-2 All-State, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 1 All-State, Detroit News All-Detroit first team, caught 63 passes for 734 yards and 12 TDs

42. Will Beesley-6-1, 215-LB-Warren DeLaSalle-Verbal to Princeton

43. Cooper Conway-6-4, 265-DT-Menominee-Upper Peninsula Dream Team

44. Josh Brown-5-11, 180-DB-Livonia Churchill-Pittsburgh, Kent State offers, Detroit News All-Metro West first team, five interceptions

45. Jordan Cannon-5-11, 220-LB-RB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Michigan State, Michigan, Toledo, Bowling Green State, Cincinnati, Kent State offers

46. Lynn Wyche-El-5-9, 170-Slot-Detroit King-Syracuse, Kentucky offers

47. Ashton Lepo-6-7, 260-OT-Grand Haven-Verbal to Michigan State

48. Bo Poljan-6-3, 255-DE-Lansing Catholic-Cincinnati, CMU offers

49. Levi Harber-6-5, 285-OT-Montrose-Verbal to Vanderbilt 

50. (TIE) Haidyn Garrison-6-7, 245-TE-Richland Gull Lake; Grant O'Brien-6-6, 320-OT-Goodrich

51. Grant Pikkaart-6-5, 200-DB-WR-LB-Portage Central-Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team

52. Jessie Hoisington-6-5, 240-TE-DE-Royal Oak

53. Jakobe Watkins-6-3, 290-OG-Belleville-Kentucky, Southern Miss, Akron, Arkansas State offers

54. Glenie Cross-6-0, 185-DB-Oak Park-Arizona State, Indiana, Syracuse, Temple offers

55. Tyler Holtz-6-0, 195-QB-Dewitt-Associated Press Division 3-4 Player of the Year, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 3 All-State, 2,109 yards passing, 32 TDs, one interception, led DeWitt to Division 3 state championship

56. Cameron Roetherford-6-5, 300-DE-DT-OT-Warren Michigan Collegiate-CMU, Akron offers, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State

57. Zach Person-6-5, 225-TE-Kingsford-Middle Tennessee State offer, Upper Peninsula Dream Team, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 5 All-State

58. Hayden McDonald-6-3, 285-C-DT-Montague-Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team

59. Jaden Johnson-6-4, 240-OT-Muskegon Catholic Central-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State

60. Cornell Perry-6-1, 175-DB-Woodhaven-Verbal to Syracuse

61. Brady Montie-6-4, 265-DT-C-Allen Park

62. Tommy McIntosh-6-4, 200-WR-Dewitt-Verbal to Wisconsin

63. Logan Horn-6-3, 265-OG-C-Hillsdale-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 5 All-State

64. Alex Watters-6-0, 185-WR-DB-KR-Lansing Catholic-Verbal to Michigan State

65. Joey Thede-6-3, 225-DE-Lake Orion-Toledo, EMU, Akron, CMU offers

66. Aaron Rice-6-5, 190-WR-North Farmington-Air Force offer, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 2 All-State, 4.5 40

67. Charlie Lovell-6-2, 235-DE-Pinckney

68. Deshaun Lee-5-10, 170-DB-Belleville-Kentucky, Syracuse, Akron, CMU offers

69. Dayvon Young-6-0, 170-WR-DB-Southfield A & T-Iowa State, Kentucky, Southern Miss, Ole Miss, Syracuse, Akron offers

70. Jackson Buckler-6-5, 290-OT-Grandville

71. Giuseppe Gottfried-6-3, 285-OG-C-Saline-Air Force offer, Ann Arbor News Dream Team

72. Zach Gregurich-6-4, 295-OG-DT-Coldwater

73. Bryson Huckeby-6-4, 215-QB-Freeland

74. Ryan Browne-6-5, 205-Ath.-DB-Birmingham Brother Rice

75. Trent Hill-5-10, 175-RB-Chelsea-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 3 All-State, Ann Arbor News Dream Team, 800 yards rushing

76. Chris Mutebi-6-4, 190-WR-U-D Jesuit

77. Dane Arnett-6-5, 240-OT-DE-Grand Haven-CMU offer

78. Jordan Ramsey-5-10, 185-DB-Sterling Heights Stevenson-CMU, Buffalo, Bowling Green State, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo offers

79. Nicholas Trumble-6-0, 210-LB-Addison-AP Division 7-8 All-State, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 8 All-State, Jackson Citizen-Patriot Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team, 71 tackles, 24 TFL, four sacks, one fumble recovery

80. Desmond Mullen-5-9, 165-DB-Marquette-Upper Peninsula Dream Team, AP Division 3-4 All-State

81. Jeremiah Caldwell-6-3, 175-WR-DB-Belleville-Verbal to Kentucky

82. Charlie Niehaus-5-11, 185-DB-Royal Oak Shrine-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 8 All-State

83. C. J. Jones-6-0, 205-LB-WR-Grand Rapids Christian

84. Caleb Dean-5-10, 175-DB-Jension-Grand Rapids Press Dream Team 

85. Brayton MacQueen-6-1, 190-DB-WR-Ortonville-Brandon

86. Alex Duley-6-5, 200-WR-Freeland

87. Ashton Atwater-5-10, 175-RB-Otsego

88. Josh Boggan-6-0, 230-LB-Kalamazoo Central

89. Evan Sundermann-6-2, 185-P-East Lansing-AP Division 1-2 All-State, 43.7-yard punt average

90. Nick Ostas-6-5, 235-TE-Blissfield

91. Dominic Harris-6-1, 190-DB-LB-Detroit Southeastern-Detroit News All-Detroit first team, 18 TFL, 16 sacks

92. Caden Ferris-6-3, 250-C-Delton-Kellogg

93. Declan Byle-6-2, 185-QB-Detroit Catholic Central-Detroit News All-Metro North first team, 1,746 yards passing, 19 TDs

94. Cam Heiss-6-4, 265-OG-DT-Cedar Springs

95. Cameron May-6-5, 270-OT-Detroit Southeastern

96. Tommy Phimister-6-3, 260-OG-DT-Novi

97. Jackson Lambert-6-3, 275-DT-OG-Grosse Pointe South

98. Devin Runnels-6-6, 330-OT-Flint Beecher-Michigan High School Coaches Association Division 8 All-State

99. Gabe Reavey-6-2, 270-C-Whitehall-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 4 All-State

100. Brendan Schanick-6-3, 285-OG-Flint Kearsley, 

         

101. Omari Embree-5-9, 180-WR-RB-KR-DB-Warren Woods-Tower,

102. Demarius Gibson-Wells-6-3, 270-DT-Livonia Churchill

103. Cross Watson-6-5, 260-OT-Portage Central-Verbal to Purdue

104. Carson Bourdo-5-11, 185-DB-Traverse City Central-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 2 All-State, Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team, nine interceptions

105. C.J Aldred-6-3, 290-OG-DT-Waterford Mott

106. Brandon Mann-6-4, 215-QB-Detroit Country Day-Bowling Green State offer, led Country Day to Division 4 state championship

107. Isaac Smith-6-1, 170-WR-KR-DB-New Boston Huron-News-Herald Dream Team (Detroit's southern suburbs), 29 receptions for 505 yards and 10 TDs, two kickoff returns for TDs, 978 all-purpose yards, 54 tackles, one interception

108. Ronald Jackson-6-1, 175-DB-QB-Eastpointe-Macomb Area Conference Gold MVP

109. Evan Stephayn-6-3, 260-DT-Lawton-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 7 All-State, Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team

110. Zach Painter-6-2, 225-LB-Williamston-AP Division 3-4 All-State, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 4 All-State 

111. Mike Hamilton-6-6, 305-OT-Grosse Pointe South

112. Ryan Schuster-6-2, 195-QB-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-All-Macomb County first team

113. Malik Immoos-6-2, 210-LB-St. Joseph

114. Evan Noga-6-3, 225-DE-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep-AP Division 3-4 All-State 

115. Kobe Farrow-6-2, 235-DE-TE-Addison-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 8 All-State

116. Boston Clegg-5-10, 200-RB-Livonia Churchill-Detroit News All-Metro West first team, 965 yards rushing, 16 TDs

117. Joey Klunder-6-4, 235-DE-TE-Grosse Pointe South

118. Nico Hernandez-5-9, 190-RB-Madison Heights Lamphere-AP Division 3-4 All-State, Macomb Area Conference Bronze MVP, 1,073 yards rushing, 18 TDs

119. Keyone Nixon-5-10, 170-DB-L'Anses Creuse-All-Macomb County first team

120. Corey Vanderputte-6-0, 170-RB-Muskegon Oakridge-AP Division 5-6 All-State, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 5 All-State, Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team, 1,506 yards, 22 TDs

121. Ethan Jozsa-6-5, 230-DE-Muskegon Oakridge-AP Division 5-6 All-State

122. Desean Matthews-5-8, 170-RB-DB-Detroit Southeastern-Detroit News All-Detroit first team, 1,238 yards rushing, 16 TDs, three interceptions, one interception returned for TD

123. Ashton Tong-6-3, 195-WR-Waterford Mott

124. Bryce Koteles-6-2, 270-OG-C-DT-Utica-All-Macomb County first team

125. Jameel Gardner-6-0, 180-WR-Detroit Cass Tech

126. Charles Tigert-5-9, 175-Slot-DB-Marine City-Macomb Area Conference Silver MVP

127. Maddox Mozal-6-3, 270-OG-St. Clair

128. Cameron Dyson-6-3, 215-LB-Belleville-Ball State, Akron offers

129. Biago Madonna-6-0, 225-LB-QB-Sterling Heights Stevenson-Detroit News All-Metro East first team, 1,170 yards passing, 13 TDs

130. Travontae Jones-6-4, 300-OT-Detroit Denby

131. Tevon Mixon-6-2, 295-OG-C-Warren DeLaSalle

132. Cephus Harris-5-8, 185-RB-Slot-KR-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Detroit News All-Metro North first team

133. David Millikin-5-10, 205-RB-DB-LB-Grayling-AP Division 5-6 All-State, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State, Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team, 1,257 yards rushing, 24 TDs, 108 tackles

134. Logan McGraw-6-0, 220-LB-Wyandotte-News-Herald Dream Team (Detroit's southern suburbs), three-year starter, 41 tackles

135. Michael Bucci-6-0, 190-P-Warren DeLaSalle-Detroit News All-Metro East first team, 46.8-yard punt average

136. Dylan Purry-6-2, 205-LB-WR-Romulus Summit Academy-News-Herald Dream Team (Detroit's southern suburbs), 47 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, 24 receptions, 377 yards, seven TDs

137. Jaishaun Williams-6-1, 180-DB-Gibraltar Carlson-News-Herald Dream Team (Detroit's southern suburbs), one interception return for a TD, offensively passed for 611 yards and 12 TDs, rushed for 495 yards and seven TDs

138. Chase Mitchell-6-2, 195-P-Lawton-Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team, 41.3-yard punt average

139. Tanner Wirth-5-10, 175-RB-Pewamo-Westphalia

140. Josh Rush-5-9, 165-RB-Saline-Detroit News All-State, 4.4 40

141. Andrew Kooi-5-9, 170-PK-Montague-AP Division 5-6 All-State, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State, Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team, 52-of-56 PATs, 2-of-2 FGs, 17 touchbacks

142. Zachary Hop-6-5, 230-QB-TE-Holland

143. Mohammed Ali Hazime-6-5, 240-TE-DE-Dearborn Fordson-EMU, WMU, Ball State offer

144. Bobby Hoth-5-11, 195-SS-LB-Boyne City-AP Division 5-6 All-State, Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team, Defensive MVP of Northern Michigan Football Conference, three-year starter, 41 tackles, two interceptions, 1,016 yards rushing, 16 TDs

145. Keegan Opper-6-4, 280-OT-Traverse City Central

146. Jalen Holly-6-0, 190-WR-River Rouge-CMU, Bowling Green State, Akron offers

147. Elijah Jackson-Anderson-5-9, 180-RB-Slot-Grand Blanc-Iowa State, Rutgers, CMU, Miami (OH), EMU, Kent State, Cincinnati offers

148. Tyler Nordmann-6-1, 270-OG-C-Dewitt-Anchor of offensive line for Division 3 state champions

149. Josh Nichols-5-10, 170-DB-WR-Detroit Renaissance-Air Force, Morgan State offers

150. (TIE) Dustyn Morell-6-5, 245-OT-Lapeer-EMU, Army offers

        Jake Merritt-6-6, 270-OT-Northville-Verbal to Michigan State

        Lorenzo Vitti-6-1, 170-DB-WR-Dearborn Divine Child-Verbal to Navy

        Ambrose Wilson-6-0, 190-DB-QB-East Lansing-Iowa State, Air Force, Buffalo, CMU offers

        Gino Tribuzio-6-2, 270-C-OG-Ortonville-Brandon-Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 4 All-State, Flint Journal Dream Team

PHOTO -- Grosse Pointe South junior defensive back Will Johnson (6-2, 185) is the No. 1 prospect in the state of Michigan for the class of 2022. Johnson is verbally committed to Michigan. 

The Top 140 Football Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2021 (Master List)

The state of Michigan has over 100 Division I college football recruits each and every season. Here are the top 140 high school football prospects for the Great Lakes State's class of 2021. This list is fluid and can change with players moving up or down the list or additional players added throughout the year. As usual, the state of Michigan is absolutely loaded from top to bottom with high-level D-I college football talent. 

The state of Michigan's top 140 high school football prospects for the class of 2021 -- 

1. Damon Payne-6-4, 295-DT-OG-Belleville-Alabama

2. Rocco Spindler-6-5, 295-OG-DT-Clarkston-Notre Dame

3. Garrett Dellinger-6-6, 285-OT-Clarkston-LSU

4. Donovan Edwards-6-1, 185-RB-West Bloomfield-Michigan

5. Tyson Davis-5-10, 175-WR-DB-Goodrich-CMU

6. Robert Army-6-1, 195-DB-WR-Southfield A & T-Iowa State

7. Kobe King-6-1, 225-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-Penn State

8. Giovanni El-Hadi-6-6, 290-OT-Sterling Heights Stevenson-Michigan

9. Jaylen Reed-6-0, 195-DB-Detroit King-Penn State

10. Christian Dhue-Reid-5-11, 215-QB-Belleville-Tuskegee

11. Rayshaun Benny-6-5, 275-DE-OT-Oak Park-Michigan 

12. Anthony Tyus-6-1, 215-RB-Portage Northern-Northwestern

13. Brendan Sullivan-6-3, 200-QB-Davison-Northwestern

14. Jamari Buddin-6-3, 225-LB-DE-Belleville-Penn State

15. Jace Williams-6-5, 200-WR-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Miami (OH)

16. Andrel Anthony-6-2, 185-WR-East Lansing-Michigan

17. Raheem Anderson-6-3, 285-C-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan

18. Derek Harmon-6-4, 325-DT-OG-Detroit Loyola-Michigan State

19. Josh Thompson-6-5, 305-OG-C-Fenton-Northwestern

20. Kalen King-5-10, 175-DB-Detroit Cass Tech-Penn State

21. Caleb Banks-6-6, 255-DE-Southfield A & T-Louisville

22. Caleb Tiernan-6-8, 285-OT-Detroit Country Day-Northwestern

23. Colin Parachek-6-4, 200-QB-Dexter

24. Mareyohn Hrabowski-6-4, 215-QB-River Rouge-WMU

25. Armorion Smith-6-3, 195-DB-River Rouge-Cincinnati

26. Cole Pape-6-6, 315-OT-Delton-Kellogg

27. Terrence Enos Jr.-6-5, 320-OT-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-Pittsburgh

28. Austin Roon-6-4, 215-LB-Byron Center-Syracuse

29. Drew Collins-6-3, 210-QB-Montague

30. Tyson Watson-6-6, 270-DE-Warren Mott-Michigan State

31. Deion Burks-5-10, 175-WR-Belleville-Purdue

32. Ruquan Buckley-6-6, 280-DE-OT-Wyoming Godwin Heights-Nebraska

33. Quillen Howze-6-1, 190-DB-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Buffalo

34. Jake Plamondon-6-4, 235-TE-Ludington

35. Kyle Fugedi-6-6, 300-OT-Livonia Franklin-Pittsburgh

36. Nick Steinacker-6-7, 230-TE-DE-Corunna

37. Dejavion Stepney-6-0, 185-DB-Macomb Dakota-CMU

38. Julius Sims-6-2, 185-DB-Muskegon-Bowling Green State

39. David Holloman-6-0, 185-RB-DB-Auburn Hills Avondale-Indiana

40. Ethan Boyd-6-7, 285-OT-East Lansing-Michigan State

41. Joe Taylor-5-10, 185-Slot-Chelsea-Michigan

42. Tyreese Oakes-6-0, 175-DB-Muskegon

43. Michael McAninch-6-4, 295-OG-C-Jackson County Parma Western

44. Brandon Honorable-6-7, 300-OT-Detroit King-Pittsburgh

45. Saborn Campbell-6-0, 180-DB-Detroit Country Day

46. Maxwell Hairston-6-1, 175-DB-West Bloomfield-Kentucky

47. Ramier Lewis-6-7, 330-OT-Belleville

48. Weston Jones-6-5, 280-OT-Romeo-Brigham Young

49. Josh Schell-6-4, 240-TE-DE-Mount Pleasant-Army

50. Davion Primm-6-0, 200-RB-Oak Park-Michigan State

51. Amari Crowley-6-0, 185-DB-WR-Muskegon

52. Logan Murray-6-3, 305-DT-OG-C-Flint Powers Catholic-Michigan State

53. Harry Unger-6-3, 230-DE-Davison-Air Force

54. Anton Ricumstrict-6-5, 220-LB-Mount Pleasant-Buffalo

55. Blake Bosma-6-4, 195-WR-Holland West Ottawa-WMU

56. Connor Hindenach-6-3, 255-DE-Paw Paw

57. Carter Cushman-6-5, 285-OT-DT-Plainwell

58. Dalton Dueweke-6-4, 290-OG-C-Utica Eisenhower-WMU

59. Pius Odjugo-6-3, 325-DT-River Rouge-CMU

60. Ezra McCallister-6-1, 185-WR-DB-Marshall-Vanderbilt

61. Cam Terry-5-10, 190-RB-Grandville

62. Jaylin Mines-6-2, 205-DB-LB-Oak Park-Toledo

63. Carson Briggs-6-5, 275-OT-OG-Traverse City Central-WMU

64. Tommy Doman-6-3, 175-P-PK-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Michigan

65. Blake Nelson-6-5, 235-TE-DE-Walled Lake Central

66. Clarence Wilson-6-4, 240-DE-Detroit Cass Tech-Toledo

67. Chris Parker-6-2, 175-WR-DB-Saginaw Heritage-CMU

68. Davion Witherspoon-6-2, 285-C-DT-Harper Woods-Ohio

69. Brayden Swartout-6-7, 285-OT-Essexville-Garber-CMU

70. Clinton Roberson-6-2, 180-WR-DB-Macomb Dakota-CMU

71. Jalen Johnson-6-4, 315-OT-OG-River Rouge-Ball State

72. Colin Weber-6-4, 240-TE-LB-Hopkins-UNC Charlotte

73. Zach Trainor-6-2, 200-QB-Walled Lake Western

74. Bryce Hall-6-3, 235-DE-Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood-Yale

75. Tyler McCoon-6-4, 200-P-Traverse City Central

76. Caden Woodall-6-1, 220-RB-LB-Livonia Stevenson-Harvard

77. Esean Carter-6-2, 285-DT-Detroit King-Toledo

78. Rae'Quin Lee-5-10, 175-RB-Southfield A & T-Ball State

79. Blake Kosin-6-6, 235-TE-Clarkston-Northern Illinois

80. Ali Fisher-6-1, 185-WR-Ann Arbor Pioneer-Buffalo

81. Elijah Rikard-6-2, 175-DB-WR-U-D Jesuit-CMU

82. Eric Reese-6-1, 185-DB-Macomb Dakota-CMU

83. Thomas Beckman-6-4, 245-TE-DE-Saugatuck

84. Jailen Howze-6-0, 210-LB-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Buffalo

85. Daveon Turner-5-9, 170-DB-Harper Woods-Army

86. Connor Easthope-6-2, 190-QB-Ann Arbor Pioneer-Harvard

87. Doran Ray Jr.-6-3, 270-DT-Detroit Cass Tech-Toledo

88. Marlon Dawson Jr.-6-4, 225-LB-Oak Park-Miami (OH)

89. Jalin Pitchford-6-0, 205-QB-Wyandotte

90. Walker Martin-6-2, 285-C-OG-DT-Montague

91. Michael Heldman-6-5, 240-DE-TE-Romeo-CMU

92. Bruno Guberinich-6-5, 270-DT-OT-Detroit Catholic Central-CMU

93. Blake Smithers-6-2, 275-DT-Elkton-Pigeon-Bayport

94. Braylon Silvas-6-1, 175-QB-Flint Kearsley

95. Charlie Sims-6-5, 320-OT-Detroit Cass Tech

96. Trevor Jones-6-4, 265-OG-DT-Ypsilanti Lincoln-CMU

97. Chance Moore-6-5, 320-OT-OG-River Rouge-Morgan State

98. Rishad Hence-5-9, 185-DB-Detroit King-Akron

99. Grant Porter-6-4, 295-OG-C-DT-Howell

100. (TIE) L'Cier Luter-6-4, 315-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-Northern Colorado

        Tyler McMillan-6-6, 325-OT-River Rouge-Tulsa

-- Additional D-I prospects for the state of Michigan's class of 2021 -- 

102. Kyle Main-6-5, 315-OT-Frankenmuth

103. Owen Franklin-6-2, 220-LB-Oscoda

104. Brandon Crawford-6-3, 270-DE-DT-Colon

105. Peyton Brady-Brittain-6-2, 295-C-DT-Edwardsburg

106. Caden Peddie-6-4, 270-DT-Grandville-WMU

107. Aaron Paulding-6-1, 215-LB-Detroit Edison

108. Michael White-6-5, 220-LB-DE-Bay City Central

109. Jaden Wilson-6-2, 230-DE-Detroit Renaissance-Northern Illinois

110. Brady Rose-5-8, 170-Slot-Muskegon Mona Shores

111. Landon French-6-2, 195-WR-DB-Jackson County Parma Western

112. Cade Conley-6-4, 230-TE-DE-Williamston-CMU

113. Zach Phillips-6-3, 235-LB-Woodhaven

114. Keyon Hammond-6-3, 190-WR-Detroit Denby

115. Gavin Hardeman-6-2, 170-DB-West Bloomfield-Air Force

116. Lucas Gillespie-6-5, 285-OT-Harrison

117. Mahki Matthews-6-4, 215-WR-S-Wyoming

118. Harmon DeVries-6-6, 195-WR-TE-Schoolcraft

119. Drew Reist-6-4, 215-LB-TE-Galesburg-Augusta

120. Jonathan Scott-6-3, 325-OG-Detroit Mumford

121. Kyler Stone-6-1, 220-LB-Carson City Crystal

122. Maurice Davis-5-11, 215-RB-LB-Eastpointe-Morehead State

123. Mekhi Esters-6-5, 240-DE-Ypsilanti

124. Drake Deshetsky-6-2, 235-LB-North Branch

125. Caden DeWald-6-3, 265-OG-C-Birmingham Seaholm-CMU

126. Gus Taylor-6-4, 270-DT-South Lyon

127. Bryan Donner-6-4, 255-DE-Waterford Kettering

128. Aristotle Taylor-6-8, 240-DE-Birmingham Brother Rice-Stanford

129. Elliott Grashuis-6-4, 170-WR-Grand Rapids Christian-WMU

130. Christian Boivin-6-1, 210-DB-LB-Traverse City West-Michigan 

131. Will Leggon-6-2, 295-DT-Detroit Country Day

132. Anthony Cardamone-6-1, 215-LB-Utica Eisenhower

133, Zack Mullins-6-2, 305-C-OG-Macomb Dakota

134. Sam Simpson-6-5, 250-TE-DE-OT-St. Joseph

135. Niles King-6-4, 245-DE-West Bloomfield

136. Cam Orr-6-2, 225-DE-New Lothrop

137. Blake Monroe-6-4, 285-OG-Thornapple-Kellogg

138. Travis Reece-6-3, 230-LB-West Bloomfield

139. Connor Webb-6-4, 275-OG-Schoolcraft

140. Hunter Ohman-6-3, 285-C-OG-Garden City

PHOTO -- High school football in the state of Michigan is among the nation's best year after year. 

Top 10 Offensive Line Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2023

 As one might expect, the state of Michigan's offensive line talent level for the class of 2023 is deep, skilled and athletic, filled with road-graders, pass protectors and pancake makers. As I've said ad nauseam in this blog, the Great Lakes State is by far the best state in the Midwest and one of the elite states in the country, when it comes to producing big-time, high-level Division I college football O-line talent year after year. 

I get tired of saying this (and writing this), but the state of Michigan's five D-I-playing college football programs, especially our two Big Ten schools, have done an AWFUL job evaluating and recruiting offensive line talent in this state for years. It's almost embarrassing the offensive line riches available in the Great Lakes State every season, but for some unknown and mind-numbing, inexcusable reason, our five D-I football-playing schools, especially Michigan State and Michigan, have turned their collective backs -- or, at least, been disappointingly lazy and uneducated -- on the state of Michigan's high school football offensive line talent. It's not the only reason, but I'm positive it's a significant explanation, for CMU, WMU, EMU and especially U-M and MSU's poor showing on the football field in recent years. 

Anyhow, sorry for the rant -- it's just one man's humble opinion. Either way, here is an early look at the top offensive line prospects for the state of Michigan's class of 2023. Every single one of these players is a D-I college football recruit. Michigan State, Michigan and the MAC schools, take a good look at these guys and DON'T JUST OFFER, but consistently stay on these guys, make them fall in love with your school, your program, your football philosophy and start building a dominant offensive line. Recruiting for your program, especially in the trenches, should always start with state of Michigan kids. Why is this so hard for coaches and recruiters in this state to understand? 

Here is an early look at the top 10 offensive line prospects for the state of Michigan's class of 2023.

Michigan's Top 10 Offensive Line Recruits for the Class of 2023 -- 

1. Amir Herring-6-5, 280-OT-West Bloomfield -- One of the top offensive line recruits in the nation, regardless of class. Just a sophomore, but Herring already is a dominant force for West Bloomfield. Arizona State, Arkansas, Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, Maryland offers.

2. Cole Dellinger-6-4, 270-OT-Clarkston -- Amazing talent -- and he's only a sophomore. Older brother Garrett Dellinger (6-6, 285) is a senior OT at Clarkston and recently verbally committed to LSU. Cole is a force inside for the Wolves on either side of the ball. Intense and physical, Dellinger is already a national recruit. Michigan State, Michigan, Arizona State, LSU offers.

3. Dylan Senda-6-5, 310-C-OG-Dearborn Divine Child -- I can't believe this kid is just a sophomore -- he looks like he could be playing in the NFL right now. From a legendary Detroit Catholic League program, Senda is an absolute monster in the trenches for the Falcons. With Senda's size and mobility, he blows away any defender man enough to line up nose-to-nose with him. With two more seasons of high school football left to play, Senda, by the time he's a senior, could be scary good. Kentucky, Maryland, Syracuse offers.

4. Johnathan Slack-6-3, 265-OT-Detroit King -- I love this guy. Anyone that can be a three-year starter for Detroit King, one of the top programs in the country, is a bonafide, big-time D-I college football prospect. With good movement and power, I see Slack projecting out to 6-3 or 6-4, 295-305 range by the time he's a senior. Michigan State, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Arizona State, Memphis, Southern Miss offers. 

5. Taahleak Lewis-6-3, 265-OG-Kalamazoo Central -- A standout at defensive end for the Maroon Giants, Lewis also has the potential to be an outstanding offensive lineman at the next level. Also top five in the state of Michigan for defensive line prospects, Lewis is just a good, all around football player. The potential for Lewis on the gridiron is off the charts. Toledo offer. 

6. Luke Zanotti-6-4, 270-OG-OT-Bay City Central -- Rugged, hard-hitting and powerful two-way star for Central, Zanotti is a load inside for the Wolves. Flying under the radar a bit right now, recruiting-wise, but in two years, look for Zanotti to be the next great Bay City Central lineman, following in the footsteps of former Wolves legends Bill Hewitt (U-M, NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame), Jim Kanicki (MSU, NFL), Dennis Wirgowski (Purdue, NFL), Alex Mitchell (U-M), Eric Moltane (U-M), Pat Corcoran (Colorado), Rick Czap (Nebraska), David Techlin (MSU), Dick Syring (U-M). 

7. Royce Daugherty-6-3, 300-OG-C-Watervliet -- From a small southwest Michigan school, Daugherty is a big-time, Big Ten-level prospect. Will be a four-year starter for the Panthers. Also a talented defensive tackle recruit, Daugherty is a force to be reckoned with on either side of the football. I love this kid's potential not only because of his size, but because of his overall athletic coordination and skill. To stay in shape during the football season break, Daugherty ran cross country -- yes, cross country -- for Watervliet. He's a four-sport star for the Panthers also competing in basketball, baseball and wrestling. Big Ten, MAC coaches and recruiters? Put your shoes and socks on and go check this kid out. 

8. Jayden Currie-6-4, 285-OT-New Lothrop -- Big, strong, thick lineman for unbeaten and Division 7 state-ranked New Lothrop. Saw action last season as a freshman on a Hornet team that lost to the eventual state champion by one point in the state quarterfinals. Raw, but talented, Currie's best football is yet to be played. 

9. Andrew Priddy-6-4, 250-OT-Olivet -- Will be a four-year starter for Olivet, a school northeast of Battle Creek. Huge upside for Priddy, who moves well for a big kid and is physical at the point of attack. 

10. (TIE) Delano Townsend-6-4, 265-Flint Hamady -- Will be a four-year starter for Hamady. Overwhelming force along the line of scrimmage, Townsend controls the trenches on both sides of the football. Messiah Blair-6-6, 255-OT-Detroit King -- Intriguing prospect from perennial powerhouse King program. With long arms and good athleticism, Blair, if he continues to improve, could top this list by the time he's a senior. I see him projecting out to 6-7, 295-310 range by the time he's in his final year of high school. 

Other top offensive line prospects for Michigan's class of 2023 (all are D-I recruits at some level) -- Josh Kriekard-6-3, 255-OG-Cedar Springs, Brendan Dignan-6-5, 250-Warren DeLaSalle, Andrew Berryhill-6-1, 290-C-OG-Battle Creek Lakeview (will be four-year starter), Joey Pruchnic-6-4, 270-OT-Macomb Dakota, Aaron Bradley-6-5, 265-OT-Southfield A & T, Zac Affholter-6-2, 275-OG-C-Reading, Owen Hawley-6-5, 240-OT-Livonia Franklin, Hayden Healey-6-3, 305-OG-East Lansing, Edgerrin Cross-6-3, 255-OG-U-D Jesuit, Brandon Felts-6-4, 295-OT-Clinton, Nic Disanto-6-4, 280-OT-Riverview Gabriel Richard, Jacob Booth-6-4, 275-OT-Swartz Creek. 

PHOTO -- West Bloomfield sophomore offensive tackle Amir Herring (6-5, 280) is the No. 1-ranked offensive line prospect for the state of Michigan's class of 2023. Michigan State, Michigan, Arizona State, Kentucky, Arkansas and Maryland have offered Herring. 

PHOTO -- Dearborn Divine Child sophomore center Dylan Senda (6-5, 310) is the state of Michigan's No. 3-ranked offensive lineman and the No. 1-ranked center prospect for the class of 2023. Senda holds offers from Kentucky, Syracuse and Maryland. 

PHOTO -- Detroit King sophomore tackle Johnathan Slack (6-3, 265) is the Great Lakes State's No. 4-ranked offensive lineman for the class of 2023. Michigan State, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Arizona State, Memphis and Southern Miss have offered Slack. 

Top 10 Offensive Line Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2022 (early)

It's been a while, but that wonderful thing called life has recently gotten in the way of my high school football passion. That being said, I'm back and ready to scour the ENTIRE state of Michigan for high school football talent. There is Division I college football talent from the Upper Peninsula down to Michigan's southern border and all points in between throughout the Great Lakes State. 

Since I recently completed my position-by-position Top 10 listings for the class of 2021, I'll start my position-by-position EARLY listings for the state of Michigan's class of 2022. Of course, if you read this blog, you'll know, in my opinion, success on the gridiron starts in the trenches, up front with the big fellas. So without further adieu, here is the Top 10 ranking of the Great Lakes State's class of 2022 offensive line prospects. 

In my opinion, there is no state in the Midwest better at consistently producing, big-time D-I  offensive line talent than Michigan. Here are the top 10 offensive line recruits for the class of 2022.

Top 10 Offensive Line Prospects for the state of Michigan's Class of 2022 (This is an early list and players will be added as the regular season and off-season rolls along) -- 

1. Ka'Marii Landers-6-4, 290-OG-C-Dearborn Fordson -- Massive, thick power blocker for Fordson, traditionally one of the state of Michigan's most physical and hard-hitting programs. From same suburban Detroit high school as Ed Bagdon (1949 All-American and Outland Trophy award winner at Michigan State, NFL with Chicago Cardinals and Washington Redskins, 1950 through 1952). Nebraska, West Virginia, Michigan State, Michigan, Kentucky, Oregon offers.

2. Brady Ploucha-6-5, 270-OT-Dearborn Divine Child -- Long-armed, athletic prospect from legendary Detroit Catholic League program. A few former Falcons include NFL players quarterback Gary Danielson (Purdue, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, 1976 through 1988) and wide receiver Jeff Chadwick (Grand Valley State, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, 1983 through 1992), along with former NFL head coach Pat Shurmur (Michigan State starting center on 1988 Rose Bowl and Big Ten champions, Cleveland Browns head coach, 2011 through 2012, New York Giants head coach, 2018 through 2019). Ploucha is a bit under-recruited at the moment, but I believe he will gain recognition and attention once his junior season is complete. CMU, Akron offers. 

3. Daniel Rosa-6-6, 300-OT-Traverse City West -- Road-grader of the highest degree, Rosa, who was selected to the Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team last season as a sophomore, is the latest high-level, big-time D-I college football offensive line prospect from Traverse City West. Former Titan O-line greats include Jake Fisher (Oregon, NFL Cincinnati Bengals, 2015 through 2018, Buffalo Bills, 2019), Connor Hayes (played at Pitt 2014 through 2018) and Ryan Hayes (current U-M starting OT). Rosa looks to be on the same trajectory as the aforementioned three former T.C. West linemen. 

4. James Livingston-6-7, 275-OT-Dexter -- I love this kid. Just look at his tape. At 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, Livingston has great feet, good bend and lean and is very athletic and mobile for a player his size. From Ann Arbor-area school more known for its cross country and swim programs, Livingston is by far the best offensive line prospect in Dreadnaught football history. Will be a three-year starter, Livingston is just scratching the surface of his unlimited potential. 

5. Andrew DeVries-6-3, 280-C-OG-Zeeland East -- Will be a four-year starter for Zeeland East, DeVries is a prototypical Big Ten-like center prospect. Also a run-plugging defensive tackle recruit, DeVries has been selected to the Holland Sentinel football Dream Team every year since he was a freshman. 

6. Zach Gregurich-6-4, 295-OG-Coldwater -- Little-known, but big-time talent at a powerful mid-sized southwest Michigan high school football program, Gregurich is a physical run-blocker of the highest order. A pancake machine, Gregurich is the type of player who'll develop and project to 6-4, 315-320 offensive guard-center at the next level. Will be a four-year starter for the Cardinals, Gregurich is a D-I O-line prospect. 

7. Masai Reddick-6-4, 285-OG-Detroit Cass Tech -- From one of the premier high school football programs in the nation, Reddick is another in a long line of Big Ten-level prospects for the Technicians. Man-handles defensive opponents, Reddick is a tough, hard-nosed player for Cass Tech. Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Memphis, CMU, Buffalo, Akron, Bowling Green State offers. 

8. Marco Fields-6-4, 295-OG-OT-Muskegon Reeths-Puffer -- An absolute beast in the trenches for Reeths-Puffer, Fields is a man among boys at times. A physical mismatch for most defenders unfortunate to line up against Fields, the Rocket junior standout is a high-level D-I prospect out of the football talent-rich city of Muskegon. 

9. Dennis Strey Jr.-6-6, 295-OT-Paw Paw -- A bit of an unknown, but a kid who I believe has Big Ten potential. From same southwest Michigan high school as current U-M offensive lineman Karson Barnhart and former NFL Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin (WMU, NFL 2004 through 2015, played for nine teams). Strey Jr is a top-rated prospect because of his long arms, size and athleticism. Indiana, Purdue, Illinois get on this kid before MSU and U-M get in the mix. 

10. (TIE) Hayden McDonald-6-3, 285-C-Montague -- Rugged, mix-it-up-type interior lineman for powerhouse, mid-sized Muskegon-area football program. Controls the interior for the Wildcats. Also a talented defensive tackle. Will be a three-year starter for Montague. Jackson Pruitt-6-5, 285-OT-OG-Detroit Cass Tech -- Outstanding two-way talent for Cass Tech. Pruitt is a big-time prospect on either side of the football. Pruitt's ceiling is as high as any player on this list. West Virginia, Maryland, Pitt, Kentucky, Syracuse, Colorado offers. 

Other top offensive line prospects for Michigan's class of 2022 (all are D-I prospects at some level) -- Collin Haverlock-6-6, 260-OT-Woodhaven, Payton Pyle-6-6, 275-OT-Hartland (intriguing prospect, will be three-year varsity basketball starter, great footwork for big kid), Logan Horn-6-3, 260-OG-C-Hillsdale (top heavyweight wrestler, 300 bench press, 370 squat), Derek Driscoll-6-4, 310-OT-Muskegon Oakridge, Jaden Lewin-6-3, 285-OG-C-Grand Blanc, Andy Hartman-6-5, 255-OT-Grand Blanc, Devin Runnels-6-6, 330-OT-Flint Beecher, Levi Harbor-6-5, 250-OT-Montrose, Aiden Viar-6-1, 300-C-OG-Montrose, Nikioloa Kerher-6-3, 245-OG-Ludington, Jaden Johnson-6-4, 240-OT-Muskegon Catholic Central, Ben Flake-6-4, 275-OT-Detroit Catholic Central, Dontez Fuller-6-2, 265-OG-C-Birmingham Brother Rice, Mike Mathis-6-5, 320-OT-U-D Jesuit, Cam Heiss-6-4, 265-OT-Cedar Springs, Griffin Bloch-6-7, 275-OT-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (three-sport player, football, basketball, track and field), Ethan Dewitt-6-4, 280-OT-East Lansing, Giuseppe Gottfried-6-4, 270-OT-Saline, Daniel Babcock-6-4, 280-OT-Lake Orion (5.2 40, 275 bench, 425 squat), Ashton Lepo-6-7, 245-OT-Grand Haven (CMU, Cincinnati offers), Dane Arnett-6-5, 240-OT-OG-Grand Haven (selected to the Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team as a sophomore, also heavyweight wrestler, also top DE, CMU offer).

PHOTO -- Dearborn Fordson junior guard-center Ka'Marii Landers (6-4, 290) is the state of Michigan's No. 1-ranked offensive line prospect for the class of 2022. Michigan State, Nebraska, Michigan, West Virginia, Kentucky and Oregon have offered Landers. 

PHOTO -- Zeeland East junior guard-center Andrew DeVries (6-3, 280) is ranked the No. 5 offensive line prospect for the state of Michigan's class of 2022. 

PHOTO -- Paw Paw junior tackle Dennis Strey Jr. (6-6, 295) is the No. 9-ranked offensive line recruit for Michigan's class of 2022. Photo by Patrick Nothaft/MLive.com.