2012 Top 10 Kicker Prospects

From Dearborn Heights Crestwood's Pete Stoyanovich to Imlay City's Chester Marcol to Bridgman's Ralf Mojsiejenko, Michigan has developed its fair share of kickers and punters who have gone on to standout careers in the NFL.

Last year, Plymouth's Kyle Brindza was named All-American and All-State before heading off to Notre Dame. This season, Michigan has produced multiple prep kickers with Division I college football talent.

Here are the top kickers for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Kicker Prospects-
1. Evan Fischer-5-10, 160-Holt-Michigan State
2. Kenny Allen-6-4, 190-Fenton-Michigan
3. Brendan Renius-6-0, 170-Temperance Bedford
4. Dylan Mulder-5-10, 175-Saline
5. Steve Mette-6-1, 175-Rockford-Hillsdale
6. Jesse Boulnemour-6-0, 175-Vicksburg
7. Brandon Haan-6-3, 210-Grand Rapids Christian
8. Evan Bootz-6-2, 215-Kingston
9. Zach Dreyer-6-6, 170-Zeeland West
10. Evan Calhoun-6-0, 160-Tekonsha

2012 Top 10 Defensive Back Prospects

With names such as Saginaw's Terry McDaniel, Flint Powers Catholic's Todd Lyght, Detroit Central's Mike Harden, Detroit Northern's Randy Logan and Ypsilanti's Mike Bass all former NFL All-Pros, Michigan has a talented list of defensive backs that have made a name for themselves at the professional level. Current college standouts include Bay City Central's Trenton Robinson (MSU), Detroit Cass Tech's Thomas Gordon (U-M) and Kalamazoo Central's Cameron Cheatham (Cincinnati).

Last season was a strong year in the secondary for Michigan. Top flight recruits a season ago included Detroit Cass Tech's Delonte Hollowell (U-M), Madison Heights Madison's Valdez Showers (Florida), Orchard Lake St. Mary's Allen Robinson (Penn State) and Highland Park's Raymon Taylor (U-M).

Here are the top 10 cornerback and safety prospects for 2012 in Michigan --

Top 10 Cornerback Prospects-
1. DeAndre Grady-6-1, 185-East Grand Rapids-Wayne State
2. Terry Richardson-5-9, 165-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan
3. Danny Larkins-6-0, 180-Madison Heights Madison-Toledo
4. Marquis Gill-6-1, 195-Paw Paw-EMU (for baseball)
5. Kevin Buford-5-9, 170-Canton-Iowa
6. Winslow Chapman-6-0, 180-Port Huron-CMU
7. Leviticus Payne-5-9, 170-Southfield-Cincinnati
8. James White-6-1, 175-Detroit Crockett-Bowling Green State
9. Anthony Brooks-6-1, 175-Warren Mott-Northern Illinois
10. Anthony Goodman-5-11, 170-Lansing Sexton
Top 10 Safety Prospects-
1. Eric Wilson-6-2, 205-Redford Thurston-Northwestern
2. Tony Annese-6-2, 195-Rochester Adams-CMU
3. Rueben Lile-6-3, 200-Detroit Cass Tech-Iowa
4. Kavon Frazier-6-2, 205-Grand Rapids Christian-CMU
5. Jordan Fields-6-1, 185-Grand Blanc-CMU
6. Donte Fox-5-11, 200-Plymouth
7. Brandon Delk-6-1, 195-Kalamazoo Central-Grand Valley State
8. Donte Carey-6-2, 185-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
9. Mike Reyes-6-3, 180-Fruitport
10. Nyshaun Marks-6-1, 185-Ypsilanti Willow Run

2012 Top 10 Inside/Outside Linebacker Prospects

There have been many big-time linebackers produced by the state of Michigan over the years. Current NFL stars who developed at high schools throughout Michigan include Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills' David Harris, Saginaw's LaMarr Woodley and Detroit Southeastern's Bart Scott. Legendary greats include Owosso's Brad Van Pelt, Flint Beecher's Carl Banks and Flint Southwestern's Reggie Williams. Top collegiate linebackers this past season from Michigan include Monroe's Audie Cole (North Carolina State), Detroit Renaissance's Chris Norman (MSU), Detroit Country Day's Kenny Demens (U-M) and Traverse City St. Francis' Max Bullough (MSU).

Last year was a banner season for prep linebackers in Michigan. Among the state's best at the position a year ago included Detroit Renaissance's Lawrence Thomas (MSU), Detroit Southeastern's Ed Davis (MSU), Holland West Ottawa's Desmond Morgan (U-M) and Anchor Bay's Taiwan Jones (MSU). This season's linebacker group is just as impressive.

Here are the top 10 inside and outside linebackers for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Inside Linebacker Prospects-
1. James Ross-6-1, 215-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Michigan
2. Nathan Ricketts-6-2, 220-Holland
3. Joe Bacci-6-1, 220-Romeo-CMU
4. Tyler Goble-6-1, 225-Plymouth
5. Laron Taylor-6-0, 215-Detroit Cass Tech-Iowa
6. Josh Blanton-6-2, 210-Zeeland West
7. Matt Dellinger-6-2, 215-Clarkston-Kent State
8. Drew Mallery-6-2, 225-Vicksburg-Hillsdale
9. Nick Huckabay-6-3, 230-Montrose
10. Angelo Corona-6-2, 225-Muskegon

*Others of note include Blake Cook-6-2, 225-Mason, Joe DeLavergne-6-2, 210-Fenton, Mark Lawson-6-2, 205-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern, Tony Hill-6-1, 225-Sparta, Troy Cross-6-2, 225-Warren Cousino, Brent Zdebski-5-10, 215-Walled Lake Western, Kyren Kemp-6-0, 220-Lansing Sexton.

Top 10 Outside Linebacker Prospects-
1. Royce Jenkins-Stone-6-2, 215-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan
2. Jamal Lyles-6-3, 215-Southfield-Lathrup-Michigan State
3. Riley Bullough-6-2, 215-Traverse City St. Francis-Michigan State
4. Lester Liston-6-2, 220-Grand Blanc
5. Marcus Forward-6-2, 210-Flint Northern
6. Hunter Matt-6-2, 215-Wyandotte-EMU
7. David Talley-6-3, 210-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Grand Valley State
8. Tommie Bush-6-3, 220-Warren Michigan Collegiate-Grand Valley State
9. Clae Henderson-6-2, 210-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic
10. Anthony DeDamos-6-2, 225-Rockford-Wayne State

2012 Top 10 Defensive End/Tackle Prospects

From current All-Pro and NFL sack leader Paw Paw's Jason Babin, to Grand Rapids Catholic Central's George Andrie, an original member of the Dallas Cowboys' "Doomsday Defense," to arguably the greatest defensive lineman ever in Michigan football history, Detroit Miller's Eugene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb, the Great Lakes State has an impessive list of defensive ends who have made their marks on the professional, collegiate and high school gridirons within our borders. At tackle, Michigan boasts former NFL All-Pros Belleville's Kris Jenkins, Mt. Clemens' Wally Chambers and Detroit Mackenzie's Gilbert Brown.

This past collegiate season, Detroit King's Nick Perry (USC), an All-Pac 12 defensive end and a potential first round pick in this year's NFL draft, along with Detroit Southeastern's William Gholston (Michigan State), an All-Big Ten performer, are the latest in a long line of dominant defensive ends from Michigan. At tackle, All-Big Ten selection Mike Martin (U-M), from Detroit Catholic Central, Detroit Southeastern's Jonathan Hankins (Ohio State) and Whitehall's Ryan Van Bergen (U-M) are a short list of the talented players from Michigan clogging up the middle, pressuring the quarterback and demanding double-teams this past year.

Here are the top 10 defensive ends for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Defensive End Prospects-
1. Matt Godin-6-5, 270-Detroit Catholic Central
2. Evan Winston-6-4, 265-Muskegon Heights
3. Mario Ojemudia-6-3, 225-Farmington Hills Harrison
4. Jada Littlejohn-6-2, 245-Flint Northern
5. Kyle Ready-6-4, 235-Gibraltar Carlson
6. Michael Jorde-6-4, 255-Croswell-Lexington
7. Brad Meredith-6-4, 240-Utica Ford
8. Brock LaVergne-6-6, 225-Lincoln-Alcona
9. Zach Sweet-6-2, 245-Goodrich
10. Neal Page-6-6, 220-Birmingham Seaholm

*Others of note include Dalton Binkowski-6-3, 245-Romeo, Scott Tackett-6-4, 240-Holland, Mike Malone-6-6, 255-Olivet,  David Price-6-4, 235-Lapeer West, Wes Johnson-6-4, 215-Grand Rapids Christian and Brad Mills-6-4, 220-Muskegon Oakridge.

Top 10 Defensive Tackle Prospects-
1. Dan O'Brien-6-2, 305-Flint Powers Catholic
2. Josh Nicholaisen-6-3, 280-Battle Creek Pennfield
3. Jabari Dean-6-2, 295-Detroit Renaissance
4. Stephen Hall-6-4, 265-Detroit Loyola
5. Jason Gamble-6-3, 280-Walled Lake Western
6. T.J. Beelen-6-2, 270-Zeeland East
7. Myles Overton-6-4, 290-Flint Carman-Ainsworth
8. Joe Tolliver-6-4, 280-Grosse Pointe South
9. Amad Ila-6-2, 275-Dearborn Fordson
10. Darryl Goldsmith-6-0, 320-Detroit Cass Tech

* Others of note include Dakota Perry-6-2, 280-Capac, Lucas Sanders-6-1, 305-Clarkston, Matt Rennell-6-5, 255-Jackson County Parma Western and Preston Scheurer-6-3, 320-Portland.

Up next, check out Michigan's top 10 linebackers.

2012 Top 10 Center Prospects

Like all positions, the state of Michigan has churned out plenty of talented centers throughout the decades. Arguably the best pure center ever from Michigan was Kingsford's Dave Manders. The former Michigan State standout played center for the Dallas Cowboys from 1964 through 1974 leading Dallas to two Super Bowls and became, along with teammate tackle Ralph Neely, the Cowboys' first two All-Pro linemen ever in franchise history. Besides Manders, who's enshrined in the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame, other top centers from Michigan include current and former NFL players Macomb Dakota's Kyle Cook, Charlotte's Brock Guitierrez, Newaygo's Joe Berger and Detroit's Vince "Bananas" Banonis. Banonis, a former University of Detroit great and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, played on three NFL championship teams with the 1947 Chicago Cardinals and the 1952 and 1953 Detroit Lions.

Here are the top 10 centers for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Center Prospects-
1. Joe Vieau-6-4, 280-Midland
2. Tucker Whitley-6-3, 285-Dexter
3. Josh Hulka-6-3, 275-Fruitport
4. Anthony Brilla-6-0, 265-Allen Park
5. Spencer Smith-6-2, 280-Muskegon Orchard View
6. Matt Hiland-6-3, 285-Edwardsburg
7. Mario Carson-5-11, 305-Detroit Consortium
8. Elijah Kubath-6-1, 260-St. Joseph Lake Michigan Lutheran
9. Mac Ruiter-6-2, 290-Spring Lake
10. Jesston Vanderhoff-6-3, 290-Orchard Lake St. Mary's

Look for Michigan's top 10 defensive ends next.

2012 Top 10 Offensive Guard Prospects

From NFL Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Joe DeLamielleure, a former Center Line St. Clement standout, to Detroit Denby's Ed Budde, selected to the AFL's All-Time team and a starter in two of the first four Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, to Highland Park's Reggie McKenzie, an All-Pro with the Buffalo Bills and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the state of Michigan is second to no one in producing and developing quality offensive guards throughout the years.

This season is no exception as the offensive guard prospects in Michigan are some of the best in recent years. The list includes my No. 1 prospect in the entire state regardless of position. Here are the top 10 high school offensive guard prospects for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Offensive Guard Prospects-
1. Kelby Latta-6-4, 310-Battle Creek Harper Creek
2. Kyle Knapp-6-4, 265-Portage Central
3. Dylan Anderson-6-4, 275-Birmingham Brother Rice
4. Ben Steward-6-7, 285-Holt
5. Adam Clay-6-4, 290-Livonia Franklin
6. Jake Notario-6-4, 295-Monroe
7. Matt Thornton-6-4, 280-Owosso
8. Darron Brown-6-4, 315-Detroit Mumford
9. Anthony Aurand-6-4, 275-Troy Athens
10. Ramale Roundtree-6-3, 270-Muskegon

* Others of note include Millington's Connor Collins-6-4, 275 (CMU verbal), Chris Sallee-6-4, 285-Mt. Pleasant, Kevin D'Arcy-6-4, 295-Livonia Stevenson (CMU verbal), Chris Bond-6-5, 290-Linden, Tony Brechting-6-4, 270-Grand Rapids West Catholic and Kyle Carroll-6-4, 285-Detroit Southwestern.

Coming up next, look for the state's top 10 center prospects.

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.

Calumet native Heartley "Hunk" Anderson is the second installment in my "Michigan's 50 Greatest Pro Football Players" series. I hope it's enjoyable and educational.

HEARTLEY ANDERSON

Heartley “Hunk” Anderson was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula town of Calumet, Michigan. The blue collar, copper country Keweenaw Peninsula locale also produced George Gipp, Anderson’s boyhood friend. Gipp, later made famous by Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne’s “Win one for the Gipper” speech, helped recruit Anderson to the Fighting Irish.

Anderson (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) played football for Notre Dame under Rockne from 1918 through 1921. Enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974, Anderson helped lead the Fighting Irish to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1919 and 1920. An All-American offensive guard, he started all four years at Notre Dame and is the only college football interior lineman to score three touchdowns in one game.

As a professional, Anderson played for the Chicago Bears under Hall of Fame coach George Halas from 1922 through 1926. During that time span, he also was an assistant coach with Rockne at Notre Dame. While with the Irish as a coach, Anderson helped develop the Seven Mules, the storied offensive line that blocked for the legendary Four Horsemen in 1924.

As a player in the NFL’s early days, Anderson was one of the game’s best linemen. Despite his size, he gained an advantage over larger defensive players using quickness, unmatched tenacity and technical superiority. During his years with the Bears, Anderson was the main blocker for Hall of Fame running back Red Grange.

Because of his blocking talents and football savvy, Anderson was selected to the NFL’s 1920s All-Decade Team.

From 1931 through 1933, Anderson succeeded Rockne as Notre Dame head coach. With the Irish he compiled an overall record of 16-9-2. From 1934 through 1936, he was head coach at North Carolina State University, ending his Wolfpack career with a mark of 11-17-1. In 1939, Anderson was a coach for his home state Detroit Lions.

In 1940, Halas hired Anderson as Chicago offensive line coach. During World War II, Halas went back into the service, but before leaving for war, he named Luke Johnsos and Anderson as co-head coaches of the Bears. With Halas away, Anderson and Johnsos led Chicago to two division titles and an NFL championship from 1942 through 1945. In 1943, the Bears defeated the Washington Redskins 41-21 to win the NFL title. With the win, Chicago avenged its only loss of the year. The Redskins had defeated the Bears 21-7 in Week 9 of that season. The previous year in 1942, Chicago had swept through the regular season with a perfect 11-0 record before losing to Washington 14-6 in the NFL championship game. Playing for Anderson on that 1942 squad was fellow Upper Peninsula native and Michigan All-Time Top 50 gridder Caspian’s Ray Bray. Anderson and Johnsos helped lead Chicago to a 23-11-2 overall record during their four-year co-head coaching career.

In total, Anderson spent 11 years with the Bears, retiring from pro football in 1951.

In 1972, Anderson was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame.

2012 Top 10 Offensive Tackle Prospects

Lapeer East's Jake Long, Flint Carman-Ainsworth's Jon Runyan, Rockford's Joe Staley, Detroit Southwestern's Luis Sharpe and Clawson's Jon Jansen are just a few of the best offensive tackles ever to line up from the state of Michigan.  The Great Lakes State has a long and storied history of producing top quality offensive tackles. To prove that fact, of the four offensive tackles selected to start the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl, two hail from Michigan -- Long (for the AFC) and Staley (for the NFC).

This season, the smart college football recruiter found a bevy of talented offensive tackles to choose from for the Class of 2012. Here are the top 10 offensive tackle prospects for 2012 from the state of Michigan --

Top 10 Offensive Tackle Prospects --
1. Ben Braden-6-6, 315-Rockford
2. Kodi Kieler-6-5, 305-Gibraltar Carlson
3. Taylor Moton-6-5, 280-Okemos
4. Dan Gibbs-6-8, 320-Birmingham Seaholm
5. Kellen Sorenson-6-6, 305-Carleton Airport
6. Drake Miller-6-6, 270-Sturgis
7. Robert Riche-6-6, 265-Plymouth
8. Andrew Wylie-6-6, 285-Midland
9. Jack Conklin-6-6, 280-Plainwell
10. Sam Tate-6-5, 285-Detroit King

*Others of note include Chase Deback-6-7, 300-Charlotte, Chauncey Briggs-6-6, 330-West Bloomfield (SMU verbal), Brandon Brown-6-6, 295-Bath, Collin Goetz-6-7, 260-Oxford (CMU verbal) and Griffen Dean-6-7, 255-Gaylord.

Check back later this week for the top 10 offensive guard prospects for the Class of 2012.

2012 Top 10 Michigan Prep Tight End Prospects

If a college recruiter is searching for a talented high school tight end who will not only excel at the collegiate level, but also develop into an NFL prospect then Michigan, historically, is the place to visit. Over the years, there have been so many quality tight ends from the state of Michigan that listing them here would take up too much space and time. From surefire future Hall-of-Famer Detroit Central's Antonio Gates to the AFL's greatest tight end Redford St. Mary's Fred Arbanas to Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame member East Detroit's Ron Kramer to current Detroit Lion Tony Scheffler from Chelsea, the state of Michigan has produced some of the game's best at the position. In addition, Michiganders and former All-Pros Pete Metzelaars from Portage and Ypsilanti's Rodney Holman are No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in games played by a tight end in NFL history.

This year's crop of Michigan prep tight ends is littered with Division I college talent. From No. 1 to No. 10, the skill level for this season's best tight end prospects is second to none. Here are the top 10 Michigan tight end recruits for 2012 --

Top 10 Tight End Prospects-
1. Ron Thompson-6-4, 230-Southfield
2. Matt Doneth-6-5, 235-Detroit Catholic Central
3. Devin Funches-6-4, 215-Farmington Hills Harrison
4. Joe Warner-6-4, 230-Birmingham Brother Rice
5. Hunter Prince-6-3, 245-Hudsonville
6. Connor Tava-6-5, 230-Warren DeLaSalle
7. Marty Moesta-6-6, 220-Grosse Pointe South
8. Corey Dunaj-6-6, 225-Warren Cousino
9. Aaron Weston-6-6, 245-Rockford
10. Alex Zmolik-6-4, 220-Port Huron

Next I'll list Michigan's top 10 offensive tackle prospects for 2012.

2012 Top 10 Michigan Prep Wide Receiver Prospects

The state of Michigan has produced All-Americans and All-Pro football players at every position over the years. One position, however, that Michigan seems to generate an over-abundance of talent each and every high school season is wide receiver. Flint Northwestern's Andre Rison, Lansing Waverly's Muhsin Muhammad, Saginaw's Charles Rogers, Harper Woods Bishop Gallagher's Braylon Edwards and Kalamazoo Central's Greg Jennings are a short list of some of the best wide receivers ever from Michigan.

As is its history, last year was another strong prep season for wide receivers in the state of Michigan. Leading the rankings of wideouts from Michigan last season was Saginaw High's DeAnthony Arnett (originally Tennessee/now MSU), Muskegon Heights' Willie Snead (Ball State), Birmingham Seaholm's Shawn Conway (U-M), Flint Southwestern's Kendrick Roberts (WMU), Melvindale's Courtney Williams (CMU) and Detroit Country Day's Kenny Knight (Illinois).

This year's crop of wide receivers is another impressive group. The receiver contingent for 2012 is, once again, filled with Division I collegiate talent. Here are the top 10 wide receiver prospects in Michigan for the Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Wide Receiver Prospects -
1. Aaron Burbridge-6-1, 185-Farmington Hills Harrison
2. Efe Scott-Emuakpor-6-5, 185-East Lansing
3. Shane Barron-5-10, 175-Flint Carman-Ainsworth
4. Jordan Woods-6-3, 180-Ann Arbor Skyline
5. Anthony Scarcelli-6-0, 175-Marine City
6. Amos Houston-6-3, 205-Detroit Loyola
7. Michael Henry-5-10, 170-Flint Northwestern
8. Ryan Hansen-6-3, 180-Dearborn
9. Matt Macksood-6-0, 175-Lansing Catholic
10. Josh Fairchild-5-9, 170-Ecorse

*Others of note include Colton Odykirk-6-2, 200-Mt. Pleasant, Kevin Rich-6-5, 200-Grand Rapids Northview and Kebin Baker-6-2, 180-Linden.

Look for Michigan's top 10 tight end prospects for the Class of 2012 in my next blog.

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.

Madison Heights native Grady Alderman is the first installment in my "Michigan's 50 Greatest Pro Football Players" series. I hope it's enjoyable and educational.

GRADY ALDERMAN

Arguably the greatest football player ever from the University of Detroit Mercy, Grady Alderman started Super Bowl IV and Super Bowl VIII for the Minnesota Vikings opposite Hall-of-Famer Ron Yary at offensive tackle. A Madison Heights native, Alderman (6-foot-2, 245 pounds) was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro pick during his standout 15-year NFL career.

Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 10^th round of the 1960 NFL draft, Alderman played one year for his hometown team before spending the next 14 seasons (1961 through 1974) with the Vikings. He was the starting left tackle for Minnesota for the first 13 years of its existence as an NFL franchise. An original Viking, Alderman, a rugged and dependable performer, started 175 games throughout his career, all with Minnesota. His 175 games started rank 134^th all-time in NFL history. Overall, he played in 194 contests for the Vikings which is seventh most in Minnesota team history.

A pillar of strength at tackle for the Vikings throughout his career, Alderman, an offensive captain his last eight years with Minnesota, opened holes and provided protection for such NFL greats as perennial All-Pro running back Chuck Foreman and Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton. Alderman also was teammates with famed “Purple People Eaters” defenders and Hall-of-Famers tackle Alan Page and end Carl Eller.

Alderman was chosen for the Pro Bowl five consecutive seasons from 1963 through 1967 and in 1969. He was named All-Pro in 1965 and 1969. Also, in 1965, Alderman was chosen second team All-NFL by the Associated Press, while in 1969 he was selected first team All-NFL by the AP. Alderman competed in 204 career games.

Alderman played in three Super Bowls during his career, including two of the first eight. On Jan. 11, 1970, he started for Minnesota in Super Bowl IV against the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL title winner Vikings lost to the Chiefs 23-7. The game was significant in that it was the last year pitting the NFL against the AFL in football’s biggest game. The following season, the AFL merged with the NFL forming one league split into two divisions (NFC and AFC). Besides Alderman, Michigan All-Time Top 50 player Flint’s Paul Krause started at safety for Minnesota, while Detroit offensive lineman Ed Budde and Redford tight end Fred Arbanas started for the Chiefs.

Four years later on Jan. 13, 1974, Alderman started at offensive tackle for Minnesota in Super Bowl VIII versus the Miami Dolphins at Rice Stadium in Houston. The Dolphins, defending Super Bowl champions and a year removed from their perfect 17-0 season, defeated the Vikings 24-7. The following season on Jan. 12, 1975, Alderman played in his third Super Bowl. The Vikings lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6 in Super Bowl IX Jan. 12, 1975 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.

Because of his talent, durability and determination as a player, Alderman was named one of the 50 greatest Minnesota Vikings of all-time.

2012 Top 10 Michigan Prep Running Back Prospects

When it comes to running backs, the state of Michigan, like its automobiles, has produced plenty of high-powered speed-burners over the years. From Detroit Mackenzie's Jerome Bettis to Detroit Northwestern's Ron Johnson to Ypsilanti's Eric Ball and to Flint Southwestern's Mark Ingram Jr., Michigan is definitely a must-stop for college recruiters looking for players to run the football.

While last year's group of running backs was outstanding with Flint Northern's Thomas Rawls (U-M), Lansing Sexton's Onaje Miller (MSU), Ferndale's Anthony Garland (CMU), Grand Blanc's Justice Hayes (U-M) and South Haven's Josh Carter (CMU) just a few of the game-breakers originally signing with Division I schools, this season's Class of 2012 stable of backs is just as deep and talented. Here are Michigan's top 10 running back prospects for the Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Running Back Prospects-
1. Dennis Norfleet-5-7, 175-Detroit King (also slot receiver and kick returner)
2. Drake Johnson-6-2, 215-Ann Arbor Pioneer
3. Juwan Lewis-5-11, 205-Muskegon
4. Prescott Line-6-1, 215-Oxford
5. Devin Church-5-9, 175-Birmingham Brother Rice
6. Jailen Faison-6-0, 205-Grand Rapids West Catholic
7. Saylor Lavallii-5-9, 195-Mason
8. Bennett Lewis-5-9, 180-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic
9. Kitwana Clark-5-10, 190-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills
10. Brandon Hall-5-8, 215-Muskegon Orchard View

*Others of note include David Drummond-5-9, 175-East Grand Rapids, Spencer McInnis-5-11, 185-Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Latham Donald-5-9, 170-St. Clair Shores Lakeview.

Check back next time to see the top 10 wide receiver prospects in Michigan.

2012 Top 10 Michigan Prep Quarterback Prospects

Brighton's Drew Henson, Flint Southwestern's Rick Leach, Muskegon's Earl Morrall, Ann Arbor Pioneer's Jim Harbaugh, Dearborn Divine Child's Gary Danielson and Farmington Hills Harrison's Drew Stanton are just a few of the best high school quarterbacks ever produced by the state of Michigan. Holland Christian's Kirk Cousins is the latest Michigan signal-caller to make his mark at the collegiate level leading Michigan State this past season to an Outback Bowl overtime win over Georgia, a Big Ten Championship game appearance and a final Associated Press No. 11 national ranking.

The 2012 Michigan high school quarterback crop isn't as deep or as talented as the 2010 nationally elite group of Inkster's Devin Gardner (U-M), Orchard Lake St. Mary's Rob Bolden (Penn State), Saline's Joe Boisture (MSU) and Montague's Cody Kater (CMU), but this year's top 10 is nonetheless still full of numerous Division I college football prospects. Is the next Earl Morrall or Gary Danielson in this group? I guess only time will tell. Here are the top 10 quarterback prospects for the state of Michigan in the Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Quarterback Prospects-
1. Cooper Rush-6-3, 225-Lansing Catholic
2. Brian Blackburn-6-5, 215-Detroit Crockett
3. Austin Pichiotino-6-1, 180-Bay City Western
4. Brian Cleary-6-3, 210-U-D Jesuit
5. Mike Mioduszewski-6-2, 215-Dexter
6. Sebastian Johnson-6-3, 185-Adrian
7. Rob White-6-1, 185-Grosse Ile
8. Doug Ham-6-2, 210-Frankenmuth
9. Grant Price-6-1, 205-Mio AuSable
10. Mitch Robinson-6-1, 190-Auburn Hills Avondale

Look for Michigan's top 10 running back prospects next.

2012 Top 25 Michigan football recruits

The state of Michigan is home to some of the nation's top high school football players. Year after year, the Great Lakes State churns out its fair share of big-time college football recruits. This season's crop of prep football talent runs deep at all positions -- though linebacker and defensive line seem to be chock-full of future Division I gridiron stars. With the February signing period fast approaching, here's my list of the 2012 top 25 Michigan high school football recruits.

Top 25 recruits- (name, size, position, high school, college verbal)
1. Kelby Latta-6-4, 310-OG-DT-Battle Creek Harper Creek-Central Michigan
2. Aaron Burbridge-6-1, 185-WR-Farmington Hills Harrison-Michigan State
3. Dan O'Brien-6-2, 305-DT-Flint Powers Catholic-Tennessee
4. Ben Braden-6-6, 315-OT-Rockford-Michigan
5. Dennis Norfleet-5-7, 175-RB-Slot-KR-Detroit King-Michigan
6. James Ross-6-1, 215-LB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Michigan
7. Royce Jenkins-Stone-6-2, 215-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan
8. Drake Johnson-6-2, 215-RB-Ann Arbor Pioneer-Michigan
9. Matt Godin-6-5, 270-DT-Detroit Catholic Central-Michigan
10. DeAndre Grady-6-1, 180-CB-East Grand Rapids-Wayne State
11. Eric Wilson-6-2, 205-S-WR-Redford Thurston-Northwestern
12. Mario Ojemudia-6-3, 225-DE-Farmington Hills Harrison-Michigan
13. Terry Richardson-5-9, 160-CB-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan
14. Cooper Rush-6-3, 220-QB-Lansing Catholic-Central Michigan
15. Ron Thompson-6-4, 230-TE-DE-Southfield-Syracuse
16. Riley Bullough-6-2, 215-LB-Traverse City St. Francis-Michigan State
17. Evan Winston-6-4, 265-DE-Muskegon Heights-Missouri
18. Kodi Kieler-6-5, 285-OT-Gibraltor Carlson-Michigan State
19. Jamal Lyles-6-4, 215-LB-Southfield-Lathrup-Michigan State
20. Juwan Lewis-5-11, 205-RB-Muskegon-Eastern Michigan
21. Josh Nicolaisen-6-3, 280-DT-Battle Creek Pennfield
22. Kyle Knapp-6-4, 265-OG-Portage Central-Syracuse
23. Lester Liston-6-2, 215-LB-RB-Grand Blanc-Cincinnati
24. Danny Larkins-6-1, 180-CB-WR-Madison Heights Madison-Toledo
25. Prescott Line-6-1, 215-RB-Oxford-Southern Methodist

Look for my top 10 at each position in my next blog.