Sorry I've been away for a bit, but, of course, life happens. Anyhow, last weekend I witnessed another dazzling array of big-time performances from former Michigan high school football standouts at the NFL and collegiate levels. Here are a few snippets from last weekend regarding former Michigan prep gridiron stars.
-- Antonio Gates -- The former Detroit Central two-sport All-Stater (football, basketball) set a new NFL record for tight ends catching his 112th touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. Gates (6-4, 255) passed Tony Gonzalez, who finished his Hall-of-Fame career with 111 TD receptions. Gates, who never played college football, is not only the best-ever at the TE position when it comes to TD catches, but he ranks sixth all-time, regardless of position, in touchdown receptions behind only WRs Jerry Rice (197 TD catches), Randy Moss (156), Terrell Owens (153), Cris Carter (130) and Marvin Harrison (128). Michigander WR Andre Rison (Flint Northwestern, Michigan State, NFL) is tied for 18th all-time with 84 TD receptions. Currently, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (69 TD catches) and Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten (64 TDs) are the only other players even remotely close to breaking Gates' NFL record for tight end TD receptions, which, it appears, could stand for a very long time. Gates originally signed with MSU to play football and basketball, but later transferred to Kent State where he concentrated on hoops. In 2002, he lead KSU to the Elite Eight where it fell to eventual champion Indiana. For his efforts on the hard court, Gates' jersey has been retired and now hangs in the rafters at Kent State. Soon, his Chargers' jersey might be retired, as well. Next stop for Gates will be the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
-- Western Michigan -- The Broncos (1-2) earned win No. 1 of the Tim Lester coaching era last Saturday coming back to defeat visiting Idaho (1-2) 37-28. Redshirt sophomore QB Jon Wassink (6-2, 205, Grand Rapids South Christian) led WMU finishing 21-of-31 passing for 212 yards and one TD, while rushing for 45 yards on seven carries with two TDs. Defensively, sophomore DB Stefan Claiborne (6-2, 190, Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley) led the Broncos with eight tackles, while senior LB Asantay Brown (6-0, 215, Muskegon Mona Shores) had seven tackles and senior DB Darius Phillips (5-10, 190, Dearborn Hts. Robichaud) six tackles and one TFL for Western. For Idaho, senior QB Matt Linehan (6-3, 240, Orchard Lake St. Mary's) had a fine game ending up 16-of-26 passing for 229 yards and three TDs with one interception, while rushing for 36 yards on seven attempts and one TD. Linehan, the son of current Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Scott Linehan (former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator), is a four-year starter for the Vandals. Last season, he was named All-Sun Belt Conference second-team. I believe he's an NFL prospect and will get a serious look at the next level.
-- Josh Jackson -- The Va. Tech starting quarterback continues to "shock and awe" opponents this season. Last weekend against East Carolina, the redshirt freshman signal-caller finished 24-of-31 passing for 372 yards and five TDs in the Hokies (3-0) 64-17 victory. For the year, Jackson (6-1, 215, Saline) is 55-of-86 passing for 829 yards and eight TDs with zero interceptions.
-- Tennessee vs. Florida -- What a game, huh? The Gators (1-1) beat the Vols (2-1) 26-20 on a last-second touchdown pass. Standing out for Florida on defense was sophomore LB David Reese (6-1, 240, Farmington) who recorded a team-high seven tackles and had an interception. For Tennessee, junior RB John Kelly (5-9, 205, Oak Park) led the Vols rushing for 145 yards on 19 carries with one TD, while catching six passes for 96 yards. Both Kelly's rushing total and pass receptions were team highs.
-- Michigan -- Michiganders accounted for 23 of the Wolverines' 29 points in last Saturday's 29-13 win over visiting Air Force (1-1). Freshman WR-KR Donovan Peoples-Jones (6-2, 200, Detroit Cass Tech) sparked U-M (3-0) scoring on a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Sophomore PK Quinn Nordin (6-1, 195, Rockford) had another outstanding game for the Wolverines kicking five field goals (26, 29, 35, 36, 49 yards) and making two PATs.
-- Ferris State -- The No. 2-ranked Bulldogs are having another terrific season in Big Rapids. Last year, FSU (2-0) reached the Division II national semifinals before falling. The Bulldogs ended last season 12-3 overall, with the 12 wins tying a school record. In the past three years, FSU has an overall record of 36-5 with two GLIAC championships. Last weekend, the Bulldogs defeated Northern Michigan 42-10. Leading FSU (with a roster filled from top to bottom with Michigan high school football talent) offensively was senior RB Jaheen Brown (6-1, 215, East Grand Rapids) who finished with a team-high 84 yards rushing on 12 carries, while junior WR Malik Taylor (6-3, 220, Montrose) had a team-high six receptions for 86 yards for the Bulldogs. Defensively for FSU, senior LB Terrell Porter (6-3, 225, Berkley) paced the squad with eight tackles, while senior DB Jaleel Canty (5-10, 205, Lansing Everett) and senior LB Devonte McGregor (6-4, 215, Taylor Truman) each added five tackles and junior DE Zach Sieler (6-6, 290, Pinckney) had four tackles for the Bulldogs. Senior PK Wyatt Ford (5-9, 165, Montague) had a strong game for FSU going 6-for-6 on PATs. Returning Division II All-Americans for the Bulldogs include senior C Jake Daugherty (6-2, 305, Big Rapids), senior DB Tavierre Thomas (6-0, 205, Detroit Allen) and Sieler. Ferris State's game at Ashland (2-1) this Saturday, 7 p.m., will be televised live online by ESPN3. I believe Sieler, Daugherty, Thomas and Taylor all have NFL potential, with Porter, McGregor, Canty, Ford and Brown all getting NFL tryouts, at least, with the opportunity to make an NFL roster.
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