Michigan's top 25 high school football players for the class of 2018

It's extremely early, but I figured I would put together my opening list of the top 20 sophomores in the state of Michigan. Like every year in the Great Lakes State, the class of 2018 is already looking like a group filled with big-time, high-level Division I college football talent. So, without further adieu, here is my early, early top 25 players for Michigan's class of 2018 (of course, like most of my class lists, this ranking will be fluid as the season progresses and new talent emerges).


Top 25 players for Michigan's class of 2018-


1. Marquan McCall-6-3, 295-OG-Oak Park-Similar to Detroit Lions guard Larry Warford. Projects out to 6-3, 325 or so. Powerful run blocker. Oak Park head coach Greg Carter is one of Michigan's best and has been developing and preparing multiple future D-I players for decades at Detroit DePorres, Inkster and Oak Park. McCall will definitely be well-schooled and play-ready by the time he reaches the next level. U-M offer.
2. Reggie Pearson-5-10, 170-DB-River Rouge-Best player at River Rouge since 10-year NFL running back Chester Taylor (Toledo, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, 2002-2011). Ball hawk, had five interceptions as a freshman defensive back starter for Panthers. Just a pure football player. Also plays in one of the finest high school football stadiums in the Downriver area (Detroit's southern suburbs). CMU, EMU, WMU offers.
3. Tyrone Sampson-6-4, 290-OL-C-DT-Detroit East English Village-Another powerful drive blocker. One of the talent-rich Detroit Public School League's top, young prospects.  Michigan State recruiting. Akron offer.
4. Jimmy Bell-6-8, 310-OT-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Could eventually rise to the top of this list. Raw, but unbelievably talented. Basketball player, has good feet, long arms, agility. Starter as freshman. Most high-level D-I schools recruiting. In two years, once Bell grows into his body, he could be one of the nation's best at his position.
5. Jason Whittaker-6-4, 190-QB-Rockford- Strong-armed signal-caller for Michigan powerhouse program. Has Big Ten size and length, with potential to grow to 6-4/6-5, 210/215 range by senior year.
6. Kalon Gervin-6-0, 175-DB-Detroit Cass Tech-Seeing action as sophomore for national power in loaded secondary already filled with D-I recruits. Runs 4.4 40. If Gervin continues to progress as a player, he could be a high-level nationwide recruit in two years.
7. Caden Prieskorn-6-4, 195-QB-Lake Orion-Like Rockford's Whittaker, Prieskorn is a big, talented quarterback for a perennial state power. Elite athlete. Three-sport standout in football, basketball and golf.
8. Brandon Gray-6-5, 175-WR-Southfield-Still rangy and raw, but overall skill/potential is off the charts. Teams with one of the nation's top freshman recruits, quarterback Sam Johnson (6-3, 185, has six D-I offers already) to form potent pass-catch combo. In two years, Johnson to Gray might be unstoppable. Would be quite a coup for some instate college program to sign both players (I'm talking to you MSU, U-M). Bowling Green State, Akron, Ohio offers.
9. Ryan Hayes-6-6, 240-TE-OT-Traverse City West-Long, lanky, big-bodied athlete from northern Michigan football factory (multiple D-I players in past decade). Has the frame to develop into big-time OT prospect or huge, mobile TE recruit. I see Hayes as a 6-7, 275/285 behemoth as a senior. He has Big Ten written all over him.
10. Ovie Oghoufo-6-2, 195-LB-WR-Farmington Hills Harrison-Physical, tough player from legendary Michigan program. Like most of these players on this list, has room to grow physically and skill-wise, but, also like all of these players on this list, is no doubt a high-level D-I recruit. Runs 4.7 40. Will more than likely add 10-15 pounds or more and drop his 40 clocking to 4.5/4.6 by the time he's a senior.


Up next-Players 11 through 25 for class of 2018.