Here are the top 10 linebacker prospects for Michigan's class of 2014. From NFL players like Bart Scott (Detroit Southeastern), David Harris (Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills) and LaMarr Woodley (Saginaw) to college standouts like Max Bullough (Traverse City St. Francis, MSU) and Kenny Demens (Detroit Country Day, U-M), Michigan has an impressive history of churning out big-time linebacker talent. Here are the latest Division I-level college football linebackers from Michigan.
1. William White-6-2, 220-Detroit Cass Tech-three-year starter for two-time D-1 state champs
2. Paris Bennett-6-2, 215-U-D Jesuit-multiple Big Ten teams courting this bone-crusher
3. Carl Fuller-6-3, 215-Detroit King-great length and size from perennial PSL power
4. Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-Taylor Truman-sub 4.6 40 for Downriver sleeper, also top TB
5. Deon Drake-6-1, 215-Detroit Cass Tech-already verbally committed to Michigan State
6. Brent Showers-6-0, 215-Rockford-super physical tackler for West Michigan powerhouse
7. Will Hunt-6-1, 225-Muskegon-leader of Big Reds defense, led team to D-2 state runner-up
8. Donnie Ernsberger-6-3, 220-Battle Creek Lakeview-Cereal City's top recruit, 106 tackles
9. Jake McKiernan-6-3, 205-Richmond-Detroit News Div. 3-4 All-State last season
10. Drew Dowding-6-2, 205-Michigan Center-Jackson Citizen-Patriot Player of Year as junior
Other top prospects-Jared Wangler-6-1, 215-Warren DeLaSalle (Penn State verbal), Tyler Jacqman-6-1, 215-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Stone Manczak-6-0, 210-Bay City Central, Preston Simon-6-3, 205-Portage Northern, Seth Malcolm-6-3, 220-Standish-Sterling, Preston Pelham-6-3, 220-Tecumseh, Chris Hill-6-3, 225-Birmingham Seaholm, Shaquan McGriff-6-0, 225-Ferndale, Randy Garvin-6-0, 210-Rockford, Jordan Cry-6-1, 215-Southfield, Damon Singleton-6-2, 210-Wyandotte (Ball State verbal), Paul Brown-6-0, 210-Grand Rapids Union, Shaun Jones Jr.-6-0, 215-Birmingham Brother Rice, DaJohn Strange-6-1, 205-Detroit Cody (85 tackles, 19 sacks a year ago).
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Top 10 defensive tackle prospects for class of 2014
Here is the class of 2014 top 10 defensive tackle prospects for the state of Michigan. This group is one of the deepest and most talented in recent years. If a college head coach is searching for D-line help, Michigan in 2014 is the place to begin looking.
1. Jordan Van Dort-6-5, 295-Zeeland West-outstanding talent, plays TE as well, great mobility
2. Kenny Finley-6-3, 265-Muskegon-latest Big Ten-level recruit from Big Red program
3. Chris Hendricks-6-4, 275-Fruitport-another high level, Big Ten-type lineman
4. Chris Greca-6-5, 305-Grass Lake-intense, agile, big ol' nasty farm boy, made for Big Ten
5. David Beedle-6-5, 275-Clarkston-dominates trenches for one of state's top teams
6. Jake Khoury-6-3, 275-Traverse City St. Francis-terrific run-plugger for small school power
7. Archie Naert-6-3, 265-Reese-Divison I prospect from Michigan's Thumb region
8. Alberto Sandoval-6-3, 265-Birmingham Brother Rice-starter for D-2 state champions
9. Christian Dorobantu-6-4, 255-Tecumseh-speed forces constant double teams
10. Jacob Howe-6-2, 250-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern-elite player, also All-State punter
Other top prospects-Evan Wilson-6-1, 310-Monroe, Demere Ramey-6-1, 305-Muskegon Orchard View, John Smutny-6-2, 255-Saline.
1. Jordan Van Dort-6-5, 295-Zeeland West-outstanding talent, plays TE as well, great mobility
2. Kenny Finley-6-3, 265-Muskegon-latest Big Ten-level recruit from Big Red program
3. Chris Hendricks-6-4, 275-Fruitport-another high level, Big Ten-type lineman
4. Chris Greca-6-5, 305-Grass Lake-intense, agile, big ol' nasty farm boy, made for Big Ten
5. David Beedle-6-5, 275-Clarkston-dominates trenches for one of state's top teams
6. Jake Khoury-6-3, 275-Traverse City St. Francis-terrific run-plugger for small school power
7. Archie Naert-6-3, 265-Reese-Divison I prospect from Michigan's Thumb region
8. Alberto Sandoval-6-3, 265-Birmingham Brother Rice-starter for D-2 state champions
9. Christian Dorobantu-6-4, 255-Tecumseh-speed forces constant double teams
10. Jacob Howe-6-2, 250-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern-elite player, also All-State punter
Other top prospects-Evan Wilson-6-1, 310-Monroe, Demere Ramey-6-1, 305-Muskegon Orchard View, John Smutny-6-2, 255-Saline.
Top 10 defensive end prospects for class of 2014
Here are the top 10 defensive end prospects for Michigan's class of 2014. As one might expect, each player on this list is a Division I (high, mid or low) college football recruit. With current NFLers and Michigan natives Jason Babin (Paw Paw), Jason Jones (Southfield Lathrup) and Connor Barwin (U-D Jesuit) excelling at the highest level, the Great Lakes State is fertile ground for finding and developing defensive end talent.
1. Malik McDowell-6-7, 290-Detroit Loyola-Michigan's No. 1 overall prospect, size/agility combo
2. Lawrence Marshall-6-4, 225-Southfield-Big Ten schools drooling over Marshall's speed/size
3. Alex Neering-6-7, 240-Essexville-Garber-Bay City Times Defensive Player of Year as Jr.
4. Colin Jones-6-3, 260-Holt-three-year starter for Lansing area powerhouse program
5. Dylan Roney-6-3, 240-Detroit Catholic Central-Next great from legendary program
6. Zach Evans-6-2, 245-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills-explosive, high motor type guy
7. John Williams-6-6, 235-Berrien Springs-Big-time athlete, also top-notch hoops player
8. Todd Postma-6-4, 240-Grand Rapids South Christian-led Sailors to D-4 state title
9. Nate Brisson-Fast-6-7, 225-Ferndale-Intriguing prospect with great size/speed package
10. Brian Sanders-6-4, 225-Detroit Cass Tech-next in long line of talented Technicians (BGSU)
Other top prospects-Zach Underwood-6-2, 220-Gibraltar Carlson, Ryan Matthias-6-5, 220-Hemlock, Jalen Dingle-6-3, 215-St. Clair Shores South Lake (verbal to Bowling Green State), Mitchell Wynkoop-6-3, 225-Traverse City Central.
1. Malik McDowell-6-7, 290-Detroit Loyola-Michigan's No. 1 overall prospect, size/agility combo
2. Lawrence Marshall-6-4, 225-Southfield-Big Ten schools drooling over Marshall's speed/size
3. Alex Neering-6-7, 240-Essexville-Garber-Bay City Times Defensive Player of Year as Jr.
4. Colin Jones-6-3, 260-Holt-three-year starter for Lansing area powerhouse program
5. Dylan Roney-6-3, 240-Detroit Catholic Central-Next great from legendary program
6. Zach Evans-6-2, 245-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills-explosive, high motor type guy
7. John Williams-6-6, 235-Berrien Springs-Big-time athlete, also top-notch hoops player
8. Todd Postma-6-4, 240-Grand Rapids South Christian-led Sailors to D-4 state title
9. Nate Brisson-Fast-6-7, 225-Ferndale-Intriguing prospect with great size/speed package
10. Brian Sanders-6-4, 225-Detroit Cass Tech-next in long line of talented Technicians (BGSU)
Other top prospects-Zach Underwood-6-2, 220-Gibraltar Carlson, Ryan Matthias-6-5, 220-Hemlock, Jalen Dingle-6-3, 215-St. Clair Shores South Lake (verbal to Bowling Green State), Mitchell Wynkoop-6-3, 225-Traverse City Central.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Michigan's Greatest Pro Football Players
Here is a short capsule of one of Michigan's 50 greatest pro football players. From time to time I'll highlight a former Michigander who grew up in this state and/or played high school football here before going on to star at the professional level. Players from high schools throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas have gone on to receive Hall of Fame enshrinement, earn All-Pro accolades and start in Super Bowls during their distinguished professional football careers.
Here is a small write up for Fred Arbanas from my book "Michigan's All-Time Top 50 Pro Football Players." Arbanas, one of the AFL's best ever, is one of the greatest tight ends in Michigan gridiron history.
Drafted by the Dallas Texans (later the Kansas City Chiefs) in the second round of the 1962 AFL draft, Arbanas played eight years in the AFL and one season in the NFL, all with the Chiefs. He was a six-time Sporting News All-AFL selection as a tight end and a six-time AFL All-Star pick. Making his accomplishments even more impressive was the fact Arbanas played six years with sight in only one eye after suffering an off-field injury early in his career.
Arbanas (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) played in 118 career games, catching 198 passes for 3,101 yards and 34 touchdowns. His reception and touchdown totals were Chief records for a tight end until broken by Tony Gonzalez. Snaring passes for the majority of his career from future Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, Arbanas finished with a 15.7 yards per catch average during his pro tenure.
A Michigan State University graduate, Arbanas helped lead Kansas City to three AFL championships throughout his career. His best season was 1964 when he caught 34 passes for 686 yards and eight touchdowns. That year, Arbanas had a 20.2 yards per catch average.
On Jan. 15, 1967, in Super Bowl I at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Arbanas faced the Green Bay Packers as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. In what has now virtually become a national holiday in America, the Chiefs, the AFL champions, fell to the Packers, the NFL title-winners, 35-10 in the first-ever Super Bowl contest. Also starting alongside Arbanas for Kansas City in Super Bowl I was fellow Michigan All-Time Top 50 player, offensive lineman Detroit native Ed Budde.
On Jan. 11, 1970, Arbanas started for the Chiefs at tight end in Super Bowl IV. Kansas City defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in the game. While the contest itself on the field was significant, Super Bowl IV would go down in history, and eventually be remembered more, as the last match-up between the AFL and the NFL in football’s greatest game. The following season would see the AFL merge into the NFL forming one league, separated by two divisions, the NFC and the AFC. The win by Kansas City against the Vikings evened the Super Bowl series between the AFL and NFL at 2-2. The year before, in Super Bowl III, the New York Jets, out of the AFL, and spurred on by quarterback Joe Namath’s guarantee of victory, defeated the heavily favored NFL champion Baltimore Colts.
Super Bowl IV had a distinct Michigan flavor as Arbanas and Budde suited up for the Chiefs, while the Vikings started Michigan All-Time Top 50 players, offensive lineman Madison Heights’ Grady Alderman and future Hall of Fame defensive back Flint’s Paul Krause.
A graduate of Redford St. Mary High School, Arbanas was named to the All-Time All-AFL team as a tight end. He is enshrined in the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. He also was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Here is a small write up for Fred Arbanas from my book "Michigan's All-Time Top 50 Pro Football Players." Arbanas, one of the AFL's best ever, is one of the greatest tight ends in Michigan gridiron history.
FRED ARBANAS
Despite losing sight
in one eye, Fred Arbanas would go on to become the American Football League’s
prototype tight end. A strong blocker as well as receiver, Arbanas started for
the Kansas City Chiefs in two of the first four Super Bowls, including Super
Bowl I against the Green Bay Packers.Drafted by the Dallas Texans (later the Kansas City Chiefs) in the second round of the 1962 AFL draft, Arbanas played eight years in the AFL and one season in the NFL, all with the Chiefs. He was a six-time Sporting News All-AFL selection as a tight end and a six-time AFL All-Star pick. Making his accomplishments even more impressive was the fact Arbanas played six years with sight in only one eye after suffering an off-field injury early in his career.
Arbanas (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) played in 118 career games, catching 198 passes for 3,101 yards and 34 touchdowns. His reception and touchdown totals were Chief records for a tight end until broken by Tony Gonzalez. Snaring passes for the majority of his career from future Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, Arbanas finished with a 15.7 yards per catch average during his pro tenure.
A Michigan State University graduate, Arbanas helped lead Kansas City to three AFL championships throughout his career. His best season was 1964 when he caught 34 passes for 686 yards and eight touchdowns. That year, Arbanas had a 20.2 yards per catch average.
On Jan. 15, 1967, in Super Bowl I at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Arbanas faced the Green Bay Packers as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. In what has now virtually become a national holiday in America, the Chiefs, the AFL champions, fell to the Packers, the NFL title-winners, 35-10 in the first-ever Super Bowl contest. Also starting alongside Arbanas for Kansas City in Super Bowl I was fellow Michigan All-Time Top 50 player, offensive lineman Detroit native Ed Budde.
On Jan. 11, 1970, Arbanas started for the Chiefs at tight end in Super Bowl IV. Kansas City defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in the game. While the contest itself on the field was significant, Super Bowl IV would go down in history, and eventually be remembered more, as the last match-up between the AFL and the NFL in football’s greatest game. The following season would see the AFL merge into the NFL forming one league, separated by two divisions, the NFC and the AFC. The win by Kansas City against the Vikings evened the Super Bowl series between the AFL and NFL at 2-2. The year before, in Super Bowl III, the New York Jets, out of the AFL, and spurred on by quarterback Joe Namath’s guarantee of victory, defeated the heavily favored NFL champion Baltimore Colts.
Super Bowl IV had a distinct Michigan flavor as Arbanas and Budde suited up for the Chiefs, while the Vikings started Michigan All-Time Top 50 players, offensive lineman Madison Heights’ Grady Alderman and future Hall of Fame defensive back Flint’s Paul Krause.
A graduate of Redford St. Mary High School, Arbanas was named to the All-Time All-AFL team as a tight end. He is enshrined in the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. He also was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Top 10 quarterbacks for Michigan's class of 2014
Last year, Michigan produced one of the nation's best quarterback prospects in Warren DeLaSalle's Shane Morris. Morris, who signed with the University of Michigan, is the latest in a long line of top-flight signal-callers to come out of the Great Lakes State. From old-timers like Earl Morrall (Muskegon) to modern players like Gary Danielson (Dearborn Divine Child) and Jim Harbaugh (Ann Arbor Pioneer) to current NFL quarterbacks Drew Stanton (Farmington Hills Harrison) and Kirk Cousins (Holland Christian), Michigan has a rich and talent-filled history of growing big-time college and pro football talent at the QB position. While the quarterback class of 2014 isn't one of Michigan's deepest in recent years, it is still loaded, especially at the top half, with Division I skill and talent. Here are the top 10 quarterback prospects for Michigan's class of 2014.
1. Chance Stewart-6-5, 215-Sturgis-Big Ten size and arm strength, plus terrific athlete (WMU)
2. Travis Smith-6-2, 200-Ithaca-Drew Brees-like, led Ithaca to two straight state titles (Toledo)
3. Tyler Wiegers-6-3, 205-Detroit Country Day-passed Yellowjackets to D-4 state final (Rutgers)
4. Sean Scullen-6-2, 205-Rochester Stoney Creek-Could play WR-S-LB at next level, 4.6
5. Matt Sokol-6-5, 215-Rochester Adams-tall, lanky, might convert to Div. I TE (MSU verbal)
6. Jalen Brooks-6-3, 185-Cadillac-game-breaking pass/run combo QB, one of Up North's best
7. Ryan Conklin-6-1, 185-Jackson County Parma Western-Jackson Cit/Pat All-Area last year
8. Drew Marion-6-2, 180-Lake City-small town gunslinger with big-time arm/talent
9. Lucas Barner-6-0, 185-Lansing Everett-four-year starter, chain-mover, gamer
10. Tanner Allison-6-1, 185-Portland-led Raiders to D-5 state title, 1,000 yards passing, 4 ints
Other top prospects-Jens Gillings-6-1, 180-Whittemore-Prescott-Bay City Times Dream Team selection last season.
1. Chance Stewart-6-5, 215-Sturgis-Big Ten size and arm strength, plus terrific athlete (WMU)
2. Travis Smith-6-2, 200-Ithaca-Drew Brees-like, led Ithaca to two straight state titles (Toledo)
3. Tyler Wiegers-6-3, 205-Detroit Country Day-passed Yellowjackets to D-4 state final (Rutgers)
4. Sean Scullen-6-2, 205-Rochester Stoney Creek-Could play WR-S-LB at next level, 4.6
5. Matt Sokol-6-5, 215-Rochester Adams-tall, lanky, might convert to Div. I TE (MSU verbal)
6. Jalen Brooks-6-3, 185-Cadillac-game-breaking pass/run combo QB, one of Up North's best
7. Ryan Conklin-6-1, 185-Jackson County Parma Western-Jackson Cit/Pat All-Area last year
8. Drew Marion-6-2, 180-Lake City-small town gunslinger with big-time arm/talent
9. Lucas Barner-6-0, 185-Lansing Everett-four-year starter, chain-mover, gamer
10. Tanner Allison-6-1, 185-Portland-led Raiders to D-5 state title, 1,000 yards passing, 4 ints
Other top prospects-Jens Gillings-6-1, 180-Whittemore-Prescott-Bay City Times Dream Team selection last season.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Top 10 offensive guards for Michigan's class of 2014
Michigan's class of 2014 is absolutely stacked with offensive line talent. Similar to the offensive tackle group, Michigan's top 10 list of offensive guards is filled with D-I recruits. Here are the top 10 guards for Michigan's class of 2014.
1. Alec Stevens-6-4, 275-West Branch Ogemaw Heights-Big Ten teams fighting over his talents
2. Nick Matich-6-4, 260-Clarkston (also top DT)-top player for arguably state's best team in 2014
3. Connor Hayes-6-4, 270-Traverse City West- another in a long line of big-time TC linemen
4. Nick Padla-6-6, 290-Berrien Springs-Has size/agility and Big Ten written all over him
5. Malik King-6-4, 265-Muskegon-starter on last year's Div. 2 runner-up (Ball State verbal)
6. Kevin Weiler-6-3, 285-Swartz Creek-superior athlete, one of Midwest's top discus/shot putters
7. Erik Belco-6-3, 275-Mount Pleasant-main blocker for Michael Tweh (state's No. 2 TB)
8. Paris Basley-6-5, 320-Melvindale ABT-pancake machine in the trenches
9. Travis Steenwyk-6-2, 280-Grand Rapids South Christian-starter for Div. 4 state champions
10. Mason Bird-6-4, 325-Romulus Summit Acad.-intriguing small school talent w/ big-time ability
Other top prospects- Matt Rowan-6-3, 255-Fraser, David Miller-6-4, 300-Crosswell-Lexington, Solomon Remmo-6-3, 265-Buchanan, Alex Galiyas-6-2, 250-Detroit Catholic Central, Matt Phillips-6-2, 240-Birmingham Brother Rice, Alex Joss-6-4, 270-Walled Lake Western (Ball State verbal), Collin Meacham-6-3, 240-Millington, Tyler Eckler-6-3, 235-Chelsea, Anthony Prohaska-6-3, 280-Standish-Sterling, Devin McCallister-6-3, 265-Ypsilanti Lincoln.
1. Alec Stevens-6-4, 275-West Branch Ogemaw Heights-Big Ten teams fighting over his talents
2. Nick Matich-6-4, 260-Clarkston (also top DT)-top player for arguably state's best team in 2014
3. Connor Hayes-6-4, 270-Traverse City West- another in a long line of big-time TC linemen
4. Nick Padla-6-6, 290-Berrien Springs-Has size/agility and Big Ten written all over him
5. Malik King-6-4, 265-Muskegon-starter on last year's Div. 2 runner-up (Ball State verbal)
6. Kevin Weiler-6-3, 285-Swartz Creek-superior athlete, one of Midwest's top discus/shot putters
7. Erik Belco-6-3, 275-Mount Pleasant-main blocker for Michael Tweh (state's No. 2 TB)
8. Paris Basley-6-5, 320-Melvindale ABT-pancake machine in the trenches
9. Travis Steenwyk-6-2, 280-Grand Rapids South Christian-starter for Div. 4 state champions
10. Mason Bird-6-4, 325-Romulus Summit Acad.-intriguing small school talent w/ big-time ability
Other top prospects- Matt Rowan-6-3, 255-Fraser, David Miller-6-4, 300-Crosswell-Lexington, Solomon Remmo-6-3, 265-Buchanan, Alex Galiyas-6-2, 250-Detroit Catholic Central, Matt Phillips-6-2, 240-Birmingham Brother Rice, Alex Joss-6-4, 270-Walled Lake Western (Ball State verbal), Collin Meacham-6-3, 240-Millington, Tyler Eckler-6-3, 235-Chelsea, Anthony Prohaska-6-3, 280-Standish-Sterling, Devin McCallister-6-3, 265-Ypsilanti Lincoln.
Top 10 offensive tackles for Michigan's class of 2014
The state of Michigan has so many Division I-level offensive linemen in the class of 2014, CMU, EMU, MSU, WMU and U-M could fill its O-line recruiting class with players only from the Great Lakes State. Here are the top 10 offensive tackles for Michigan in 2014.
1. Austin Labus-6-6, 285-Portage Northern-man-child whose ceiling is sky-high
2. Tommy Doles-6-5, 250-Grand Rapids Christian-starter for Div. 3 state champions
3. Nashon Burns-6-4, 285-Detroit Cass Tech-three-year starter for back-to-back state champs
4. Kevin Kwapis-6-7, 315-White Lake Lakeland-massive tackle who overwhelms foes
5. Chris Bukoski-6-6, 265-DeWitt-Lansing area's top tackle prospect
6. Derek Brown-6-4, 285-Yale-best O-lineman from Thumb in years
7. Curtis Doyle-6-6, 295-Alma-AP Div. 5-6 All-State as junior
8. Brendan Ballard-6-6, 305-Unionville-Sebewaing-great athleticism for big tackle
9. Kjohn Armstrong-6-5, 275-Detroit Loyola-starter on OL/DL for Div. 7 runner-up
10. Nic Sawyer-6-4, 280-Saline-best lineman for Hornets since Rusty Wilson (Wake Forest)
Other top prospects- Connor Smith-6-5, 260-Three Rivers, Lucas Walesky-6-4, 255-Grayling, Connor Wilson-6-5, 245-Haslett, Scott McPherson-6-5, 275-Kingsley, Jacquri Faulkner-6-4, 260-U-D Jesuit (also top DE), Chukwuma Okorafor-6-5, 270-Southfield (verbal to Western Michigan), Bearooz Yacoobi-6-5, 265-Dearborn, Reid Brywig-6-4, 250-Crosswell-Lexington.
1. Austin Labus-6-6, 285-Portage Northern-man-child whose ceiling is sky-high
2. Tommy Doles-6-5, 250-Grand Rapids Christian-starter for Div. 3 state champions
3. Nashon Burns-6-4, 285-Detroit Cass Tech-three-year starter for back-to-back state champs
4. Kevin Kwapis-6-7, 315-White Lake Lakeland-massive tackle who overwhelms foes
5. Chris Bukoski-6-6, 265-DeWitt-Lansing area's top tackle prospect
6. Derek Brown-6-4, 285-Yale-best O-lineman from Thumb in years
7. Curtis Doyle-6-6, 295-Alma-AP Div. 5-6 All-State as junior
8. Brendan Ballard-6-6, 305-Unionville-Sebewaing-great athleticism for big tackle
9. Kjohn Armstrong-6-5, 275-Detroit Loyola-starter on OL/DL for Div. 7 runner-up
10. Nic Sawyer-6-4, 280-Saline-best lineman for Hornets since Rusty Wilson (Wake Forest)
Other top prospects- Connor Smith-6-5, 260-Three Rivers, Lucas Walesky-6-4, 255-Grayling, Connor Wilson-6-5, 245-Haslett, Scott McPherson-6-5, 275-Kingsley, Jacquri Faulkner-6-4, 260-U-D Jesuit (also top DE), Chukwuma Okorafor-6-5, 270-Southfield (verbal to Western Michigan), Bearooz Yacoobi-6-5, 265-Dearborn, Reid Brywig-6-4, 250-Crosswell-Lexington.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Top 10 tight ends for Michigan's class of 2014
Michigan has produced some outstanding tight ends throughout the years (NFLers Antonio Gates, Chris Baker, Tony Scheffler, Kellen Davis are a few that come to mind in recent years), but the class of 2014 just might have the best group in one season the state has ever seen. From top to bottom, every one of the top 10 guys are bonafide Division I recruits. If a college coach is looking for a tight end, then Michigan is a definite stop in 2014.
1. Mitch Vonzittwitz-6-4, 240-Utica-a horse with elite speed/strength combo
2. Jake Kasenski-6-5, 240-Ludington-best Oriole since MSU's Bob Organ in late '80s/'90s
3. Clay Walderzak-6-4, 235-Standish-Sterling-also big-time LB/DE prospect
4. Charlie Yost-6-5, 230-Livonia Churchill-also outstanding LB
5. Kyle Rachwal-6-3, 230-Lapeer East- on U-M's recruiting radar
6. Elliott Jordan-6-7, 235-East Kentwood-huge target, match-up problem (WMU verbal)
7. Lucas Bezerra-6-4, 225-Troy Athens-verbal to Western Michigan
8. Blake Williams-6-4, 225-Romeo-Big Ten's Indiana, Iowa recruiting
9. Ty Kiafoulis-6-5, 230-Birmingham Brother Rice-returning starter for D-2 state champions
10. Drake Baar-6-7, 220-Comstock Park-big frame, potential to pack on 20-30 pounds
Other top prospects-Nathan Conrad-6-4, 225-Orchard Lake St. Mary's, David Walker-6-3, 225-Harbor Springs (verbal to WMU), Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 255-Portage Central (CMU verbal), Austen Yeomans-6-3, 225-White Lake Lakeland.
1. Mitch Vonzittwitz-6-4, 240-Utica-a horse with elite speed/strength combo
2. Jake Kasenski-6-5, 240-Ludington-best Oriole since MSU's Bob Organ in late '80s/'90s
3. Clay Walderzak-6-4, 235-Standish-Sterling-also big-time LB/DE prospect
4. Charlie Yost-6-5, 230-Livonia Churchill-also outstanding LB
5. Kyle Rachwal-6-3, 230-Lapeer East- on U-M's recruiting radar
6. Elliott Jordan-6-7, 235-East Kentwood-huge target, match-up problem (WMU verbal)
7. Lucas Bezerra-6-4, 225-Troy Athens-verbal to Western Michigan
8. Blake Williams-6-4, 225-Romeo-Big Ten's Indiana, Iowa recruiting
9. Ty Kiafoulis-6-5, 230-Birmingham Brother Rice-returning starter for D-2 state champions
10. Drake Baar-6-7, 220-Comstock Park-big frame, potential to pack on 20-30 pounds
Other top prospects-Nathan Conrad-6-4, 225-Orchard Lake St. Mary's, David Walker-6-3, 225-Harbor Springs (verbal to WMU), Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 255-Portage Central (CMU verbal), Austen Yeomans-6-3, 225-White Lake Lakeland.
Top 10 running backs for Michigan's class of 2014
Always a deep and talent-rich state for running backs, this year's crop of ball carriers has it all -- power, speed and, most importantly, production. Here are the top 10 running backs for Michigan's class of 2014.
1. Lorenzo Collins- 5-10, 200-Farmington Hills Harrison-three-year starter for state powerhouse
2. Michael Tweh-5-11, 205-Mount Pleasant-absolute beast who rules the Saginaw Valley
3. Richard Wilson-5-11, 200-Detroit Country Day-helped lead Yellowjackets to D-4 state final
4. Brian Walker-5-8, 225-Birmingham Brother Rice-workhorse in Warriors' back-to-back titles
5. Gary Hosey-5-11, 230-Detroit Cass Tech-state's top fullback prospect, also top LB
6. Ian Eriksen-5-10, 180-Clarkston-Associated Press Div. 1-2 All-State first team (EMU verbal)
7. Spencer Viening-6-1, 205-Zeeland East-great combo of size/speed, also top LB/DB
8. Joe Reverman-5-10, 185-Grand Ledge-AP Div. 1-2 All-State, top Lansing-area back
9. Malik Hazzard-5-11, 185-Clintondale-one of metro Detroit's best backs
10. Malik Seales-5-11, 225-Flint Carman-Ainsworth-next in long line of Flint Blue-Chippers
Other top prospects-Dillon Brooks-5-9, 175-Perry, Javid Love-6-1, 180-Ypsilanti, Javon Perry-5-10, 170-Detroit Community, Marcus Samuels-5-10, 175-Riverview, Daveon Dorsey-5-8, 175-Warren Mott, Marcus Lambert-5-11, 185-Zeeland West, Dion Reed-5-10, 170-Burton-Bendle, Nathan Fettes-5-8, 215-Lincoln-Alcona, Zach Walker-6-0, 195-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, John Hall-5-11, 180-Muskegon.
1. Lorenzo Collins- 5-10, 200-Farmington Hills Harrison-three-year starter for state powerhouse
2. Michael Tweh-5-11, 205-Mount Pleasant-absolute beast who rules the Saginaw Valley
3. Richard Wilson-5-11, 200-Detroit Country Day-helped lead Yellowjackets to D-4 state final
4. Brian Walker-5-8, 225-Birmingham Brother Rice-workhorse in Warriors' back-to-back titles
5. Gary Hosey-5-11, 230-Detroit Cass Tech-state's top fullback prospect, also top LB
6. Ian Eriksen-5-10, 180-Clarkston-Associated Press Div. 1-2 All-State first team (EMU verbal)
7. Spencer Viening-6-1, 205-Zeeland East-great combo of size/speed, also top LB/DB
8. Joe Reverman-5-10, 185-Grand Ledge-AP Div. 1-2 All-State, top Lansing-area back
9. Malik Hazzard-5-11, 185-Clintondale-one of metro Detroit's best backs
10. Malik Seales-5-11, 225-Flint Carman-Ainsworth-next in long line of Flint Blue-Chippers
Other top prospects-Dillon Brooks-5-9, 175-Perry, Javid Love-6-1, 180-Ypsilanti, Javon Perry-5-10, 170-Detroit Community, Marcus Samuels-5-10, 175-Riverview, Daveon Dorsey-5-8, 175-Warren Mott, Marcus Lambert-5-11, 185-Zeeland West, Dion Reed-5-10, 170-Burton-Bendle, Nathan Fettes-5-8, 215-Lincoln-Alcona, Zach Walker-6-0, 195-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, John Hall-5-11, 180-Muskegon.
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