As is the case most years, Michigan is, once again, overflowing with talent at the tight end position in the 2015 class. The potential is off the charts for some of the following players, while other guys on this list could step right in and contribute on Day 1 as freshmen at the next level. All of these players are Division I college football prospects.
Top 10 Tight Ends-
1. Alex Zielinski-6-4, 235-Brighton-The best, at least at this point, in a stacked TE class. 4.8 40.
2. Cole Chewins-6-7, 220-Clarkston-Will be three-year starter for D-1 state champions.
3. Cameron Hendershot-6-3, 235-Detroit Catholic Central-Two-way starter for D-1 runner-up.
4. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-Northville-A project now, but upside is unlimited for raw talent.
5. Kevin Mabry-6-4, 220-Ypsilanti Lincoln-Excellent size/athleticism combo, also top B-baller.
6. Austin Ervins-6-6, 235-St. Johns-Huge size, mobility for Lansing area prospect. CMU offer.
7. Brian Bockheim-6-5, 225-Grand Rapids Northview-Big Ten size, frame for top GR recruit.
8. Jake Schmidt-6-6, 215-Richmond-Elite athlete, great length, also top baseball P-1B
9. Zaquan Smith-6-2, 220-Detroit Denby-Strong also on defense, but could be next Khalid Hill.
10. Dakota Scholten-6-4, 235-Grant-Small town sleeper who can basically play any position.
Other top tight ends-Adam Armesto-6-6, 230-Canton (could project out to OT at next level), Josh Branagan-6-4, 215-Lowell, Matt Seybert-6-4, 220-Traverse City St. Francis, Parker Underwood-6-4, 225-East Lansing, Daniel Crawford-6-2, 235-Macomb Dakota.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Top 10 offensive linemen for Michigan's class of 2015
For the class of 2015, the state of Michigan is loaded with Division I college football talent at the offensive line position. Always one of the best states in the country for recruiting o-line players, Michigan's 2015 class is a cut above, even for the Great Lakes State's standards. At least 15 to 20 offensive linemen in the class of 2015 are bona-fide, high-level D-I recruits. The rest of the players on this list are Division I level (mid to low) college football prospects.
Top 10 Offensive Linemen-
1. Kyonta Stallworth-6-4, 275-St. Clair Shores South Lake-Already verbal commit to MSU. My No. 3 overall prospect for class of 2015 in Michigan.
2. Anthony Herbert-6-5, 300-Lapeer East-Overwhelming physical force, also top DL.
3. David Moorman-6-6, 280-Northville-Excellent technique for player his size, MSU, U-M want.
4. Kenton Rivard-6-3, 305-Marine City-Pure, old-school, in-your-face run blocker for D-4 champs.
5. John Keenoy-6-3, 285-East Kentwood (center)-Can play numerous positions, best is center.
6. Cole Van Oosten-6-7, 270-Kalamazoo Christian-3.95 GPA, top shot putter, Big Ten talent.
7. Chase VanHoef-6-4, 275-Grand Haven-Three-year starter, mauler up front for Bucs.
8. Matt Skibinski-6-5, 275-Livonia Churchill-Three-year starter, skilled pass blocker.
9. Bryce Wilker-6-6, 280-Belding-Big country boy who buries opponents one-on-one.
10. Logan Slaughter-6-5, 265-Mendon-Best D-I prospect ever at small school powerhouse.
Other top O-Linemen-Bruce Taylor-6-5, 350-Detroit Henry Ford (All-Detroit selection), Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-Battle Creek Pennfield, Tony Curry-6-5, 305-Muskegon Oakridge (Div. 5 All-State 1st team by Detroit Free Press), Seth Tice-6-2, 265-Traverse City Central, Andy Adado-6-5, 270-Holt (Lansing State Journal All-Area pick), Marc Miller-6-3, 240-Birmingham Brother Rice (starter for D-2 state champion), Robert Hacker-6-2, 255-Dearborn (center), DeShawn Baker-Williams-6-4, 300-Westland John Glenn, Justin Hunter-6-6, 290-Detroit Country Day, Chris Jacobs-6-3, 270-Bay City Central (Bay City Times Dream Teamer), Zach Graham-6-4, 275-Northville, Adam Matich-6-1, 265-Clarkston (starter for D-1 state champs, Miami, OH offer), Jakob Szilaygi-6-3, 275-Niles Brandywine, T.J. Patterson-6-3, 250-Reed City, Skyler Reinhardt-6-1, 255-Menominee, Grant Holbrook-6-4, 255-Clinton, Cody Patterson-6-4, 275-Walled Lake Central, Ryan Rockensuess-6-4, 265-Troy Athens, Spencer Dickow-6-2, 255-Birmingham Brother Rice (starter for D-2 state champions), Justin Banks-6-5, 260-Farmington, Trevor Raby-6-4, 235-Zeeland West (starter for D-3 state champs), Caleb Brinks-6-1, 280-Hudsonville Unity Christian, Lear Brougher-6-3, 255-DeWitt (starter for D-3 state runner-up), Jacob Wozniewski-6-4, 235-DeWitt (starter for D-3 state runner-up), Matt Doan-6-1, 305-Romeo (center), Brendan O'Brien-6-4, 240-South Lyon East, Brandon Huyser-6-1, 290-Grand Rapids South Christian (starter for D-4 state runner-up), Mohamad Abdallah-6-4, 260-Dearborn.
Top 10 Offensive Linemen-
1. Kyonta Stallworth-6-4, 275-St. Clair Shores South Lake-Already verbal commit to MSU. My No. 3 overall prospect for class of 2015 in Michigan.
2. Anthony Herbert-6-5, 300-Lapeer East-Overwhelming physical force, also top DL.
3. David Moorman-6-6, 280-Northville-Excellent technique for player his size, MSU, U-M want.
4. Kenton Rivard-6-3, 305-Marine City-Pure, old-school, in-your-face run blocker for D-4 champs.
5. John Keenoy-6-3, 285-East Kentwood (center)-Can play numerous positions, best is center.
6. Cole Van Oosten-6-7, 270-Kalamazoo Christian-3.95 GPA, top shot putter, Big Ten talent.
7. Chase VanHoef-6-4, 275-Grand Haven-Three-year starter, mauler up front for Bucs.
8. Matt Skibinski-6-5, 275-Livonia Churchill-Three-year starter, skilled pass blocker.
9. Bryce Wilker-6-6, 280-Belding-Big country boy who buries opponents one-on-one.
10. Logan Slaughter-6-5, 265-Mendon-Best D-I prospect ever at small school powerhouse.
Other top O-Linemen-Bruce Taylor-6-5, 350-Detroit Henry Ford (All-Detroit selection), Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-Battle Creek Pennfield, Tony Curry-6-5, 305-Muskegon Oakridge (Div. 5 All-State 1st team by Detroit Free Press), Seth Tice-6-2, 265-Traverse City Central, Andy Adado-6-5, 270-Holt (Lansing State Journal All-Area pick), Marc Miller-6-3, 240-Birmingham Brother Rice (starter for D-2 state champion), Robert Hacker-6-2, 255-Dearborn (center), DeShawn Baker-Williams-6-4, 300-Westland John Glenn, Justin Hunter-6-6, 290-Detroit Country Day, Chris Jacobs-6-3, 270-Bay City Central (Bay City Times Dream Teamer), Zach Graham-6-4, 275-Northville, Adam Matich-6-1, 265-Clarkston (starter for D-1 state champs, Miami, OH offer), Jakob Szilaygi-6-3, 275-Niles Brandywine, T.J. Patterson-6-3, 250-Reed City, Skyler Reinhardt-6-1, 255-Menominee, Grant Holbrook-6-4, 255-Clinton, Cody Patterson-6-4, 275-Walled Lake Central, Ryan Rockensuess-6-4, 265-Troy Athens, Spencer Dickow-6-2, 255-Birmingham Brother Rice (starter for D-2 state champions), Justin Banks-6-5, 260-Farmington, Trevor Raby-6-4, 235-Zeeland West (starter for D-3 state champs), Caleb Brinks-6-1, 280-Hudsonville Unity Christian, Lear Brougher-6-3, 255-DeWitt (starter for D-3 state runner-up), Jacob Wozniewski-6-4, 235-DeWitt (starter for D-3 state runner-up), Matt Doan-6-1, 305-Romeo (center), Brendan O'Brien-6-4, 240-South Lyon East, Brandon Huyser-6-1, 290-Grand Rapids South Christian (starter for D-4 state runner-up), Mohamad Abdallah-6-4, 260-Dearborn.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Top Michigan high school football players in the class of 2015 on the defensive side of the ball
Here are my top players on the defensive side of the football for the class of 2015. This is an early list and, of course, subject to change as the off-season moves along. The class of 2015 is absolutely stocked from top to bottom with Division I college football talent. Pretty much every player, in my opinion, on this list can play D-I football at the high, mid to low level somewhere in the country.
Defensive Line-
1. Josh Alabi-6-5, 275-Detroit Cass Tech-My No. 2 player overall for class
of 2015. MSU, U-M, LSU, among others recruiting.2. Bryce Witham-6-6, 240-Grand Rapids West Catholic-CMU recruit Mitch Stanitzek's (class of 2014) teammate at West Catholic. Led Falcons to 2013 D-5 state title.
3. Tony Balabani-6-2, 235-Macomb Dakota-Explosive speed off the edge. Also TB. Standout at suburban Detroit powerhouse program.
4. Jacob Miller-6-6, 220-Detroit Northwestern-4.8 40, talented pass rusher. Also top TE prospect. One of Detroit PSL's best. Holds Toledo, Akron offers already.
5. Shahid Bellamy-6-3, 265-Oak Park-Quick, powerful run-plugger inside. Projects out to 6-3, 305 or so at next level.
6. Makalin Mabin-6-3, 330-Battle Creek Central-Battle Creek Enquirer All-City Dream Teamer, 40 tackles, can move despite large size.
7. Hussein Kdouh-6-2, 275-Dearborn Fordson-Rugged, physical player inside for legendary Detroit suburban power. All-Metro West by Detroit News.
8. Kasey DeWitt-6-4, 220-Shelby-Muskegon area standout. Muskegon Chronicle Dream Teamer. 75 tackles, 8 sacks, 24 tackles for loss.
9. Artaka Ross-6-2, 255-Detroit Denby-All-Detroit by Detroit News. Another top D-lineman from Detroit PSL. Strong, quick.
10. Renardo Brown-6-3, 310-Westland John Glenn-Overwhelming force in trenches for Rockets.
Other top D-linemen-Tiroca Battle-6-2, 255-Auburn Hills Avondale, Wesley French-6-5, 295-St. Joseph, Mike Danna-6-3, 215-Warren DeLaSalle (All-Metro East by Detroit News), Pat Drews-6-5, 210-Hillsdale (Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team), Caldin Rogers-6-4, 215-St. Clair Shores South Lake, Dorian Williams-6-4, 235-Farmington Hills Harrison, Jack Dunaway-6-3, 220-Birmingham Brother Rice, Mitch Quakkelaar-6-3, 245-Grand Rapids South Christian (will be three-year starter for two-time state finalist, must look), Jaeden MacPherson-6-3, 230-Muskegon Catholic Central, Michael Johnson-6-2, 285-Detroit Loyola, Diontaye Gordon-6-4, 235-Muskegon Mona Shores, Immanuel Stinson-6-3, 235-Romulus, Ricardo Smith-6-2, 255-Oak Park, Tommy Brown-6-2, 265-Grand Rapids Northview, Josh Dabney-6-2, 270-Orchard Lake St. Mary's (will be three-year starter for state powerhouse program), Curtis Murphy-6-5, 305-St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic (also big time OT), Malik Swain-6-2, 280-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, Austin Kowalczyk-6-2, 285-Utica, Brandon Herzberg-6-2, 255-Brooklyn Columbia Central, Clyde Pryor-6-4, 270-Kalamzoo Central (also top OT).
Linebacker-
1. Carter Masek-6-3, 235-East Grand Rapids-MSU, U-M, other Big Ten teams
recruiting.2. Tyriq Thompson-6-2, 220-Detroit King-Dad Clarence started at SS for U-M. MSU, U-M heavily recruiting.
3. Avonte' Bell-6-1, 215-Lansing Sexton-One of state's best two-way players. Top TB, also. 8 sacks, great speed. Big time talent.
4. Kamahl March-6-3, 215-Detroit East English Village-Playmaker, 17 sacks, 6 punt blocks as sophomore.
5. Qi'antae Ewing-6-3, 235-Grand Rapids Christian-Three-year starter. Only sophomore starter on 2012 state championship squad.
6. Marcus Bowers-6-0, 230-Fraser-Makes plays from sideline-to-sideline for Fraser. Two-time All-Metro East by Detroit News.
7. Jordan Jenkins-6-2, 235-Detroit Catholic Central-Starter on Division 1 state runner-up. Leader of defense for state powerhouse program.
8. Rayshawn Wilborn-6-4, 205-Lansing Sexton-Sack machine, had school record 18 sacks this past season. Also top WR, 4.5 40. Lansing State Journal Dream Teamer. Teams with Bell to form dynamic LB duo.
9. Carlos Clark-6-1, 215-Belleville-All-Metro West by Detroit News. 4.7 40. Sure tackler.
10. Brandon Hutson-6-3, 215-Battle Creek Harper Creek-Leading tackler on top Battle Creek program.
Other top linebackers-Marshael Ryan-6-2, 210-Linden, Jonathon Dobie-6-1, 215-Grand Ledge (three-year starter, 4.7 40, captain as junior), Michael Oliver-6-0, 220-Detroit Cass Tech (CMU offer), Taylor Reaume-6-1, 205-Saginaw Swan Valley (All-Saginaw News first team, 140 tackles), Kyle Sherman-6-0, 220-Birmingham Groves, Brad Styma-6-1, 205-Alpena (All-Alpena News, 115 tackles, 19 TFL, 2 fumble rec.), Jarad Whited-6-2, 225-Vicksburg, Luke Lesperance-5-11, 215-Bay City John Glenn (Bay City Times Dream Team, 73 tackles, 5 sacks), Paul Engram-6-0, 210-Detroit Loyola, Chase Herrington-6-3, 210-Greenville, Sam Heyboer-6-4, 210-Grand Rapids South Christian (also top WR for D-4 state runner-up), Jack Bates-6-3, 215-Grand Rapids Christian, Brett Tschirhart-6-0, 210-Clinton (leader of defense for D-6 state runner-up), Darryl Clemons-6-2, 215-Detroit Loyola (will be three-year starter for two-time D-7 state runner-up), Marvin Wright-6-0, 205-Lansing Everett, Taran Smith-6-0, 205-Muskegon (starter on D-2 state runner-up), Marty Ward-5-10, 205-Niles Brandywine, Seth Teets-6-2, 215-Atlanta, Noah Thompson-6-1, 220-Manton, Brady Beedon-6-3, 200-Marysville (All-Metro East by Detroit News), Joe Platz-6-2, 220-Rochester Stoney Creek, Junior McMullen-6-2, 225-Oak Park, Keith Jones-6-1, 240-Detroit Cass Tech.
Defensive Back-
1. Brian Cole-6-2, 205-Saginaw Heritage-4.3 40, also top WR, RB. My No.1
overall player in Michigan's 2015 class. MSU, U-M, Ohio State, highly
interested.2. John Kelly-5-11, 185-Oak Park-4.4 40, lockdown corner, also top RB and KR. MSU recruiting hard, plus other Big Ten teams.
3. Tyson Smith-5-11, 180-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-4.4 speed. Another excellent pass defender, quick feet, hard hitter. MSU verbal commit.
4. Romello Ross-5-11, 185-Detroit Western-One of state's best two-way players. Ball-hawking safety, plus game-breaking RB. 4 4 speed.
5. Dior Johnson-6-2, 195-Southfield-Big, playmaking safety for team loaded with D-I players. MSU recruiting.
6. Merrick Canada-6-1, 180-Clarkston-Starting safety on D-1 state championship team. Teammate of EMU recruit RB Ian Erickson.
7. Jacques Pougnet-6-2, 190-Flint Powers Catholic-Hard-hitting safety for Flint area powerhouse program.
8. Jamil Sabbaugh-5-10, 185-Dearborn Fordson-All-Metro West by Detroit News, cat-quick, 4 ints., 2 returned for TDs, 2 fumble recoveries.
9. Tyler Minor-5-10, 175-Flint Carman-Ainsworth-Starter for D-2 state semifinalist. Talented pass defender.
10. Jevon Shaw-5-9, 175-Farmington Hills Harrison-Also top QB for state powerhouse, plus breakaway punt and kick returner.
(tie) Nick Krumm-5-10, 185-Walled Lake Central-Natural football instincts, makes plays from safety spot, also terrific punt/kick returner, Sheldon Doss-6-1, 185-U-D Jesuit-Big CB with outstanding speed, coverage skills, Andrew Duckett-6-1, 180-Niles Brandywine-4.5 speed, one of my top sleepers for 2015, Tyrone Miller-6-0, 180-Saline-Ann Arbor News Dream Teamer, great speed, punt returner.
Other top defensive backs-Shaquille Mobley-6-0, 190-Belleville (All-Metro West by Detroit News), Cameron Lewis-6-0, 175-Detroit Consortium (All-Detroit by Detroit News, also top WR), Dereko Riley-5-8, 170-Muskegon Reeths-Puffer, Ben Hartley-6-2, 180-West Branch Ogemaw Heights (will be three-year starter for top program, one of northern Michigan's best), Malik Fuller-6-0, 205-North Farmington, Raumello Cooper-5-9, 165-Flint Beecher, Trevon Avery-5-9, 175-Grand Blanc (also top QB, lockdown CB), Malik Mason-6-1, 180-Port Huron, Keshawn Gilmore-6-2, 195-Detroit Cass Tech (also top WR), Craig Gailliard-5-11, 175-Dearborn Edsel Ford (will be three-year starter at QB and DB), Askaree Crawford-5-11, 180-Ann Arbor Skyline (one of state's top QBs, as well, can play slot receiver), Jason McDonough-6-0, 170-Grand Rapids West Catholic (starter for D-5 state champs), Danil Young-5-10, 170-Grandville (will be three-year starter, one of Grand Rapids' best), Alezay Coleman-5-9, 175-Muskegon (starter for D-2 state runner-up), Kimani Dooley-6-1, 155-Livonia Clarenceville (All-West, Detroit Free Press, 5 ints.), Patrick Harbin-6-2, 210-Detroit Loyola (will be three-year starter for D-7 state runner-up), Nate Emery-6-0, 175-Utica Eisenhower, Anthony Gunn-6-1, 200-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.
Kickers-
1. Cullen Hoffman-5-10, 175-St. Joseph-AP Division 3-4 All-State
punter.2. Josh Flamme-5-10, 160-Mason-AP Division 3-4 All-State placekicker.
3. Jake Herbers-6-2, 195-Battle Creek Lakeview-50-53 PATs, 53 touchbacks on KOs, 40-yard punting average, Battle Creek Enquirer All-City Dream Team.
4. Noah Salasky-5-10, 165-East Grand Rapids-40-yard field goal, top kicker in Grand Rapids area.
5. Tom Forrester-5-8, 150-U-D Jesuit-All-Detroit kicker by Detroit News.
6. Phillip Wandor-5-11, 170-Midland-All-Saginaw News first team kicker, 39-yard FG.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
So many Michigan standouts in NFL Week 14
Wow, it's been a while since I was able to post (life happens, you know?), but so much has gone on recently in high school, college and pro football regarding Michigan athletes. I'll slowly try and catch up with today's blog about the random NFL games (Week 14) I watched and the performances turned in by former Michigan high school football standouts.
In his first start of the 2013 season, quarterback Kirk Cousins (Holland Christian, Michigan State) was 29-of-45 passing for 381 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in the Washington Redskins' 27-26 last second loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Wide receiver Greg Jennings (Kalamazoo Central, Western Michigan) caught a career-high 11 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 48-30 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Running back Edwin "Rock" Baker (Oak Park, Michigan State) seeing his first action of the season, rushed for a team-high 38 yards on eight carrier (4.8 ave.) and one touchdown in the Cleveland Browns' 38-31 loss to the Chicago Bears.
In two games that drew my interest, the St. Louis Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-16. Starting and seeing plenty of action for the Rams were offensive tackles Joe Barksdale (Detroit Cass Tech, LSU) and Jake Long (Lapeer East, U-M), while playing for the Saints were running back Mark Ingram (Flint Southwestern, Alabama) and offensive guard Tim Lelito (St. Clair, Grand Valley State University).
In the Jacksonville Jaguars' 27-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Jags had three former Michigan high school football standouts in significant roles with defensive end Jason Babin (Paw Paw, Western Michigan), cornerback Alan Ball (Detroit DePorres, Illinois) and offensive tackle Cameron Bradfield (Grand Rapids Creston, Grand Valley State University) suiting up.
In the Green Bay Packers' wild 37-36 comeback victory over the Dallas Cowboys, offensive guard T.J. Lang (Birmingham Brother Rice, Eastern Michigan), linebacker Brad Jones (East Lansing, Colorado) and defensive end Nick Perry (Detroit King, USC) all started for the Packers, while starting for the Cowboys was safety Jeff Heath (Lake Orion, Saginaw Valley State) and cornerback Brandon Carr (Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Grand Valley State University).
In the Sunday Night Football Game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting for the Bengals was center Kyle Cook (Macomb Dakota, Michigan State), while starting for the Steelers was linebacker LaMarr Woodley (Saginaw, U-M). On the roster, also, for Pittsburgh are linebacker Larry Foote (Detroit Pershing, U-M) and offensive tackle Joe Long (Lapeer East, Wayne State University). Joe Long is the younger brother of Rams' starting offensive tackle and former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft Jake Long.
Coming soon will be my end-of-season high school football All-State team, my 44-member Michigan squad that I would take to the field against Ohio later this spring/summer, my state championship recap, my position-by-position rankings for the classes of 2014 and 2015 and my top 50 players in the class of 2016, plus the recruiting class I would sign (or at least aggressively go after) if I was Eastern Michigan's new head coach Chris Creighton. Creighton doesn't have much time and these players on my list are all D-I guys who are somewhat under-the-radar and who would more than likely jump at the chance to play Division I college football. Stay tuned...
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Week 8 and 9 highlights, plus Michiganders in NFL
What a final two weeks of the Michigan high school football regular season, huh? So many incredible match-ups, I don't know where to begin. Let's take a look at the Week 8 and Week 9 top games. Plus, I'll have an update on former Michigan high school football standouts in the NFL.
Week 8 highlights-
DeWitt (8-0) 13, Portland (7-1) 7-Lansing area's marquee game, defending D-5 state champs fall
Lowell (8-0) 35, Grand Rapids Christian (6-2) 34 (2OTs)-Red Arrows one of Michigan's best
Macomb Dakota (8-0) 52, Chippewa Valley (7-1) 7-Dakota might have state's top defense
Detroit Catholic Central (7-1) 20, Warren DeLaSalle (5-3) 14-Crazy finish saw Shamrocks score on game's last play. The Pilots have to be the best 5-3 team in the country, losing on last-second plays to Birmingham Brother Rice (8-0) and Catholic Central and falling 21-14 in their season-opener to Toledo Central Catholic (8-0), the defending Ohio D-2 state champions led by quarterback and Notre Dame recruit DeShone Kizer (6-5, 215).
Week 9 highlights-
Clarkston (8-1) 20, Southfield (7-2) 10-Great match-up featuring two of suburban Detroit's best
Detroit Cass Tech (9-0) 20, Detroit King (8-1) 14-PSL title clash overflowing with D-I talent
Northville (8-1) 38, Walled Lake Western (8-1) 31-Two best KLAA teams battle for supremacy
Birmingham Brother Rice (9-0) 20, Detroit Catholic Central (7-2) 7-Rice hands Catholic Central its only two losses of season. Legendary Rice head coach Al Fracassa, retiring after this season, goes out a winner against his most heated rival.
-- On a side note, the talent involved in the above four games is off-the-charts. If a college coach from one of Michigan's five D-I playing football schools only recruited and signed players from these eight schools, he'd have one heck of a class -- and it's only EIGHT SCHOOLS from Detroit and its suburbs. That alone should prove to anyone the level of D-I talent in Michigan. Look at the SENIOR players (all D-I level recruits) a smart, hard-working coach, who knew the state of Michigan and recruited it hard, could build/augment his program with from just the above eight schools:
Clarkston-Tim Cason-6-0, 185-DB-Purdue verbal, Nick Matich-6-3, 295-OL-DL-WMU, David Beedle-6-5, 285-DT-Michigan State, Ian Erickson-5-10, 180-RB-EMU
Southfield-Lion King Conaway-6-5, 225-DE, Malik McDowell-6-7, 290-DT (MSU, U-M, Alabama, LSU among many current offers), Lawrence Marshall-6-3, 230-DE-Michigan, Jalen Brady-6-0, 180-QB-Bowling Green State, Chukwuma Okorafor-6-5, 285-OT-WMU (currently also has offers from Arkansas and Florida), Jordan Billingslea-5-9, 165-WR-WMU, Carteris Carter-5-11, 185-DB
Detroit Cass Tech-Gary Hosey-6-0, 230-RB-LB-Buffalo, William White-6-2, 220-LB-Buffalo, Deon Drake-6-1, 215-LB-Michigan State, Nashon Burns-6-5, 285-OT, Sean Perry-5-7, 160-WR-KR, Phillip Parham-5-9, 170-DB, Delshawn Phillips-6-2, 225-LB-WMU, Brian Sanders-6-4, 225-DE-Bowling Green State, Chris McDaniel-6-4, 225-TE-WMU, Damon Webb-5-11, 185-CB-Ohio State
Detroit King-Carl Fuller-6-3, 215-LB, Avonte Maddox-5-9, 175-CB-RB-WR-KR-Pittsburgh, DeMarco Kaigler-6-1, 280-DT, Jalen Embry-5-11, 190-DB-Iowa
Northville-Dimitri Angelas-6-5, 285-OL-U-Mass, Joey Hewlett-5-11, 190-QB-DB
Walled Lake Western-Kyle Bambard-5-9, 180-QB-K-P-North Carolina State, Alex Joss-6-4, 285-OT-Ball State, Leon Richardson-6-4, 290-OT
Birmingham Brother Rice-Alberto Sandoval-6-3, 260-DT, Brian Walker-5-9, 225-RB, Chris Carter-5-11, 185-DB, Jason Alessi-6-1, 185-DB-WR-K-KR, Dominic Perkovic-6-5, 235-DE-TE, Sage Baultrusaitis-6-1, 250-C-Army
Detroit Catholic Central-Zach Bock-6-0, 190-WR-DB-KR, Christopher Okoye-6-6, 320-DT-OT, Alex Galiyas-6-2, 265-OG-C, Dylan Roney-6-3, 235-DE-Navy
-- That's 40 legit D-I level players on only EIGHT Detroit area teams. Imagine looking at/recruiting the entire Metro Detroit area, let alone the Grand Rapids area, Flint, Muskegon, Lansing, Ann Arbor, southwest Michigan, northern Michigan/U.P., etc. Michigan easily has over 100 D-I level college football players within its borders. Looking at just the above eight teams should prove that point.
Michigan players in NFL-
There were Michigan natives all over the NFL games I watched last week. In the Detroit-Dallas contest, it was enjoyable watching Lake Orion's Jeff Heath (6-1, 210), an undrafted free agent from D-II Saginaw Valley State, start at safety for the Cowboys, while Flint Carman-Ainsworth's Brandon Carr (6-0, 205), a six-year pro from D-II Grand Valley State, start at cornerback for Dallas. It was interesting to note that of the four secondary starters for the Cowboys, two were from the state of Michigan and also both from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference -- not the SEC, not the PAC 12, not the Big Ten, but the GLIAC. Too cool. Just goes to show, once again, the talent being overlooked in the state of Michigan by D-I college coaches throughout our state.
In the Vikings-Packers game, it was fun watching wide receiver Myles White (6-0, 185), who led Livonia Stevenson to the 2007 Division 1 state championship game his senior season, start for Green Bay and catch five passes for 35 yards from All-Pro QB Aaron Rodgers. White, an undrafted free agent from Louisiana Tech, is another player who got out of the state of Michigan and made his way onto an NFL roster and a starting spot.
In fact, both the Vikings and Packers have a large contingent of players from Michigan on their respective rosters. For Minnesota, Joe Berger (6-5, 315)-OL-Michigan Tech, Newaygo; Audie Cole-6-5, 240-LB-North Carolina State, Monroe; Greg Jennings-5-11, 200-WR-WMU, Kalamazoo Central; and Zach Line-6-1, 230-RB-SMU, Oxford are Michigan natives on the Vikings' current roster. For Green Bay, Brad Jones-6-3, 245-LB-Colorado, East Lansing; T.J. Lang-6-4, 318-OL-EMU, Birmingham Brother Rice; and Nick Perry-6-3, 265-LB-USC, Detroit King are players from Michigan on the Packers' roster.
Once again, I find it interesting, or if I'm honest with myself, quite disgusting/disappointing that out of the 10 current NFL players on the three teams I just mentioned above, only TWO were eventually signed by one of Michigan's five D-I football playing schools. How do EIGHT future NFL players not sign with one of our five D-I schools? Only Perry was a big-time, All-American-type national recruit. The other seven guys somehow were never noticed as high school seniors or were not recruited hard enough to be convinced to sign with an instate D-I school. And these are only three NFL teams. There are many more current NFL players from Michigan who went elsewhere out of state to play their college ball or went the D-II or D-III level route. Why is that? It shouldn't happen as often as it does. College coaches need to look inward, inside Michigan's borders for the majority of their recruits at the five D-I programs in our state. I think it should be obvious by now that Michigan is overflowing with high school football talent (D-I level talent) and those kids should be representing their home state and suiting up for their home state D-I colleges, not for far-away outstate schools or D-II or D-III colleges.
Okay, off my soapbox.
Week 8 highlights-
DeWitt (8-0) 13, Portland (7-1) 7-Lansing area's marquee game, defending D-5 state champs fall
Lowell (8-0) 35, Grand Rapids Christian (6-2) 34 (2OTs)-Red Arrows one of Michigan's best
Macomb Dakota (8-0) 52, Chippewa Valley (7-1) 7-Dakota might have state's top defense
Detroit Catholic Central (7-1) 20, Warren DeLaSalle (5-3) 14-Crazy finish saw Shamrocks score on game's last play. The Pilots have to be the best 5-3 team in the country, losing on last-second plays to Birmingham Brother Rice (8-0) and Catholic Central and falling 21-14 in their season-opener to Toledo Central Catholic (8-0), the defending Ohio D-2 state champions led by quarterback and Notre Dame recruit DeShone Kizer (6-5, 215).
Week 9 highlights-
Clarkston (8-1) 20, Southfield (7-2) 10-Great match-up featuring two of suburban Detroit's best
Detroit Cass Tech (9-0) 20, Detroit King (8-1) 14-PSL title clash overflowing with D-I talent
Northville (8-1) 38, Walled Lake Western (8-1) 31-Two best KLAA teams battle for supremacy
Birmingham Brother Rice (9-0) 20, Detroit Catholic Central (7-2) 7-Rice hands Catholic Central its only two losses of season. Legendary Rice head coach Al Fracassa, retiring after this season, goes out a winner against his most heated rival.
-- On a side note, the talent involved in the above four games is off-the-charts. If a college coach from one of Michigan's five D-I playing football schools only recruited and signed players from these eight schools, he'd have one heck of a class -- and it's only EIGHT SCHOOLS from Detroit and its suburbs. That alone should prove to anyone the level of D-I talent in Michigan. Look at the SENIOR players (all D-I level recruits) a smart, hard-working coach, who knew the state of Michigan and recruited it hard, could build/augment his program with from just the above eight schools:
Clarkston-Tim Cason-6-0, 185-DB-Purdue verbal, Nick Matich-6-3, 295-OL-DL-WMU, David Beedle-6-5, 285-DT-Michigan State, Ian Erickson-5-10, 180-RB-EMU
Southfield-Lion King Conaway-6-5, 225-DE, Malik McDowell-6-7, 290-DT (MSU, U-M, Alabama, LSU among many current offers), Lawrence Marshall-6-3, 230-DE-Michigan, Jalen Brady-6-0, 180-QB-Bowling Green State, Chukwuma Okorafor-6-5, 285-OT-WMU (currently also has offers from Arkansas and Florida), Jordan Billingslea-5-9, 165-WR-WMU, Carteris Carter-5-11, 185-DB
Detroit Cass Tech-Gary Hosey-6-0, 230-RB-LB-Buffalo, William White-6-2, 220-LB-Buffalo, Deon Drake-6-1, 215-LB-Michigan State, Nashon Burns-6-5, 285-OT, Sean Perry-5-7, 160-WR-KR, Phillip Parham-5-9, 170-DB, Delshawn Phillips-6-2, 225-LB-WMU, Brian Sanders-6-4, 225-DE-Bowling Green State, Chris McDaniel-6-4, 225-TE-WMU, Damon Webb-5-11, 185-CB-Ohio State
Detroit King-Carl Fuller-6-3, 215-LB, Avonte Maddox-5-9, 175-CB-RB-WR-KR-Pittsburgh, DeMarco Kaigler-6-1, 280-DT, Jalen Embry-5-11, 190-DB-Iowa
Northville-Dimitri Angelas-6-5, 285-OL-U-Mass, Joey Hewlett-5-11, 190-QB-DB
Walled Lake Western-Kyle Bambard-5-9, 180-QB-K-P-North Carolina State, Alex Joss-6-4, 285-OT-Ball State, Leon Richardson-6-4, 290-OT
Birmingham Brother Rice-Alberto Sandoval-6-3, 260-DT, Brian Walker-5-9, 225-RB, Chris Carter-5-11, 185-DB, Jason Alessi-6-1, 185-DB-WR-K-KR, Dominic Perkovic-6-5, 235-DE-TE, Sage Baultrusaitis-6-1, 250-C-Army
Detroit Catholic Central-Zach Bock-6-0, 190-WR-DB-KR, Christopher Okoye-6-6, 320-DT-OT, Alex Galiyas-6-2, 265-OG-C, Dylan Roney-6-3, 235-DE-Navy
-- That's 40 legit D-I level players on only EIGHT Detroit area teams. Imagine looking at/recruiting the entire Metro Detroit area, let alone the Grand Rapids area, Flint, Muskegon, Lansing, Ann Arbor, southwest Michigan, northern Michigan/U.P., etc. Michigan easily has over 100 D-I level college football players within its borders. Looking at just the above eight teams should prove that point.
Michigan players in NFL-
There were Michigan natives all over the NFL games I watched last week. In the Detroit-Dallas contest, it was enjoyable watching Lake Orion's Jeff Heath (6-1, 210), an undrafted free agent from D-II Saginaw Valley State, start at safety for the Cowboys, while Flint Carman-Ainsworth's Brandon Carr (6-0, 205), a six-year pro from D-II Grand Valley State, start at cornerback for Dallas. It was interesting to note that of the four secondary starters for the Cowboys, two were from the state of Michigan and also both from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference -- not the SEC, not the PAC 12, not the Big Ten, but the GLIAC. Too cool. Just goes to show, once again, the talent being overlooked in the state of Michigan by D-I college coaches throughout our state.
In the Vikings-Packers game, it was fun watching wide receiver Myles White (6-0, 185), who led Livonia Stevenson to the 2007 Division 1 state championship game his senior season, start for Green Bay and catch five passes for 35 yards from All-Pro QB Aaron Rodgers. White, an undrafted free agent from Louisiana Tech, is another player who got out of the state of Michigan and made his way onto an NFL roster and a starting spot.
In fact, both the Vikings and Packers have a large contingent of players from Michigan on their respective rosters. For Minnesota, Joe Berger (6-5, 315)-OL-Michigan Tech, Newaygo; Audie Cole-6-5, 240-LB-North Carolina State, Monroe; Greg Jennings-5-11, 200-WR-WMU, Kalamazoo Central; and Zach Line-6-1, 230-RB-SMU, Oxford are Michigan natives on the Vikings' current roster. For Green Bay, Brad Jones-6-3, 245-LB-Colorado, East Lansing; T.J. Lang-6-4, 318-OL-EMU, Birmingham Brother Rice; and Nick Perry-6-3, 265-LB-USC, Detroit King are players from Michigan on the Packers' roster.
Once again, I find it interesting, or if I'm honest with myself, quite disgusting/disappointing that out of the 10 current NFL players on the three teams I just mentioned above, only TWO were eventually signed by one of Michigan's five D-I football playing schools. How do EIGHT future NFL players not sign with one of our five D-I schools? Only Perry was a big-time, All-American-type national recruit. The other seven guys somehow were never noticed as high school seniors or were not recruited hard enough to be convinced to sign with an instate D-I school. And these are only three NFL teams. There are many more current NFL players from Michigan who went elsewhere out of state to play their college ball or went the D-II or D-III level route. Why is that? It shouldn't happen as often as it does. College coaches need to look inward, inside Michigan's borders for the majority of their recruits at the five D-I programs in our state. I think it should be obvious by now that Michigan is overflowing with high school football talent (D-I level talent) and those kids should be representing their home state and suiting up for their home state D-I colleges, not for far-away outstate schools or D-II or D-III colleges.
Okay, off my soapbox.
Monday, October 14, 2013
M & M Game showcases Week 7 rivalry contests
The season is flying by, isn't it? It's already Week 7 of the 2013 prep football campaign. This past weekend was "Rivalry Week" with multiple big-time, backyard brawls throughout Michigan. There even was an interstate rivalry contest between Michigan and Wisconsin that is the nation's oldest. Here are the Week 7 highlights, plus updates on Division I college football players from Michigan.
Week 7 Highlights-
Grosse Pointe South (4-3) 21, Grosse Pointe North (4-3) 10-Great rivalry between the well-to-do
Walled Lake Western (7-0) 35, Walled Lake Central (1-6) 28-Western continues unbeaten year
Waterford Kettering (4-3) 27, Waterford Mott (2-5) 0-Kettering alum Kirk Gibson would be proud
Canton (7-0) 34, Plymouth (5-2) 23-Schools share campus with Salem; tough to lose this one
Westland John Glenn (4-3) 48, Wayne Memorial (0-7) 6-Blue collar rivalry; I know it well
Clarkston (6-1) 42, Troy (2-5) 0-My preseason No. 1 team hitting its stride after Week 1 loss
Farm. Hills Harrison (6-1) 60, Oak Park (5-2) 52-I hear they need new light bulbs on scoreboard
Flint Carman-Ainsworth (6-1) 28, Flint Powers Catholic (3-4) 10-C-A looks like best team in Flint
Gladwin (5-2) 19, Sanford Meridian (6-1) 14-Hard-hitting Jack Pine Conference game "Up North"
West Branch Ogemaw Heights (5-2) 41, Standish-Sterling (6-1) 28-Multiple D-I talent in contest
Paw Paw (7-0) 15, Plainwell (6-1) 13-Big Southwest Michigan clash in Wolverine Conference
Det. Catholic Cent. (6-1) 14, OL St. Mary's (3-4) 6-Another brutal Catholic League Central game
Kingsford (5-2) 48, Iron Mountain (3-4) 21-U.P. cities separated by a single street; Flivers rule
M & M Game-
Menominee (7-0) 56, Marinette (Wisc.) (2-6) 27-One of my favorite contests of the year. The M & M Game is one of the best rivalries in the country. The two schools, separated only by the Menominee River on the Michigan-Wisconsin border in the Upper Peninsula and connected by the Interstate Bridge, have been playing each other since 1894. The series is the oldest interstate rivalry between two public high schools in the nation. With the Maroons' win over the Marines in last weekend's 107th game, the overall series record is tied at 50-50-7. If you've never been to Menominee's Walton Blesch Field, you're missing gazing at and experiencing one of Michigan's finest high school football stadiums. Stone-walled on all four sides, with no inside track, and shoe-horned into the local neighborhood, the stadium looks better suited hosting players with leather helmets and no facemasks -- and that's exactly why I love it. If you've never been to the stadium, get in your vehicle and visit, you won't be disappointed. Then walk over the Interstate Bridge and straddle the Michigan-Wisconsin border. Put one foot in Michigan and the other in Wisconsin -- it's stupid fun, but, hey, it's free and there's nothing wrong with that.
Michigan kids sweep Big Ten honors-
As they do every Saturday, players from the Great Lakes State excel at the highest level in college football games across the country. Last weekend, however, was especially prominent as Michigan natives swept the major Big Ten weekly honors. Earning the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week was Michigan State junior running back Jeremy Langford from Westland John Glenn (the same school which produced former Spartan and current Houston Texans starting wide receiver Keshawn Martin). Named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week was Penn State junior defensive end C.J. Olaniyan from Warren Mott. Also earning the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week honor was Michigan State junior punter Mike Sadler from Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern.
Michigan players dominate Big Ten leader board-
Why a head coach at one of Michigan's five D-I playing college football schools would ever leave the state to find talent still boggles my mind, especially after looking at the Big Ten statistical leader board after last Saturday's games. Most of the top categories are led by players from the Great Lakes State. Penn State junior Allen Robinson from Orchard Lake St. Mary's leads the Big Ten in receiving with 43 catches for 705 yards and five touchdowns. Robinson's 7.2 receptions per game and 117.5 yards receiving per contest also are tops in the Big Ten. Michigan dominates the receiving category with Northwestern junior Tony Jones from Grand Blanc sixth overall in the Big Ten with 29 receptions for 404 yards and three TDs, while Iowa junior Kevonte Martin-Manley from Birmingham Brother Rice is eighth overall in the Big Ten with 26 catches for 225 yards and one touchdown. Michigan sophomore tight end/H-back Devin Funches from Farmington Hills Harrison has 19 receptions for 408 yards and four TDs with 68 yards receiving per game (which is sixth in the Big Ten). Michigan junior quarterback Devin Gardner from Inkster leads the Big Ten in total offense with 439 yards rushing, 1,276 yards passing for 1,715 total yards for the season. Gardner averages 285 total yards per game. Martin-Manley leads the Big Ten in punt return average with nine punts returned for 232 yards (25.8 average return) and a Big Ten-leading two touchdowns. Sadler leads the Big Ten in punting with a 43.8 yards per punt average.
Brendon Kay-
Cincinnati senior quarterback Brendon Kay from Marine City was named the American Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Bearcats to a 38-20 win over Temple last week. Kay, who led Marine City to the 2007 Division 4 state championship, ended up 31-of-37 passing for 270 yards and two TDs against the Owls last week. Kay threw for a conference record 83.7 percent completion rate versus Temple. He also rushed for one touchdown in the game and punted twice for 107 yards (53.5 average) with both kicks downed inside Temple's 10-yard line. For the season, Kay has thrown for 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns.
Week 7 Highlights-
Grosse Pointe South (4-3) 21, Grosse Pointe North (4-3) 10-Great rivalry between the well-to-do
Walled Lake Western (7-0) 35, Walled Lake Central (1-6) 28-Western continues unbeaten year
Waterford Kettering (4-3) 27, Waterford Mott (2-5) 0-Kettering alum Kirk Gibson would be proud
Canton (7-0) 34, Plymouth (5-2) 23-Schools share campus with Salem; tough to lose this one
Westland John Glenn (4-3) 48, Wayne Memorial (0-7) 6-Blue collar rivalry; I know it well
Clarkston (6-1) 42, Troy (2-5) 0-My preseason No. 1 team hitting its stride after Week 1 loss
Farm. Hills Harrison (6-1) 60, Oak Park (5-2) 52-I hear they need new light bulbs on scoreboard
Flint Carman-Ainsworth (6-1) 28, Flint Powers Catholic (3-4) 10-C-A looks like best team in Flint
Gladwin (5-2) 19, Sanford Meridian (6-1) 14-Hard-hitting Jack Pine Conference game "Up North"
West Branch Ogemaw Heights (5-2) 41, Standish-Sterling (6-1) 28-Multiple D-I talent in contest
Paw Paw (7-0) 15, Plainwell (6-1) 13-Big Southwest Michigan clash in Wolverine Conference
Det. Catholic Cent. (6-1) 14, OL St. Mary's (3-4) 6-Another brutal Catholic League Central game
Kingsford (5-2) 48, Iron Mountain (3-4) 21-U.P. cities separated by a single street; Flivers rule
M & M Game-
Menominee (7-0) 56, Marinette (Wisc.) (2-6) 27-One of my favorite contests of the year. The M & M Game is one of the best rivalries in the country. The two schools, separated only by the Menominee River on the Michigan-Wisconsin border in the Upper Peninsula and connected by the Interstate Bridge, have been playing each other since 1894. The series is the oldest interstate rivalry between two public high schools in the nation. With the Maroons' win over the Marines in last weekend's 107th game, the overall series record is tied at 50-50-7. If you've never been to Menominee's Walton Blesch Field, you're missing gazing at and experiencing one of Michigan's finest high school football stadiums. Stone-walled on all four sides, with no inside track, and shoe-horned into the local neighborhood, the stadium looks better suited hosting players with leather helmets and no facemasks -- and that's exactly why I love it. If you've never been to the stadium, get in your vehicle and visit, you won't be disappointed. Then walk over the Interstate Bridge and straddle the Michigan-Wisconsin border. Put one foot in Michigan and the other in Wisconsin -- it's stupid fun, but, hey, it's free and there's nothing wrong with that.
Michigan kids sweep Big Ten honors-
As they do every Saturday, players from the Great Lakes State excel at the highest level in college football games across the country. Last weekend, however, was especially prominent as Michigan natives swept the major Big Ten weekly honors. Earning the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week was Michigan State junior running back Jeremy Langford from Westland John Glenn (the same school which produced former Spartan and current Houston Texans starting wide receiver Keshawn Martin). Named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week was Penn State junior defensive end C.J. Olaniyan from Warren Mott. Also earning the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week honor was Michigan State junior punter Mike Sadler from Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern.
Michigan players dominate Big Ten leader board-
Why a head coach at one of Michigan's five D-I playing college football schools would ever leave the state to find talent still boggles my mind, especially after looking at the Big Ten statistical leader board after last Saturday's games. Most of the top categories are led by players from the Great Lakes State. Penn State junior Allen Robinson from Orchard Lake St. Mary's leads the Big Ten in receiving with 43 catches for 705 yards and five touchdowns. Robinson's 7.2 receptions per game and 117.5 yards receiving per contest also are tops in the Big Ten. Michigan dominates the receiving category with Northwestern junior Tony Jones from Grand Blanc sixth overall in the Big Ten with 29 receptions for 404 yards and three TDs, while Iowa junior Kevonte Martin-Manley from Birmingham Brother Rice is eighth overall in the Big Ten with 26 catches for 225 yards and one touchdown. Michigan sophomore tight end/H-back Devin Funches from Farmington Hills Harrison has 19 receptions for 408 yards and four TDs with 68 yards receiving per game (which is sixth in the Big Ten). Michigan junior quarterback Devin Gardner from Inkster leads the Big Ten in total offense with 439 yards rushing, 1,276 yards passing for 1,715 total yards for the season. Gardner averages 285 total yards per game. Martin-Manley leads the Big Ten in punt return average with nine punts returned for 232 yards (25.8 average return) and a Big Ten-leading two touchdowns. Sadler leads the Big Ten in punting with a 43.8 yards per punt average.
Brendon Kay-
Cincinnati senior quarterback Brendon Kay from Marine City was named the American Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Bearcats to a 38-20 win over Temple last week. Kay, who led Marine City to the 2007 Division 4 state championship, ended up 31-of-37 passing for 270 yards and two TDs against the Owls last week. Kay threw for a conference record 83.7 percent completion rate versus Temple. He also rushed for one touchdown in the game and punted twice for 107 yards (53.5 average) with both kicks downed inside Temple's 10-yard line. For the season, Kay has thrown for 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Stars of Michigan's Southwest Corner, plus other Week 6 tidbits
It's Week 6 of the 2013 prep football season. This time around my mind will wander with thoughts regarding current and former Michigan high school football standouts. First off, let's take a look at the top games from around the state this past weekend.
Week 6-
Allen Park (4-2) 21, Taylor Truman (5-1) 14-The Jags top Devonte McGregor and Truman
Birmingham Brother Rice (6-0) 31, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (3-3) 14-Rice continues to roll
Lowell (6-0) 42, East Grand Rapids (3-3) 39-Marquee Grand Rapids area match-up was thriller
Milan (6-0) 21, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Cent. (5-1) 14-Robert Kanitz and Big Reds unbeaten
Niles Brandywine (6-0) 15, Buchanan (1-5) 14-B-Wine beats Bucks for first time since 2005
Warren DeLaSalle (4-2) 36, Dearborn Fordson (4-2) 0-Wow, Pilots all over Tractors
Lincoln Park (1-5) 34, Taylor Kennedy (0-6) 20-Lincoln Park ends 66-game losing streak -- the streak was the longest in Michigan high school football history
Stars of the "Southwest Corner-"
Michigan's southwest corner has always been a fertile ground for athletic talent. From former NFL linebacker and St. Joseph standout Rob Frederickson, to Eau Claire's Julie Krone, horse racing's greatest female jockey (first female jockey to win Triple Crown race, winningest all-time female jockey, first female inducted into horse racing Hall of Fame), to basketball Hall-of-Famer Chet Walker from hoops-rich Benton Harbor, southwest Michigan has historically been an athletic hotbed.
This season, southwest Michigan is home to some of the state's top high school football players. These players might not garner national attention or, in some cases, even state mention (the South Bend Tribune out of Indiana covers this corner of the state best -- check it out), but make no mistake, these gridders rank right up there with the best Michigan has to offer. Each of these players are high-level Division I college football recruits. If they haven't already, Big Ten and MAC coaches should be flocking to these schools to identify, evaluate and sign these top-flight prep football players.
Stars of the Southwest Corner-
Doug Freeman-5-11, 205-RB-DB-Sr.-Buchanan-In six games, Freeman has nearly 800 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. Not flashy, but highly effective on both sides of the ball, Freeman is simply a natural. He's saddled by playing for a 1-5 squad, but Freeman is a D-I talent through and through.
Nick Padla-6-6, 275-OT-Sr.-Berrien Springs-A Michigan State commit, it was nice seeing the Spartans doing their due diligence, working the state and finding this diamond-in-the-rough out of tiny Berrien Springs. Along with Jonathan Williams (see below), Berrien Springs has two high level D-I football recruits for the first time in school history.
Jonathan Williams-6-6, 235-DE-Sr.-Berrien Springs-A Notre Dame commit, Williams is one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" athletic freaks. An all-around athlete, Williams is a star basketball player and track and field performer who overmatches anyone he lines up against. With 4.5 speed, Williams is similar to former Mizzo DE and NFLer Aldon Smith. The fact he got out of the state with all five of our D-I playing colleges unable to attract or misevaluating him troubles me. This kid, in my opinion, is a top 15 to top 20 type player in Michigan.
Chance Stewart-6-5, 215-QB-Sr.-Sturgis-A Western Michigan commit, Stewart originally gave a verbal to Wisconsin. The strong-armed senior signal-caller is the No. 1-ranked quarterback for the class of 2014 in Michigan, though Ithaca's Travis Smith (Toledo commit) is basically even with Stewart as the state's best QB. Both Stewart and Smith are Big Ten level talents. The fact they both committed to MAC schools says a lot about the shifting tide of power in the Midwest. With Northern Illinois defeating two Big Ten schools already this season (Iowa and Purdue) and Ball State (with Muskegon Heights' WR Willie Snead catching an 11-yard TD pass and Corunna's Jalen Schlachter starting at OG for 5-1 Cardinals) crushing the ACC's Virginia this weekend, along with CMU's OT Eric Fisher (Rochester Hills Stoney Creek) selected as the No. 1 overall pick in last April's NFL Draft, the MAC is stronger than ever team-wise and player-wise. In other words, this isn't your father's Mid-American Conference.
Andrew Duckett-6-1, 185-QB-DB-Jr.-Niles Brandywine-Duckett is a big-time talent on both sides of the ball. With 4.5 speed, he's a run/pass threat as a quarterback and a ball hawk menace from his safety spot. A leader and winner, Duckett has helped spark Brandywine to a 6-0 overall record and a state-ranking so far this season.
Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-4, 210-WR-LB-K-Sr.-Bridgman-To me, Mojsiejenko is a player who should already have Big Ten offers flooding his mailbox. Mojsiejenko just might be the best all-around high school football player in Michigan. He's a bonafide triple threat D-I talent on offense, defense and as a kicker. The son of former Bridgman, Michigan State and NFL kicker Ralf Mojsiejenko (Pro Bowl punter, seven-year NFL career and arguably Michigan's greatest punter ever), Cooper Mojsiejenko not only has the football genes, but outstanding talent, as well. He runs a 4.4 40, has kicked a 51-yard field goal, and is a match-up nightmare on either side of the football. In four or five years, as a redshirt junior or senior, Mojsiejenko could project out to a 6-4, 235 LB, or a 6-4, 245 H-Back/TE or a 6-4, 225 WR -- with 4.4-type speed. Or he could simply concentrate on his kicking skills, where it's obvious he has the background and pedigree to be successful. Where are Purdue, Illinois and Indiana on this kid, not to mention MSU and U-M? Also a top baseball prospect, Mojsiejenko reminds me of former Notre Dame All-American WR Jeff Samardzija, who could have been a first round NFL draft pick, but instead opted to pitch in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs. Either way, Mojsiejenko is legit.
Michigan kids on the national scene-
As I was flipping around the TV stations today watching various college football games (yes, I had my feet up lounging on my Lazy-Boy, a large pepperoni pizza resting on my chest and a 2-liter of Pepsi intravenously pumped into my veins -- who doesn't?), I noticed several former Michigan high school football standouts playing prominent roles for their individual teams. Not including MSU and U-M, it was nice seeing WR Allen Robinson (Orchard Lake St. Mary's), DE C.J. Olaniyan (Warren Mott) and DE Anthony Zettel (West Branch Ogemaw Heights) all starting for Penn State, OG Bernard Taylor (Macomb Dakota) starting for Indiana, WR Tony Jones (Grand Blanc) and OT Paul Jorgensen (DeWitt) starting for Northwestern, DT Dan O'Brien (Flint Powers Catholic) starting for Tennessee and WR Kevonte Martin-Manley (Birmingham Brother Rice), DT Carl Davis (Sterling Heights Stevenson) and CB Desmond King (Detroit East English Village) starting for Iowa. I didn't get to watch too many games, but the ones I did focus on had a nice Michigan flavor to them.
Malik Taylor-
If you don't know about him -- I'm talking to you Mr. Recruiting Coordinator at Michigan's five D-I playing schools -- you need to take a trip out to Montrose. Like Cooper Mojsiejenko, Malik Taylor is legit. At 6-2, 195, Taylor, a senior, is a man among boys at Montrose (it's just north of Flint). With 4.4 speed (I also read somewhere he ran a 4.38), Taylor is a blur on the field. More than anything, however, what makes this player so intriguing to me is his growth potential at the next level. In four or five years, as a redshirt junior or senior, I see Taylor packing on 25-30 pounds of muscle, keeping his 4.4 speed and potentially lining up at outside linebacker. I like his ability to play multiple positions in college. He could play as a 6-2, 205 WR or a 6-2, 215 SS or as I noted above a 6-2, 225/230 OLB, with 4.4 speed.
It would be something, in four or five years at the next level, to see Berrien Springs' DE Jonathan Williams at 6-6, 265 and running a 4.5, lining up in front of OLB Malik Taylor at 6-2, 225/230 running a 4.4. Wow. Just wow... As they say, that would be "SEC speed" and athleticism/talent at DE and OLB. Just for kicks (I'm on a roll now), on the other side, you could have Southfield's DE Lawrence Marshall filling out at 6-4, 255 and running a 4.5, with my guy Cooper Mojsiejenko (doing his best Clay Matthews impersonation) at 6-4, 235 running a 4.4 at OLB. Then (now I'm getting excited) you could have a bulked up Nate Brisson-Fast at 6-6, 285/290 and running a 4.6/4.7 at DT and next to him the state's No. 1 recruit Malik McDowell at 6-7, 320 and Detroit Cass Tech bone-crushing middle linebacker William White at 6-2, 240 and running a 4.5/4.6... okay, I need to stop, my head's going to explode... They say you can't recruit explosive SEC talent/speed/athleticism in Michigan, well, I'll take that relentless, attacking front seven described above and take my chances in four or five years any day. If only...
Week 6-
Allen Park (4-2) 21, Taylor Truman (5-1) 14-The Jags top Devonte McGregor and Truman
Birmingham Brother Rice (6-0) 31, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (3-3) 14-Rice continues to roll
Lowell (6-0) 42, East Grand Rapids (3-3) 39-Marquee Grand Rapids area match-up was thriller
Milan (6-0) 21, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Cent. (5-1) 14-Robert Kanitz and Big Reds unbeaten
Niles Brandywine (6-0) 15, Buchanan (1-5) 14-B-Wine beats Bucks for first time since 2005
Warren DeLaSalle (4-2) 36, Dearborn Fordson (4-2) 0-Wow, Pilots all over Tractors
Lincoln Park (1-5) 34, Taylor Kennedy (0-6) 20-Lincoln Park ends 66-game losing streak -- the streak was the longest in Michigan high school football history
Stars of the "Southwest Corner-"
Michigan's southwest corner has always been a fertile ground for athletic talent. From former NFL linebacker and St. Joseph standout Rob Frederickson, to Eau Claire's Julie Krone, horse racing's greatest female jockey (first female jockey to win Triple Crown race, winningest all-time female jockey, first female inducted into horse racing Hall of Fame), to basketball Hall-of-Famer Chet Walker from hoops-rich Benton Harbor, southwest Michigan has historically been an athletic hotbed.
This season, southwest Michigan is home to some of the state's top high school football players. These players might not garner national attention or, in some cases, even state mention (the South Bend Tribune out of Indiana covers this corner of the state best -- check it out), but make no mistake, these gridders rank right up there with the best Michigan has to offer. Each of these players are high-level Division I college football recruits. If they haven't already, Big Ten and MAC coaches should be flocking to these schools to identify, evaluate and sign these top-flight prep football players.
Stars of the Southwest Corner-
Doug Freeman-5-11, 205-RB-DB-Sr.-Buchanan-In six games, Freeman has nearly 800 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. Not flashy, but highly effective on both sides of the ball, Freeman is simply a natural. He's saddled by playing for a 1-5 squad, but Freeman is a D-I talent through and through.
Nick Padla-6-6, 275-OT-Sr.-Berrien Springs-A Michigan State commit, it was nice seeing the Spartans doing their due diligence, working the state and finding this diamond-in-the-rough out of tiny Berrien Springs. Along with Jonathan Williams (see below), Berrien Springs has two high level D-I football recruits for the first time in school history.
Jonathan Williams-6-6, 235-DE-Sr.-Berrien Springs-A Notre Dame commit, Williams is one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" athletic freaks. An all-around athlete, Williams is a star basketball player and track and field performer who overmatches anyone he lines up against. With 4.5 speed, Williams is similar to former Mizzo DE and NFLer Aldon Smith. The fact he got out of the state with all five of our D-I playing colleges unable to attract or misevaluating him troubles me. This kid, in my opinion, is a top 15 to top 20 type player in Michigan.
Chance Stewart-6-5, 215-QB-Sr.-Sturgis-A Western Michigan commit, Stewart originally gave a verbal to Wisconsin. The strong-armed senior signal-caller is the No. 1-ranked quarterback for the class of 2014 in Michigan, though Ithaca's Travis Smith (Toledo commit) is basically even with Stewart as the state's best QB. Both Stewart and Smith are Big Ten level talents. The fact they both committed to MAC schools says a lot about the shifting tide of power in the Midwest. With Northern Illinois defeating two Big Ten schools already this season (Iowa and Purdue) and Ball State (with Muskegon Heights' WR Willie Snead catching an 11-yard TD pass and Corunna's Jalen Schlachter starting at OG for 5-1 Cardinals) crushing the ACC's Virginia this weekend, along with CMU's OT Eric Fisher (Rochester Hills Stoney Creek) selected as the No. 1 overall pick in last April's NFL Draft, the MAC is stronger than ever team-wise and player-wise. In other words, this isn't your father's Mid-American Conference.
Andrew Duckett-6-1, 185-QB-DB-Jr.-Niles Brandywine-Duckett is a big-time talent on both sides of the ball. With 4.5 speed, he's a run/pass threat as a quarterback and a ball hawk menace from his safety spot. A leader and winner, Duckett has helped spark Brandywine to a 6-0 overall record and a state-ranking so far this season.
Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-4, 210-WR-LB-K-Sr.-Bridgman-To me, Mojsiejenko is a player who should already have Big Ten offers flooding his mailbox. Mojsiejenko just might be the best all-around high school football player in Michigan. He's a bonafide triple threat D-I talent on offense, defense and as a kicker. The son of former Bridgman, Michigan State and NFL kicker Ralf Mojsiejenko (Pro Bowl punter, seven-year NFL career and arguably Michigan's greatest punter ever), Cooper Mojsiejenko not only has the football genes, but outstanding talent, as well. He runs a 4.4 40, has kicked a 51-yard field goal, and is a match-up nightmare on either side of the football. In four or five years, as a redshirt junior or senior, Mojsiejenko could project out to a 6-4, 235 LB, or a 6-4, 245 H-Back/TE or a 6-4, 225 WR -- with 4.4-type speed. Or he could simply concentrate on his kicking skills, where it's obvious he has the background and pedigree to be successful. Where are Purdue, Illinois and Indiana on this kid, not to mention MSU and U-M? Also a top baseball prospect, Mojsiejenko reminds me of former Notre Dame All-American WR Jeff Samardzija, who could have been a first round NFL draft pick, but instead opted to pitch in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs. Either way, Mojsiejenko is legit.
Michigan kids on the national scene-
As I was flipping around the TV stations today watching various college football games (yes, I had my feet up lounging on my Lazy-Boy, a large pepperoni pizza resting on my chest and a 2-liter of Pepsi intravenously pumped into my veins -- who doesn't?), I noticed several former Michigan high school football standouts playing prominent roles for their individual teams. Not including MSU and U-M, it was nice seeing WR Allen Robinson (Orchard Lake St. Mary's), DE C.J. Olaniyan (Warren Mott) and DE Anthony Zettel (West Branch Ogemaw Heights) all starting for Penn State, OG Bernard Taylor (Macomb Dakota) starting for Indiana, WR Tony Jones (Grand Blanc) and OT Paul Jorgensen (DeWitt) starting for Northwestern, DT Dan O'Brien (Flint Powers Catholic) starting for Tennessee and WR Kevonte Martin-Manley (Birmingham Brother Rice), DT Carl Davis (Sterling Heights Stevenson) and CB Desmond King (Detroit East English Village) starting for Iowa. I didn't get to watch too many games, but the ones I did focus on had a nice Michigan flavor to them.
Malik Taylor-
If you don't know about him -- I'm talking to you Mr. Recruiting Coordinator at Michigan's five D-I playing schools -- you need to take a trip out to Montrose. Like Cooper Mojsiejenko, Malik Taylor is legit. At 6-2, 195, Taylor, a senior, is a man among boys at Montrose (it's just north of Flint). With 4.4 speed (I also read somewhere he ran a 4.38), Taylor is a blur on the field. More than anything, however, what makes this player so intriguing to me is his growth potential at the next level. In four or five years, as a redshirt junior or senior, I see Taylor packing on 25-30 pounds of muscle, keeping his 4.4 speed and potentially lining up at outside linebacker. I like his ability to play multiple positions in college. He could play as a 6-2, 205 WR or a 6-2, 215 SS or as I noted above a 6-2, 225/230 OLB, with 4.4 speed.
It would be something, in four or five years at the next level, to see Berrien Springs' DE Jonathan Williams at 6-6, 265 and running a 4.5, lining up in front of OLB Malik Taylor at 6-2, 225/230 running a 4.4. Wow. Just wow... As they say, that would be "SEC speed" and athleticism/talent at DE and OLB. Just for kicks (I'm on a roll now), on the other side, you could have Southfield's DE Lawrence Marshall filling out at 6-4, 255 and running a 4.5, with my guy Cooper Mojsiejenko (doing his best Clay Matthews impersonation) at 6-4, 235 running a 4.4 at OLB. Then (now I'm getting excited) you could have a bulked up Nate Brisson-Fast at 6-6, 285/290 and running a 4.6/4.7 at DT and next to him the state's No. 1 recruit Malik McDowell at 6-7, 320 and Detroit Cass Tech bone-crushing middle linebacker William White at 6-2, 240 and running a 4.5/4.6... okay, I need to stop, my head's going to explode... They say you can't recruit explosive SEC talent/speed/athleticism in Michigan, well, I'll take that relentless, attacking front seven described above and take my chances in four or five years any day. If only...
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Week 5 memorable for multiple reasons
Week 5 of the 2013 high school football season was one to remember, especially since it was the final time legendary coach Al Fracassa led Birmingham Brother Rice against arch rival Detroit Catholic Central in a regular season contest. The two-time defending Division 2 state champion Warriors defeated the Shamrocks 28-21 in a battle of two of the country's best programs. The all-time winningest coach in Michigan prep football history, and top 10 in the nation, Fracassa's Rice squad (5-0) is one of the state's top teams. Catholic Central is no slouch either. The Shamrocks (4-1), led by D-I recruit Dylan Roney (6-3, 235, 4.6 40 at DE), are playing outstanding football and quite possibly could make their third straight Division 1 state championship appearance this fall.
Besides the Rice-Catholic Central contest, other top games throughout Michigan this past weekend included -
Week 5-
Wyandotte (5-0) 17, Melvindale (4-1) 10-Two of Downriver's best collided with Bears prevailing
Warren DeLaSalle (3-2) 7, Orch. Lake St. Mary's (3-2) 0-Classic Catholic League Central brawl
Temperance Bedford (5-0) 33, Saline (4-1) 17-Big time Southeastern Conference showdown
Portage Central (5-0) 49, Portage Northern (3-2) 7-Rivalry game surprisingly one-sided
Port Huron (4-1) 28, Port Huron Northern (2-3) 0-Another lopsided heated-rivalry contest
Menominee (5-0) 42, Kingsford (4-1) 13-Upper Peninsula heavyweights clash
Lincoln Alcona (5-0) 28, Whittemore-Prescott (3-2) 26 (2OT)-"Up North" win for upstart Alcona
Ithaca (5-0) 49, Carrollton (2-3) 14-Top-ranked 'Jackets hold nation's longest win streak at 47
Grand Rapids Christian (4-1) 28, East Grand Rapids (3-2) 17-Top game in football crazy GR
Detroit Loyola (5-0) 36, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (4-1) 29-Catholic League AA thriller
Dearborn Fordson (4-1) 34, Dearborn (1-4) 7-Crosstown rivalry sees "Cake Eaters" fall.
Clarkston (4-1) 42, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (4-1) 7-Wolves win 4 straight after Week 1 loss
Detroit Country Day (2-3) 34, Escanaba (1-4) 7-Country Day traveled 429 miles to beat the Upper Peninsula Eskymos. How many other states east of the Mississippi River can have a team travel 429 MILES for an in-state contest? -- FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE MILES (think about that) -- Just another reason why Michigan high school football is by far the best, and most unique, in the Midwest.
Besides the Rice-Catholic Central contest, other top games throughout Michigan this past weekend included -
Week 5-
Wyandotte (5-0) 17, Melvindale (4-1) 10-Two of Downriver's best collided with Bears prevailing
Warren DeLaSalle (3-2) 7, Orch. Lake St. Mary's (3-2) 0-Classic Catholic League Central brawl
Temperance Bedford (5-0) 33, Saline (4-1) 17-Big time Southeastern Conference showdown
Portage Central (5-0) 49, Portage Northern (3-2) 7-Rivalry game surprisingly one-sided
Port Huron (4-1) 28, Port Huron Northern (2-3) 0-Another lopsided heated-rivalry contest
Menominee (5-0) 42, Kingsford (4-1) 13-Upper Peninsula heavyweights clash
Lincoln Alcona (5-0) 28, Whittemore-Prescott (3-2) 26 (2OT)-"Up North" win for upstart Alcona
Ithaca (5-0) 49, Carrollton (2-3) 14-Top-ranked 'Jackets hold nation's longest win streak at 47
Grand Rapids Christian (4-1) 28, East Grand Rapids (3-2) 17-Top game in football crazy GR
Detroit Loyola (5-0) 36, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (4-1) 29-Catholic League AA thriller
Dearborn Fordson (4-1) 34, Dearborn (1-4) 7-Crosstown rivalry sees "Cake Eaters" fall.
Clarkston (4-1) 42, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (4-1) 7-Wolves win 4 straight after Week 1 loss
Detroit Country Day (2-3) 34, Escanaba (1-4) 7-Country Day traveled 429 miles to beat the Upper Peninsula Eskymos. How many other states east of the Mississippi River can have a team travel 429 MILES for an in-state contest? -- FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE MILES (think about that) -- Just another reason why Michigan high school football is by far the best, and most unique, in the Midwest.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Least-heralded class of 2015 college football prospects in Michigan
With Week No. 4 of the prep football season in the books, here is a look at some of the least-heralded class of 2015 junior players who appear to be bonafide Division I college football talents. These players are guys I might have overlooked at the beginning of the year, but now are on my radar and should be on the radar of every D-I college football coach in Michigan and throughout the country.
(Rankings in no particular order, all are D-I -- high, mid, low level -- college prospects)
Quarterback-
1. Andrew Duckett-6-1, 180-Niles Brandywine-Also top DB, 4.5 speed, led team to 4-0 start
2. Tyree Jackson-6-3, 180-Muskegon Mona Shores-Two-year starter, physical specimen
3. Mason Opple-6-2, 195-Hudsonville-Tim Tebow-like runner/passer for Grand Rapids power
4. Askaree Crawford-5-11, 180-Ann Arbor Skyline-1,500 yds., 12 TDs, 285 yds., 6 TDs as soph
5. Collin Goslin-6-2, 200-Dearborn Divine Child-Will be four-year starter for Falcons, steady
6. Dakota Cupp-6-2, 190-Waterford Mott
7. Glacier Wallington-5-10, 180-Oxford-Already three-year starter, also excellent DB prospect
8. Ty Sparks-6-1, 170-Clawson-Coach's son, dynamic pass/catch duo w/ stud Marquian Johnson
9. Jake Zorn-6-3, 190-Holly
10. Keegan James-6-2, 200-Stanton Central Montcalm-Great size, strength, also excellent LB
11. Greg Williams-6-2, 190-Canton-Another top signal-caller in strong 2015 QB class
12. Jay Doll-6-0, 175-Paw Paw-Putting up video game-like numbers already this season (over 1,500 yds. passing, 18 TDs, 4 ints after five games)
Running Back-
1. Juan Johnson-5-8, 185-Madison Hts. Madison-Big-time combo RB/DB, 4.5 speed
2. Josh Holloman-5-11, 185-Auburn Hills Avondale-4.2 40, defending 100 meter state champ
3. Oscar Brown-5-9, 180-Romulus-4.3 40, best Romulus back since Fred Russell (Iowa)
4. Shawn Knox-5-8, 165-Fruitport-Slippery guy who plays multiple positions, RB-WR-CB
5. E.J. Jackson-5-8, 185-Lansing Eastern-Speed-burner from the Capital City
Wide Receiver-
1. Sam Heyboer-6-5, 210-Grand Rapids South Christian-Big target, also top LB prospect
2. Sam Beal-6-2, 170-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills-School record-holder in 200, game-breaker
3. Jaylin Gholston-6-3, 180-Madison Hts. Madison-Another tall, lanky WR with speed
4. Malik Whitehead-6-0, 170-Detroit Denby-All around talent, also excels at RB, DB
Tight End-
1. Parker Underwood-6-4, 225-East Lansing
2. Daniel Crawford-6-2, 235-Macomb Dakota-Superb blocker for state power
3. Matt Seybert-6-4, 220-Traverse City St. Francis
4. Tyler Mabry-6-4, 220-Ypsilanti Lincoln-Awesome size/speed/athleticism combo, great hoopster
5. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-Northville-Already has Big Ten body, D-I schools drooling, top B-Baller
Offensive Linemen-
1. Adam Matich-6-1, 270-Clarkston-Already offered by Miami (Ohio)
2. Bryce Wilker-6-6, 275-Belding-Best Redskin OL since Erik Faasen (Toledo, All-MAC)
3. Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-Battle Creek Pennfield-Big Ten size, talent, a must-see for area coaches
4. Seth Tice-6-2, 265-Traverse City Central-Excellent guard/center prospect from "Up North"
5. John Keenoy-6-3, 285-East Kentwood-Pure center, anchors middle of line, big-time mauler
6. Robert Hacker-6-3, 240-Dearborn-Benches 290, skilled, technical blocker at center
7. Cody Patterson-6-4, 275-Walled Lake Central-Bookend OT w/senior Kevin Kwapis (6-9, 300)
8. Ryan Rockensuess-6-4, 260-Troy Athens
9. Justin Banks-6-5, 260-Farmington
10. Andy Adado-6-5, 265-Holt-Next great Holt OL, multiple former Rams now playing D-I
Kicker-
1. Jake Herbers-5-11, 175-Battle Creek Lakeview
Defensive Linemen-
1. Tony Balabani-6-2, 230-Macomb Dakota-High-motor, also plays RB for top program
2. DeMaris Price-6-1, 265-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills-Run-plugger inside
3. Wyatt Conkle-6-3, 240-Hesperia-Little known, three-year starter who makes play after play
4. Diontaye Gordon-6-4, 235-Muskegon Mona Shores-Nice frame, length
5. Tommy Brown-6-2, 265-Grand Rapids Northview-Force in trenches, demands double
6. Rhys Adle-6-3, 215-Traverse City Central
7. Jacob Miller-6-6, 220-Detroit Northwestern-Big time prospect from PSL, 4.8 40
8. Kenton Rivard-6-3, 300-Marine City-Explosive power in trenches, also outstanding OL
Linebacker-
1. Jack Bates-6-3, 215-Grand Rapids Christian-Talented player, could bulk up to DE at next level
2. Kamahl March-6-3, 215-Detroit East English Village-17 sacks, 6 punt blocks as soph
3. Jeff Marvin-6-1, 205-Adrian-Tackling machine for Maples
4. Joe Platz-6-2, 215-Rochester Hills Stoney Creek-Good size, mobility
5. Marvin Wright-6-0, 200-Lansing Everett-Dad was star at MSU, son might be even better
Defensive Back-
1. Danil Young-5-10, 170-Grandville-Already a two-year starter, skilled cover guy
2. Craig Gaillard-5-11, 175-Dearborn Edsel Ford-Three-year starter, also standout QB
Top 15 Overall Least-Heralded 2015 Recruits (so far, this season)
1. Josh Holloman-5-11, 185-RB-Auburn Hills Avondale-No. 3-ranked RB in class of 2015
2. Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-OT-Battle Creek Pennfield-Size alone forces a high D-I look
3. Kamahl March-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit East English Village-Speed edge-rusher, sky is the limit
4. Jacob Miller-6-6, 220-DE-Detroit Northwestern-Elite athlete, huge wingspan, quickness
5. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-TE-Northville-Could flesh out to 6-8, 270 behemoth at next level
6. Tyler Mabry-6-4, 220-TE-Ypsilanti Lincoln-Raw talent with Big Ten size/speed combo
7. John Keenoy-6-3, 285-C-East Kentwood-Huge upside for highly-skilled blocker
8. Askaree Crawford-5-11, 180-QB-Ann Arbor Skyline-Can do it all, can play multiple positions
9. Sam Heyboer-6-5, 210-WR-Grand Rapids South Christian-Match-up problem, could be TE/LB
10. Tommy Brown-6-2, 265-DT-Grand Rapids Northview-By next season he'll be unblockable
11. Bryce Wilker-6-6, 275-OT-Belding-Love his size, length combo upfront, terrific prospect
12. Glacier Wallington-5-10, 180-QB-DB-Oxford-Just a football player, great natural skills
13. Tony Balabani-6-2, 230-DE-Macomb Dakota-Never stops playing, great mobility for big guy
14. Juan Johnson-5-8, 185-RB-Madison Hts. Madison-Eye-popping burst, ball-hawk at DB
15. Sam Beal-6-2, 170-WR-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills-A diamond in the rough type player;
(three-way tie) Craig Gaillard-5-11, 175-DB-Dearborn Edsel Ford-Smart, heady player, leader; Oscar Brown-5-9, 180-RB-Romulus-4.3 speed deserves Big Ten/MAC look for sure
(Rankings in no particular order, all are D-I -- high, mid, low level -- college prospects)
Quarterback-
1. Andrew Duckett-6-1, 180-Niles Brandywine-Also top DB, 4.5 speed, led team to 4-0 start
2. Tyree Jackson-6-3, 180-Muskegon Mona Shores-Two-year starter, physical specimen
3. Mason Opple-6-2, 195-Hudsonville-Tim Tebow-like runner/passer for Grand Rapids power
4. Askaree Crawford-5-11, 180-Ann Arbor Skyline-1,500 yds., 12 TDs, 285 yds., 6 TDs as soph
5. Collin Goslin-6-2, 200-Dearborn Divine Child-Will be four-year starter for Falcons, steady
6. Dakota Cupp-6-2, 190-Waterford Mott
7. Glacier Wallington-5-10, 180-Oxford-Already three-year starter, also excellent DB prospect
8. Ty Sparks-6-1, 170-Clawson-Coach's son, dynamic pass/catch duo w/ stud Marquian Johnson
9. Jake Zorn-6-3, 190-Holly
10. Keegan James-6-2, 200-Stanton Central Montcalm-Great size, strength, also excellent LB
11. Greg Williams-6-2, 190-Canton-Another top signal-caller in strong 2015 QB class
12. Jay Doll-6-0, 175-Paw Paw-Putting up video game-like numbers already this season (over 1,500 yds. passing, 18 TDs, 4 ints after five games)
Running Back-
1. Juan Johnson-5-8, 185-Madison Hts. Madison-Big-time combo RB/DB, 4.5 speed
2. Josh Holloman-5-11, 185-Auburn Hills Avondale-4.2 40, defending 100 meter state champ
3. Oscar Brown-5-9, 180-Romulus-4.3 40, best Romulus back since Fred Russell (Iowa)
4. Shawn Knox-5-8, 165-Fruitport-Slippery guy who plays multiple positions, RB-WR-CB
5. E.J. Jackson-5-8, 185-Lansing Eastern-Speed-burner from the Capital City
Wide Receiver-
1. Sam Heyboer-6-5, 210-Grand Rapids South Christian-Big target, also top LB prospect
2. Sam Beal-6-2, 170-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills-School record-holder in 200, game-breaker
3. Jaylin Gholston-6-3, 180-Madison Hts. Madison-Another tall, lanky WR with speed
4. Malik Whitehead-6-0, 170-Detroit Denby-All around talent, also excels at RB, DB
Tight End-
1. Parker Underwood-6-4, 225-East Lansing
2. Daniel Crawford-6-2, 235-Macomb Dakota-Superb blocker for state power
3. Matt Seybert-6-4, 220-Traverse City St. Francis
4. Tyler Mabry-6-4, 220-Ypsilanti Lincoln-Awesome size/speed/athleticism combo, great hoopster
5. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-Northville-Already has Big Ten body, D-I schools drooling, top B-Baller
Offensive Linemen-
1. Adam Matich-6-1, 270-Clarkston-Already offered by Miami (Ohio)
2. Bryce Wilker-6-6, 275-Belding-Best Redskin OL since Erik Faasen (Toledo, All-MAC)
3. Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-Battle Creek Pennfield-Big Ten size, talent, a must-see for area coaches
4. Seth Tice-6-2, 265-Traverse City Central-Excellent guard/center prospect from "Up North"
5. John Keenoy-6-3, 285-East Kentwood-Pure center, anchors middle of line, big-time mauler
6. Robert Hacker-6-3, 240-Dearborn-Benches 290, skilled, technical blocker at center
7. Cody Patterson-6-4, 275-Walled Lake Central-Bookend OT w/senior Kevin Kwapis (6-9, 300)
8. Ryan Rockensuess-6-4, 260-Troy Athens
9. Justin Banks-6-5, 260-Farmington
10. Andy Adado-6-5, 265-Holt-Next great Holt OL, multiple former Rams now playing D-I
Kicker-
1. Jake Herbers-5-11, 175-Battle Creek Lakeview
Defensive Linemen-
1. Tony Balabani-6-2, 230-Macomb Dakota-High-motor, also plays RB for top program
2. DeMaris Price-6-1, 265-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills-Run-plugger inside
3. Wyatt Conkle-6-3, 240-Hesperia-Little known, three-year starter who makes play after play
4. Diontaye Gordon-6-4, 235-Muskegon Mona Shores-Nice frame, length
5. Tommy Brown-6-2, 265-Grand Rapids Northview-Force in trenches, demands double
6. Rhys Adle-6-3, 215-Traverse City Central
7. Jacob Miller-6-6, 220-Detroit Northwestern-Big time prospect from PSL, 4.8 40
8. Kenton Rivard-6-3, 300-Marine City-Explosive power in trenches, also outstanding OL
Linebacker-
1. Jack Bates-6-3, 215-Grand Rapids Christian-Talented player, could bulk up to DE at next level
2. Kamahl March-6-3, 215-Detroit East English Village-17 sacks, 6 punt blocks as soph
3. Jeff Marvin-6-1, 205-Adrian-Tackling machine for Maples
4. Joe Platz-6-2, 215-Rochester Hills Stoney Creek-Good size, mobility
5. Marvin Wright-6-0, 200-Lansing Everett-Dad was star at MSU, son might be even better
Defensive Back-
1. Danil Young-5-10, 170-Grandville-Already a two-year starter, skilled cover guy
2. Craig Gaillard-5-11, 175-Dearborn Edsel Ford-Three-year starter, also standout QB
Top 15 Overall Least-Heralded 2015 Recruits (so far, this season)
1. Josh Holloman-5-11, 185-RB-Auburn Hills Avondale-No. 3-ranked RB in class of 2015
2. Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-OT-Battle Creek Pennfield-Size alone forces a high D-I look
3. Kamahl March-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit East English Village-Speed edge-rusher, sky is the limit
4. Jacob Miller-6-6, 220-DE-Detroit Northwestern-Elite athlete, huge wingspan, quickness
5. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-TE-Northville-Could flesh out to 6-8, 270 behemoth at next level
6. Tyler Mabry-6-4, 220-TE-Ypsilanti Lincoln-Raw talent with Big Ten size/speed combo
7. John Keenoy-6-3, 285-C-East Kentwood-Huge upside for highly-skilled blocker
8. Askaree Crawford-5-11, 180-QB-Ann Arbor Skyline-Can do it all, can play multiple positions
9. Sam Heyboer-6-5, 210-WR-Grand Rapids South Christian-Match-up problem, could be TE/LB
10. Tommy Brown-6-2, 265-DT-Grand Rapids Northview-By next season he'll be unblockable
11. Bryce Wilker-6-6, 275-OT-Belding-Love his size, length combo upfront, terrific prospect
12. Glacier Wallington-5-10, 180-QB-DB-Oxford-Just a football player, great natural skills
13. Tony Balabani-6-2, 230-DE-Macomb Dakota-Never stops playing, great mobility for big guy
14. Juan Johnson-5-8, 185-RB-Madison Hts. Madison-Eye-popping burst, ball-hawk at DB
15. Sam Beal-6-2, 170-WR-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills-A diamond in the rough type player;
(three-way tie) Craig Gaillard-5-11, 175-DB-Dearborn Edsel Ford-Smart, heady player, leader; Oscar Brown-5-9, 180-RB-Romulus-4.3 speed deserves Big Ten/MAC look for sure
Monday, September 16, 2013
Incredible first three weeks of 2013 prep football season
What an amazing first three weeks it's been for high school football throughout the state of Michigan. Here is a listing highlighting some of the top games from the 2013 season's opening weeks. What is particularly interesting to me, and really not too surprising considering our state's talent, is the dominance of Michigan teams against powerhouse squads from other Midwestern states. That dominance goes to show what I've always believed, which is high school football in Michigan is second to no one and the state's talent is truly the best, pound for pound, in the Midwest.
Week 1-
Rockford 23, Utica Eisenhower 6-Great match-up between West and East Michigan powers.
Grand Rapids Christian 41, GR South Christian 13-Battle of defending state champions.
Birm. Brother Rice 29, Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius 20-Ohio D-1 champs ('01, '08, '11) fall.
Oak Park 25, Orchard Lake St. Mary's 20-Over 10 Division I college football players in game.
Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic 21, Warren DeLaSalle 14-Ohio D-2 champs eke out win.
Detroit Cass Tech 18, Southfield 14-Over 15 D-I college prospects in Week 1 classic.
Week 2-
Kalamazoo Central 23, Battle Creek Central 7-State's oldest rivalry continues on and on...
Detroit Catholic Central 35, Chicago (Ill.) Simeon 13-Illinois power (11-2 last year) loses.
Zeeland East 50, Zeeland West 44-One of the state's newest and best rivalries.
Muskegon 35, GR Christian 13-Defending D-2 runners-up beat defending D-3 state champs.
Orch. Lake St. Mary's 10, Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer 3-Another Ohio power falls to Michigan team.
Detroit King 6, Detroit East English Village 0-Talent-rich Detroit PSL marquee game.
Week 3-
Muskegon 45, Rockford 0-West Michigan Clash of Titans turned into a surprising rout.
St. Joseph 32, Stevensville-Lakeshore 20-Lake Michigan beach towns, equal elite HS football.
Det. Catholic Cent. 23, Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer 0-Ohio D-1 runner-up loses again to MI.
Zeeland East 14, Hudsonville 12-Another West Michigan game featuring top programs.
Swartz Creek 71, Flint Kearsley 61-Anyone hear of defense? Combined points-132. Wow.
Menominee 40, Harbor Beach 21-Upper Peninsula power Menominee (D-5 state champs 2006, 2007) played Thumb area power and defending D-8 state champion Harbor Beach in a cool match-up between two excellent football programs who normally would never face each other.
Week 1-
Rockford 23, Utica Eisenhower 6-Great match-up between West and East Michigan powers.
Grand Rapids Christian 41, GR South Christian 13-Battle of defending state champions.
Birm. Brother Rice 29, Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius 20-Ohio D-1 champs ('01, '08, '11) fall.
Oak Park 25, Orchard Lake St. Mary's 20-Over 10 Division I college football players in game.
Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic 21, Warren DeLaSalle 14-Ohio D-2 champs eke out win.
Detroit Cass Tech 18, Southfield 14-Over 15 D-I college prospects in Week 1 classic.
Week 2-
Kalamazoo Central 23, Battle Creek Central 7-State's oldest rivalry continues on and on...
Detroit Catholic Central 35, Chicago (Ill.) Simeon 13-Illinois power (11-2 last year) loses.
Zeeland East 50, Zeeland West 44-One of the state's newest and best rivalries.
Muskegon 35, GR Christian 13-Defending D-2 runners-up beat defending D-3 state champs.
Orch. Lake St. Mary's 10, Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer 3-Another Ohio power falls to Michigan team.
Detroit King 6, Detroit East English Village 0-Talent-rich Detroit PSL marquee game.
Week 3-
Muskegon 45, Rockford 0-West Michigan Clash of Titans turned into a surprising rout.
St. Joseph 32, Stevensville-Lakeshore 20-Lake Michigan beach towns, equal elite HS football.
Det. Catholic Cent. 23, Toledo (Ohio) Whitmer 0-Ohio D-1 runner-up loses again to MI.
Zeeland East 14, Hudsonville 12-Another West Michigan game featuring top programs.
Swartz Creek 71, Flint Kearsley 61-Anyone hear of defense? Combined points-132. Wow.
Menominee 40, Harbor Beach 21-Upper Peninsula power Menominee (D-5 state champs 2006, 2007) played Thumb area power and defending D-8 state champion Harbor Beach in a cool match-up between two excellent football programs who normally would never face each other.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Classes of 2014, 2015 least well-known Division I college football prospects in Michigan (Early rankings)
Well, as we conclude the second week of the 2013 prep football season, I've been busy perusing local previews and game scores from throughout the state of Michigan. It's truly eye-popping the depth, quality and outright total number of Division I-caliber players in the state. Here is a list of some of the top players and D-I prospects (outside of the close to 200 juniors and seniors I've already listed in this blog) I uncovered, or, in some instances, wasn't that high on previously and now have a change of opinion, after canvassing and researching the state from north to south and east to west. All of these players are Division I-level football recruits.
Class of 2014- (With updated rankings in some instances)
Quarterback-
1. Danny Welke-6-4, 190-Marshall-No. 4-rated QB in state, 1,758 yds and 16 TDs as Jr.
2. Tyler Sigler-6-3, 200-Grand Rapids Christian-No. 6-rated QB, 4.5 40, transfer from Jenison
3. Jalen Brady-6-0, 190-Southfield-Slippery QB for one of state's best teams, BGSU verbal
4. A.J. Favazza-6-6, 250-Center Line-Skill to be TE at next level, similar to Matt Sokol (No. 5 QB)
Running Back-
1. Jeremiah Johnson-5-9, 190-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep-Toledo, WMU recruiting
2. Trevor Mason-6-2, 205-Macomb Lutheran North-Freakish talent, 4.5, 300 bench, also top LB
3. Danny Bauder-5-9, 180-Zeeland West-All-purpose threat (KO, DB, RB), 4.4 40
4. Jesse Brown-5-10, 175-Romulus Summit Academy-Small school standout, explosive, 4.4 40
5. Dan Shoop-5-10, 190-Muskegon Oakridge-Gamer, always moving forward
6. Quinn Smith-6-2, 185-Owendale-Gagetown-1,400 yds, 26 TDs, 81 carries (5 games) for 8-man stud
Wide Receiver-
1. Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-4, 210-Bridgman-51 catches, 905 yds, 7 TDs, kicked 50-yd FG, top LB
2. Jordan Billingslea-5-8, 165-Southfield-Cat-quick, verbal commit to WMU
3. Lavelle Griffin-6-5, 185-Detroit Consortium-Match-up problem, great size, speed combo
4. Brandon Sowards-6-1, 175-Wyandotte-One of Downriver's best, 4.5 40, 26 catches last year
5. Collin Carter-6-3, 185-Temperance Bedford-Big body, great hands
6. Malik Boynton-6-2, 185-Melvindale-24 catches, 11 TDs last yr., 4.5 40, also top DB
7. Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-Montrose-Exceptional sleeper-type talent, 4.4 40, great size, production
Tight End-
1. Jake Barann-6-6, 230-Allen Park-Another big time TE prospect in deep class, No. 8-rated
2. Odell Miller-6-4, 245-Gull Lake-Athletic, nimble big body, also standout hoops player
3. Austin Gordon-6-4, 230-Grand Rapids Catholic Central
4. Christian Ceeka-6-3, 230-Holland
Offensive Linemen-
1. Evan Akins-6-6, 285-Hudsonville-Big, agile tackle, Navy verbal commit, top 10 OT in state
2. Zach Geno-6-4, 250-Battle Creek Pennfield-Powerful blocker, intense
3. Brian Hawkins-6-3, 290-Muskegon-One of state's best pure centers, ineligible a season ago
4. John Filiatraut-6-4, 260-Dearborn Divine Child-Key protector for QB Goslin (see above)
5. Dimitri Angelas-6-5, 285-Northville-U-Mass verbal, pairs with top Jr. David Moorman (6-5, 275)
6. Micah Smith-6-5, 265-Detroit Old Redford-Coach's son, excellent technique, form
7. Alex Van Vossen-6-4, 240-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
8. Zach VandeVusse-6-5, 295-Hamilton
9. David Dryer-6-4, 315-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern-Great size, blocker
10. Aaron Curtis-6-3, 275-Coopersville-Three-year starter
11. Leon Richardson-6-4, 290-Walled Lake Western
12. Jack Luoma-6-3, 245-Battle Creek St. Phillip-Four-year starter at center
13. Ethan Lussky-6-4, 285-Rockford-Another in long line of talented Ram O-Linemen
14. Tristan Fleet-6-3, 275-Mancelona-One of northern Michigan's best centers
Kicker-
1. Cameron West-5-11, 175-DeWitt-Lansing State Journal Dream Teamer as Jr., 43-yd FG
Defensive linemen-
1. Kyle Baldwin-6-4, 245-Madison Heights Madison-Big Ten talent, speed, 4.8 40
2. Jeremiah Harris-6-5, 230-Temperance Bedford-MAC schools interested in Mule DE
3. Karl Marback-6-5, 240-Birmingham Seaholm-Elite pass rusher, 14 sacks a year ago
4. Zach Testolin-6-3, 235-Battle Creek Harper Creek-62 tackles, 6 sacks, 15 TFL last yr
5. Lion King Conaway-6-5, 225-Southfield-Great name, better talent, frame, D-I prospect
6. Carl Grant-6-2, 225-Dowagiac-Speed edge rusher
7. Mitchell Stanitzek-6-4, 220-Grand Rapids West Catholic-EMU verbal commit
8. Patrick Moriarty-6-3, 240-East Lansing
9. Matt Humphreys-6-2, 285-Utica Eisenhower-Run-plugger for suburban Detroit power
10. Donte Nelson-6-1, 285-East Kentwood
Linebacker-
1. Alex Hamilton-6-2, 205-Anchor Bay-MAC schools recruiting, also top RB
2. Aaron Thompson-6-2, 215-Dearborn Heights Robichaud-Brother Ron plays at Syracuse
3. Thomas Jones-6-2, 235-Harper Woods Chandler Park-Excellent size, tackler
4. Alex Brackett-6-2, 240-Grand Blanc
5. John Brennan-6-1, 215-Howell- Rugged player, 4.7 speed
6. Kaleb Hauser-6-2, 225-Kalkaska-Dominant LB "Up North," 4.7 speed
Defensive back-
1. Josh Smith-5-9, 175-Riverview-Three-year starter, 4.4 speed, also dangerous WR
2. Omari McCauley-6-0, 165-Detroit Douglas-Good size, skills as lockdown corner for 'Canes
Overall Top 15 Least Publicized D-I Prospects for Class of 2014-
1. Danny Welke-6-4, 190-QB-Marshall- No. 4-ranked QB prospect in Michigan
2. Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-WR-DB-Montrose-Big Ten, D-I talent at mid-sized school
3. Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-4, 210-WR-LB-K-Bridgman-No. 7-ranked WR in state
4. Kyle Baldwin-6-4, 245-DE-TE-Madison Heights Madison-No. 10-ranked DE in state
5. Evan Akins-6-6, 285-OT-Hudsonville-No. 9-ranked OT in state
6. Jake Barann-6-6, 230-TE-Allen Park-No. 8-ranked TE in Michigan
7. Jeremiah Johnson-5-9, 190-RB-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep-Tied for No. 10-ranked RB in state
8. Tyler Sigler-6-3, 200-QB-Grand Rapids Christian-No. 6-ranked QB in Michigan
9. Jordan Billingslea-5-8, 165-WR-Southfield
10. Trevor Mason-6-2, 205-RB-LB-Macomb Lutheran North
11. Alex Hamilton-6-2, 205-LB-RB-Anchor Bay
12. Jeremiah Harris-6-5, 230-DE-Temperance Bedford
13. Danny Bauder-5-9, 180-RB-DB-KR-Zeeland West
14. Malik Boynton-6-2, 185-WR-DB-Melvindale
15. (three-way tie) Lavelle Griffin-6-5, 185-WR-Detroit Consortium; Josh Smith-5-9, 175-DB-WR-Riverview; Quinn Smith-6-2, 185-RB-Owendale-Gagetown
-- Next I'll list the least well-known college football prospects for the class of 2015. Here's a quick peek at a few players on the list- Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-OT-Battle Creek Pennfield, Sam Heyboer-6-5, 210-WR-LB-Grand Rapids South Christian, Kamahl March-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit East English Village (17 sacks, 6 punt blocks last season), Bryce Wilker-6-6, 275-OT-Belding, Josh Holloman-5-11, 185-RB-Auburn Hills Avondale (defending big school 100 meter state champ, 4.2 40 at Alabama camp).
Class of 2014- (With updated rankings in some instances)
Quarterback-
1. Danny Welke-6-4, 190-Marshall-No. 4-rated QB in state, 1,758 yds and 16 TDs as Jr.
2. Tyler Sigler-6-3, 200-Grand Rapids Christian-No. 6-rated QB, 4.5 40, transfer from Jenison
3. Jalen Brady-6-0, 190-Southfield-Slippery QB for one of state's best teams, BGSU verbal
4. A.J. Favazza-6-6, 250-Center Line-Skill to be TE at next level, similar to Matt Sokol (No. 5 QB)
Running Back-
1. Jeremiah Johnson-5-9, 190-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep-Toledo, WMU recruiting
2. Trevor Mason-6-2, 205-Macomb Lutheran North-Freakish talent, 4.5, 300 bench, also top LB
3. Danny Bauder-5-9, 180-Zeeland West-All-purpose threat (KO, DB, RB), 4.4 40
4. Jesse Brown-5-10, 175-Romulus Summit Academy-Small school standout, explosive, 4.4 40
5. Dan Shoop-5-10, 190-Muskegon Oakridge-Gamer, always moving forward
6. Quinn Smith-6-2, 185-Owendale-Gagetown-1,400 yds, 26 TDs, 81 carries (5 games) for 8-man stud
Wide Receiver-
1. Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-4, 210-Bridgman-51 catches, 905 yds, 7 TDs, kicked 50-yd FG, top LB
2. Jordan Billingslea-5-8, 165-Southfield-Cat-quick, verbal commit to WMU
3. Lavelle Griffin-6-5, 185-Detroit Consortium-Match-up problem, great size, speed combo
4. Brandon Sowards-6-1, 175-Wyandotte-One of Downriver's best, 4.5 40, 26 catches last year
5. Collin Carter-6-3, 185-Temperance Bedford-Big body, great hands
6. Malik Boynton-6-2, 185-Melvindale-24 catches, 11 TDs last yr., 4.5 40, also top DB
7. Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-Montrose-Exceptional sleeper-type talent, 4.4 40, great size, production
Tight End-
1. Jake Barann-6-6, 230-Allen Park-Another big time TE prospect in deep class, No. 8-rated
2. Odell Miller-6-4, 245-Gull Lake-Athletic, nimble big body, also standout hoops player
3. Austin Gordon-6-4, 230-Grand Rapids Catholic Central
4. Christian Ceeka-6-3, 230-Holland
Offensive Linemen-
1. Evan Akins-6-6, 285-Hudsonville-Big, agile tackle, Navy verbal commit, top 10 OT in state
2. Zach Geno-6-4, 250-Battle Creek Pennfield-Powerful blocker, intense
3. Brian Hawkins-6-3, 290-Muskegon-One of state's best pure centers, ineligible a season ago
4. John Filiatraut-6-4, 260-Dearborn Divine Child-Key protector for QB Goslin (see above)
5. Dimitri Angelas-6-5, 285-Northville-U-Mass verbal, pairs with top Jr. David Moorman (6-5, 275)
6. Micah Smith-6-5, 265-Detroit Old Redford-Coach's son, excellent technique, form
7. Alex Van Vossen-6-4, 240-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
8. Zach VandeVusse-6-5, 295-Hamilton
9. David Dryer-6-4, 315-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern-Great size, blocker
10. Aaron Curtis-6-3, 275-Coopersville-Three-year starter
11. Leon Richardson-6-4, 290-Walled Lake Western
12. Jack Luoma-6-3, 245-Battle Creek St. Phillip-Four-year starter at center
13. Ethan Lussky-6-4, 285-Rockford-Another in long line of talented Ram O-Linemen
14. Tristan Fleet-6-3, 275-Mancelona-One of northern Michigan's best centers
Kicker-
1. Cameron West-5-11, 175-DeWitt-Lansing State Journal Dream Teamer as Jr., 43-yd FG
Defensive linemen-
1. Kyle Baldwin-6-4, 245-Madison Heights Madison-Big Ten talent, speed, 4.8 40
2. Jeremiah Harris-6-5, 230-Temperance Bedford-MAC schools interested in Mule DE
3. Karl Marback-6-5, 240-Birmingham Seaholm-Elite pass rusher, 14 sacks a year ago
4. Zach Testolin-6-3, 235-Battle Creek Harper Creek-62 tackles, 6 sacks, 15 TFL last yr
5. Lion King Conaway-6-5, 225-Southfield-Great name, better talent, frame, D-I prospect
6. Carl Grant-6-2, 225-Dowagiac-Speed edge rusher
7. Mitchell Stanitzek-6-4, 220-Grand Rapids West Catholic-EMU verbal commit
8. Patrick Moriarty-6-3, 240-East Lansing
9. Matt Humphreys-6-2, 285-Utica Eisenhower-Run-plugger for suburban Detroit power
10. Donte Nelson-6-1, 285-East Kentwood
Linebacker-
1. Alex Hamilton-6-2, 205-Anchor Bay-MAC schools recruiting, also top RB
2. Aaron Thompson-6-2, 215-Dearborn Heights Robichaud-Brother Ron plays at Syracuse
3. Thomas Jones-6-2, 235-Harper Woods Chandler Park-Excellent size, tackler
4. Alex Brackett-6-2, 240-Grand Blanc
5. John Brennan-6-1, 215-Howell- Rugged player, 4.7 speed
6. Kaleb Hauser-6-2, 225-Kalkaska-Dominant LB "Up North," 4.7 speed
Defensive back-
1. Josh Smith-5-9, 175-Riverview-Three-year starter, 4.4 speed, also dangerous WR
2. Omari McCauley-6-0, 165-Detroit Douglas-Good size, skills as lockdown corner for 'Canes
Overall Top 15 Least Publicized D-I Prospects for Class of 2014-
1. Danny Welke-6-4, 190-QB-Marshall- No. 4-ranked QB prospect in Michigan
2. Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-WR-DB-Montrose-Big Ten, D-I talent at mid-sized school
3. Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-4, 210-WR-LB-K-Bridgman-No. 7-ranked WR in state
4. Kyle Baldwin-6-4, 245-DE-TE-Madison Heights Madison-No. 10-ranked DE in state
5. Evan Akins-6-6, 285-OT-Hudsonville-No. 9-ranked OT in state
6. Jake Barann-6-6, 230-TE-Allen Park-No. 8-ranked TE in Michigan
7. Jeremiah Johnson-5-9, 190-RB-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep-Tied for No. 10-ranked RB in state
8. Tyler Sigler-6-3, 200-QB-Grand Rapids Christian-No. 6-ranked QB in Michigan
9. Jordan Billingslea-5-8, 165-WR-Southfield
10. Trevor Mason-6-2, 205-RB-LB-Macomb Lutheran North
11. Alex Hamilton-6-2, 205-LB-RB-Anchor Bay
12. Jeremiah Harris-6-5, 230-DE-Temperance Bedford
13. Danny Bauder-5-9, 180-RB-DB-KR-Zeeland West
14. Malik Boynton-6-2, 185-WR-DB-Melvindale
15. (three-way tie) Lavelle Griffin-6-5, 185-WR-Detroit Consortium; Josh Smith-5-9, 175-DB-WR-Riverview; Quinn Smith-6-2, 185-RB-Owendale-Gagetown
-- Next I'll list the least well-known college football prospects for the class of 2015. Here's a quick peek at a few players on the list- Ryan Lowe-6-9, 285-OT-Battle Creek Pennfield, Sam Heyboer-6-5, 210-WR-LB-Grand Rapids South Christian, Kamahl March-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit East English Village (17 sacks, 6 punt blocks last season), Bryce Wilker-6-6, 275-OT-Belding, Josh Holloman-5-11, 185-RB-Auburn Hills Avondale (defending big school 100 meter state champ, 4.2 40 at Alabama camp).
Sunday, July 28, 2013
City Spotlight: SAGINAW
Throughout the state of Michigan, high school football is played at the highest level. Pick any section of the state and there will be old-timers talking about when "so and so played" and "you should have seen so and so back in the day." Every so often I'll take a look at a certain area or city in Michigan and list its top 10 prep football players/legends and also mention a few other standout gridders, as well as providing a brief write-up about the location being discussed. Today, I'll open this series with a look at the city of Saginaw.
Saginaw, a hard-scrabble, blue collar, working-man's kind of town located just north of Flint, south of Bay City, east of Alma and west of Michigan's Thumb region is one of the state's most fertile high school football playing regions steeped in tradition and legendary, "I was there when he played" talent.
While Saginaw has produced its fair share of football blue-chippers, it's also home to numerous other accomplished athletes, personalities, entertainers and iconic figures. Saginaw natives include singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder, the rock band ? and the Mysterians (famous for the song "96 Tears"), and the two housewives who invented the cleanser Spic and Span. Country crooner Lefty Frizzell sang about the town with a No. 1 single in 1964 aptly titled, "Saginaw, Michigan," while hometown heroes Bob Buhl and Curt Young both pitched in the World Series and had extensive Major League careers.
While Saginaw is filled with football lore, it might be even better known for its high school basketball talent. Not many cities its size have produced more big-time players than Saginaw. Future NBA players from Saginaw include Mark Macon, Darvin Ham, DeeAndre Hulett, Anthony Roberson, Draymond Green and Jason Richardson, to name but a few off the top of my head.
It's football, however, where Saginaw truly excels. College Football Hall of Fame coach Bob Devaney, who led Nebraska to two national titles (1970 and 1971) is a Saginaw native and one of Michigan's greatest coaches, while two of the state's best teams, the 1999 Saginaw High Division 2 state championship squad (featuring five future NFL players on its roster, including receiver Charles Rogers, tight end Tory Humphrey, linebacker Ronald Stanley, linebacker Roy Manning and linebacker/defensive end LaMarr Woodley) and the 1973 Class A state champion Saginaw Arthur Hill team, which was undefeated and unscored upon dominating its opponents 443-0 for the season, are still talked about in the area. Arthur Hill averaged 49.2 points per game, while allowing only one team past the 50-yard line into its own territory the entire year. Head coach George Ihler was named the National High School Football Coach of the Year, while players quarterback Ron Rummel (CMU), offensive lineman Terry Murphy (Notre Dame), running back Terry Eurick (Notre Dame) and offensive lineman Paul Walderzak (Nebraska) were each named All-State and went on to play collegiately. The 1973 Arthur Hill squad is largely regarded as Michigan's greatest high school football team ever.
Here are the top 10 high school football players from Saginaw-
1. Charles Rogers-WR-Saginaw-No. 2 overall pick in 2003 NFL draft by Detroit Lions
2. Terry McDaniel-CB-Saginaw-Five-time Pro Bowl player, 34 career interceptions
3. LaMarr Woodley-LB-Saginaw-All-Pro LB with Steelers, Super Bowl champ
4. Marvin Wright-QB-DB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Dynamic two-way star led Arthur Hill to state title
5. Terry Eurick-RB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Leader of 1973 Arthur Hill team, Notre Dame tri-captain
6. Shonte Peoples-LB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Standout at Arthur Hill and U-M in early 1990s
7. Stu Schweigert-S-Saginaw Heritage-Four-year starter at Purdue, five-year NFL career
8. Sam Sword-LB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Four-year NFL career, national champion U-M 1997
9. Calvin O'Neal-LB-Saginaw-Saginaw County Hall-of-Famer, U-M co-captain, NFL player
10. Tom Slade-QB-Saginaw-Led U-M to 11-0 regular season record and 1972 Rose Bowl
Other top players-Paul Walderzak-OL-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Terry Murphy-OL-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Ron Rummel-QB-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Jerry Patton-DT-Saginaw (NFL), Bennett Lewis-RB-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Blair White-WR-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (NFL), Shawn Thompson-TE-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Alfonso Boone-DT-Saginaw Arthur Hill (NFL), Martin Buchanan-LB-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Brian Thompson-TE-FB-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Cliff Ryan-DT-Saginaw Arthur Hill (NFL), DeAnthony Arnett-WR-Saginaw, Ronald Stanley-LB-Saginaw (NFL), Monquez Wedlow-S-Saginaw, Tory Humphrey-TE-Saginaw (NFL), Jerome Jackson-RB-Saginaw, Otis Washington-FB-LB-Saginaw, Terry Jackson-RB-Saginaw, Roy Manning-LB-Saginaw (NFL).
In 2013, the talent continues to flow through Saginaw as top prep football players in the city include the state's No. 2 junior prospect Brian Cole, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound wide receiver-defensive back from Saginaw Heritage who's being recruited by all the major college powers, as well as the No. 13-ranked junior Alex Grace, a 6-0, 195 running back from Saginaw Swan Valley who runs a 4.4 40 and exploded for 2,091 yards and scored 27 touchdowns last season. The top senior prospect in Saginaw is Tyler Jacqman, a 6-1, 215 linebacker who is a three-year starter at small school power Saginaw Nouvel Catholic. Jacqman is a top 15-ranked linebacker for the class of 2014.
While producing top individual talent, Saginaw also has been home to some of the state's best teams throughout the years. Besides the 1973 Arthur Hill and 1999 Saginaw squads, other legendary teams from the city include Saginaw MacArthur (Class B state runner-up in 1975 and 1977), Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (Class D state champion in 1986), Saginaw Arthur Hill (Class AA state runner-up in 1990 and state champion in 1991) and Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (Division 7 state champion in 2011, Division 6 state champion in 2007 and 2006, Division 6 state runner-up in 2003 and Class C state runner-up in 1987).
Next, I'll look at the talent-rich city of Flint. From quarterback Rick Leach (Flint Southwestern), to wide receiver Andre Rison (Flint Northwestern), to future Heisman Trophy winner running back Mark Ingram Jr. (Flint Southwestern) to legendary linebacker Carl Banks (Flint Beecher), Flint is overflowing with high school football greatness.
Saginaw, a hard-scrabble, blue collar, working-man's kind of town located just north of Flint, south of Bay City, east of Alma and west of Michigan's Thumb region is one of the state's most fertile high school football playing regions steeped in tradition and legendary, "I was there when he played" talent.
While Saginaw has produced its fair share of football blue-chippers, it's also home to numerous other accomplished athletes, personalities, entertainers and iconic figures. Saginaw natives include singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder, the rock band ? and the Mysterians (famous for the song "96 Tears"), and the two housewives who invented the cleanser Spic and Span. Country crooner Lefty Frizzell sang about the town with a No. 1 single in 1964 aptly titled, "Saginaw, Michigan," while hometown heroes Bob Buhl and Curt Young both pitched in the World Series and had extensive Major League careers.
While Saginaw is filled with football lore, it might be even better known for its high school basketball talent. Not many cities its size have produced more big-time players than Saginaw. Future NBA players from Saginaw include Mark Macon, Darvin Ham, DeeAndre Hulett, Anthony Roberson, Draymond Green and Jason Richardson, to name but a few off the top of my head.
It's football, however, where Saginaw truly excels. College Football Hall of Fame coach Bob Devaney, who led Nebraska to two national titles (1970 and 1971) is a Saginaw native and one of Michigan's greatest coaches, while two of the state's best teams, the 1999 Saginaw High Division 2 state championship squad (featuring five future NFL players on its roster, including receiver Charles Rogers, tight end Tory Humphrey, linebacker Ronald Stanley, linebacker Roy Manning and linebacker/defensive end LaMarr Woodley) and the 1973 Class A state champion Saginaw Arthur Hill team, which was undefeated and unscored upon dominating its opponents 443-0 for the season, are still talked about in the area. Arthur Hill averaged 49.2 points per game, while allowing only one team past the 50-yard line into its own territory the entire year. Head coach George Ihler was named the National High School Football Coach of the Year, while players quarterback Ron Rummel (CMU), offensive lineman Terry Murphy (Notre Dame), running back Terry Eurick (Notre Dame) and offensive lineman Paul Walderzak (Nebraska) were each named All-State and went on to play collegiately. The 1973 Arthur Hill squad is largely regarded as Michigan's greatest high school football team ever.
Here are the top 10 high school football players from Saginaw-
1. Charles Rogers-WR-Saginaw-No. 2 overall pick in 2003 NFL draft by Detroit Lions
2. Terry McDaniel-CB-Saginaw-Five-time Pro Bowl player, 34 career interceptions
3. LaMarr Woodley-LB-Saginaw-All-Pro LB with Steelers, Super Bowl champ
4. Marvin Wright-QB-DB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Dynamic two-way star led Arthur Hill to state title
5. Terry Eurick-RB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Leader of 1973 Arthur Hill team, Notre Dame tri-captain
6. Shonte Peoples-LB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Standout at Arthur Hill and U-M in early 1990s
7. Stu Schweigert-S-Saginaw Heritage-Four-year starter at Purdue, five-year NFL career
8. Sam Sword-LB-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Four-year NFL career, national champion U-M 1997
9. Calvin O'Neal-LB-Saginaw-Saginaw County Hall-of-Famer, U-M co-captain, NFL player
10. Tom Slade-QB-Saginaw-Led U-M to 11-0 regular season record and 1972 Rose Bowl
Other top players-Paul Walderzak-OL-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Terry Murphy-OL-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Ron Rummel-QB-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Jerry Patton-DT-Saginaw (NFL), Bennett Lewis-RB-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Blair White-WR-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (NFL), Shawn Thompson-TE-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Alfonso Boone-DT-Saginaw Arthur Hill (NFL), Martin Buchanan-LB-Saginaw Arthur Hill, Brian Thompson-TE-FB-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Cliff Ryan-DT-Saginaw Arthur Hill (NFL), DeAnthony Arnett-WR-Saginaw, Ronald Stanley-LB-Saginaw (NFL), Monquez Wedlow-S-Saginaw, Tory Humphrey-TE-Saginaw (NFL), Jerome Jackson-RB-Saginaw, Otis Washington-FB-LB-Saginaw, Terry Jackson-RB-Saginaw, Roy Manning-LB-Saginaw (NFL).
In 2013, the talent continues to flow through Saginaw as top prep football players in the city include the state's No. 2 junior prospect Brian Cole, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound wide receiver-defensive back from Saginaw Heritage who's being recruited by all the major college powers, as well as the No. 13-ranked junior Alex Grace, a 6-0, 195 running back from Saginaw Swan Valley who runs a 4.4 40 and exploded for 2,091 yards and scored 27 touchdowns last season. The top senior prospect in Saginaw is Tyler Jacqman, a 6-1, 215 linebacker who is a three-year starter at small school power Saginaw Nouvel Catholic. Jacqman is a top 15-ranked linebacker for the class of 2014.
While producing top individual talent, Saginaw also has been home to some of the state's best teams throughout the years. Besides the 1973 Arthur Hill and 1999 Saginaw squads, other legendary teams from the city include Saginaw MacArthur (Class B state runner-up in 1975 and 1977), Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (Class D state champion in 1986), Saginaw Arthur Hill (Class AA state runner-up in 1990 and state champion in 1991) and Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (Division 7 state champion in 2011, Division 6 state champion in 2007 and 2006, Division 6 state runner-up in 2003 and Class C state runner-up in 1987).
Next, I'll look at the talent-rich city of Flint. From quarterback Rick Leach (Flint Southwestern), to wide receiver Andre Rison (Flint Northwestern), to future Heisman Trophy winner running back Mark Ingram Jr. (Flint Southwestern) to legendary linebacker Carl Banks (Flint Beecher), Flint is overflowing with high school football greatness.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Remembering Pete Gent and Don Moorhead in Bangor, South Haven
I'm definitely not like other people. When other people, more normal than I, go on a road trip, I imagine they drive through a new town or city and marvel at the architecture, the unique shops and parks or the tasty, out-of-the-ordinary restaurants or cafes. I, on the other hand, think of none of those aforementioned subjects. When I drive through a new town in Michigan, I always think of the great athletes, especially football players, that have, at one time or another, called it home.
So it was this weekend when I traveled out to the west side of Michigan. My aim was to make it out to Lake Michigan, sit on the beach and watch an amazing sunset, among other things. My destination was South Haven. After passing Kalamazoo on I-94, I decided to get off the beaten path and visit a town I have always wanted to see, but never had the opportunity or time to check out, and pay homage to one of Michigan's finest all-around athletes ever. I made my way to M-43 just north of Kalamazoo and headed west toward South Haven. After a few uneventful miles of farmland on either side of the road, I finally saw the tops of buildings in the distance. As I rolled into downtown Bangor I smiled and gave a nod to Pete Gent -- one of the all-time greats in this state.
I'm sure many people aren't aware such an accomplished athlete and author grew up in tiny Bangor. Gent was a four-sport star in high school, leading the Vikings to the 1960 Class C basketball state championship. He went on to play basketball at Michigan State University earning All-Big Ten honors in 1963 and 1964 and leaving the Spartan program as their second-leading scorer all-time. After graduating from MSU, Gent tried out for the Dallas Cowboys making the team as a 6-foot-4, 210-pound wide receiver. He started and played opposite future Hall-of-Famer Bob Hayes. Gent helped lead the Cowboys to the NFL championship game in 1966 and 1967, losing both seasons to the Green Bay Packers. After five years in the NFL, injuries forced Gent to leave the game for good. He later chronicled his life in the NFL in a widely successful book and later movie of the same title, "North Dallas Forty."
With Bangor in my rear view mirror, I headed a few miles up the road to South Haven. Upon reaching South Haven, I gave a second nod to another player unknown to most casual high school football fans in this state, but one who made an indelible mark on the gridiron throughout his career. South Haven, a bustling town along the shores of Lake Michigan, is the former hometown of Don Moorhead. In 1969 and 1970, Moorhead (6-2, 200) quarterbacked the University of Michigan to a Big Ten title, a Rose Bowl appearance and a No. 4 national ranking. In his senior year (1970), Moorhead was named All-Big Ten and Wolverine co-MVP, along with Detroit King defensive tackle Henry Hill. Moorhead ended his U-M career as the Wolverines' all-time leader in total offense and in yards passing. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 1971 NFL draft. Instead, Moorhead decided to play for the British Columbia Lions of the CFL (Canadian Football League). He started for the Lions from 1971 through 1975, leading BC to the Grey Cup playoffs twice. Though not very well known in his own state, Moorhead truly was one of Michigan's best high school quarterbacks ever.
Incidentally, another South Haven native, Isiah Grimes (6-6, 240), currently the starting quarterback for Division II college powerhouse Grand Valley State University, might eventually rival Moorhead as the town's best quarterback. A two-year starter, Grimes is already a Division II star and a NFL prospect. However, no matter what Grimes ends up accomplishing, Moorhead, Bo Schembechler's first quarterback at U-M, succeeded at the highest level and will forever be linked to Schembechler and to Michigan football greatness.
So, if you're ever driving through Bangor or South Haven on your way to view a Lake Michigan sunset, take a minute to remember the athletic and personal exploits both on and off the field of Pete Gent and Don Moorhead, two of Michigan's greatest high school football players.
So it was this weekend when I traveled out to the west side of Michigan. My aim was to make it out to Lake Michigan, sit on the beach and watch an amazing sunset, among other things. My destination was South Haven. After passing Kalamazoo on I-94, I decided to get off the beaten path and visit a town I have always wanted to see, but never had the opportunity or time to check out, and pay homage to one of Michigan's finest all-around athletes ever. I made my way to M-43 just north of Kalamazoo and headed west toward South Haven. After a few uneventful miles of farmland on either side of the road, I finally saw the tops of buildings in the distance. As I rolled into downtown Bangor I smiled and gave a nod to Pete Gent -- one of the all-time greats in this state.
I'm sure many people aren't aware such an accomplished athlete and author grew up in tiny Bangor. Gent was a four-sport star in high school, leading the Vikings to the 1960 Class C basketball state championship. He went on to play basketball at Michigan State University earning All-Big Ten honors in 1963 and 1964 and leaving the Spartan program as their second-leading scorer all-time. After graduating from MSU, Gent tried out for the Dallas Cowboys making the team as a 6-foot-4, 210-pound wide receiver. He started and played opposite future Hall-of-Famer Bob Hayes. Gent helped lead the Cowboys to the NFL championship game in 1966 and 1967, losing both seasons to the Green Bay Packers. After five years in the NFL, injuries forced Gent to leave the game for good. He later chronicled his life in the NFL in a widely successful book and later movie of the same title, "North Dallas Forty."
With Bangor in my rear view mirror, I headed a few miles up the road to South Haven. Upon reaching South Haven, I gave a second nod to another player unknown to most casual high school football fans in this state, but one who made an indelible mark on the gridiron throughout his career. South Haven, a bustling town along the shores of Lake Michigan, is the former hometown of Don Moorhead. In 1969 and 1970, Moorhead (6-2, 200) quarterbacked the University of Michigan to a Big Ten title, a Rose Bowl appearance and a No. 4 national ranking. In his senior year (1970), Moorhead was named All-Big Ten and Wolverine co-MVP, along with Detroit King defensive tackle Henry Hill. Moorhead ended his U-M career as the Wolverines' all-time leader in total offense and in yards passing. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 1971 NFL draft. Instead, Moorhead decided to play for the British Columbia Lions of the CFL (Canadian Football League). He started for the Lions from 1971 through 1975, leading BC to the Grey Cup playoffs twice. Though not very well known in his own state, Moorhead truly was one of Michigan's best high school quarterbacks ever.
Incidentally, another South Haven native, Isiah Grimes (6-6, 240), currently the starting quarterback for Division II college powerhouse Grand Valley State University, might eventually rival Moorhead as the town's best quarterback. A two-year starter, Grimes is already a Division II star and a NFL prospect. However, no matter what Grimes ends up accomplishing, Moorhead, Bo Schembechler's first quarterback at U-M, succeeded at the highest level and will forever be linked to Schembechler and to Michigan football greatness.
So, if you're ever driving through Bangor or South Haven on your way to view a Lake Michigan sunset, take a minute to remember the athletic and personal exploits both on and off the field of Pete Gent and Don Moorhead, two of Michigan's greatest high school football players.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Early preseason look at top five teams for 2013
From the 1983 Class A state championship Birmingham Brother Rice team which featured four future NFL players (Mike Lodish-DT-UCLA, Mike Farr-WR-UCLA, Mel Farr Jr.-RB-UCLA, Bob Kula-OG-MSU), plus Notre Dame recruit and All-American linebacker Matt Dingens and WMU signee quarterback Allen Syzdlowski, to the 2000 Division 3 state championship Farmington Hills Harrison squad which ended the season ranked No. 4 in the nation by USA Today and starred two future NFL players (Drew Stanton-QB-MSU and Chris Roberson-RB-WR-EMU), plus MSU wide receiver Agim Shabaj, BGSU cornerback Terrell Mayberry, CMU tight end Dave Condeni and Missouri tailback Marcus Woods, the state of Michigan has produced some of the country's best teams throughout the years. This season is no different as the Great Lakes State is full of powerhouse squads that are stacked with major Division I college talent.
Though it's early in the preseason (though not too early -- it's only two short months until the season officially kicks off), here are my top five teams heading into the 2013 campaign.
1. Clarkston-The Wolves finished 11-1 overall last season losing to Rockford 25-14 in the Division 1 regional final (state quarterfinals for you old-school guys). Ranked No. 1 for multiple weeks last year, Clarkston is aiming to advance farther in the state playoffs in 2013 making up for last season's earlier-than-expected exit. The Wolves have four future Division I college football players returning to their line-up this year including senior offensive guard-defensive tackle and Western Michigan recruit Nick Matich (6-4, 270), a top 25 overall player in Michigan, and seniors defensive tackle and Michigan State commit David Beedle (6-5, 275), defensive back-wide receiver Tim Cason (6-0, 185), a WMU verbal and Eastern Michigan recruit tailback Ian Erickson (5-10, 185). Other top performers for Clarkston this season will be senior kicker Shane Hynes (5-8, 170) and junior tight end Cole Chewins (6-7, 205). Chewins is ranked as one of the state's top 25 juniors and is already receiving looks from big-time D-I programs.
2. Grand Rapids Christian-The Eagles ended last season 13-1 overall and Division 3 state champions. Christian defeated Orchard Lake St. Mary's in a thriller 40-37 in overtime to claim the title. The Eagles return three seniors who are major D-I college football recruits and a junior linebacker that has Big Ten or SEC written all over him. Leading Christian this season will be senior wide receiver Drake Harris (6-4, 185). Harris, who has verbally committed to the University of Michigan and is the No. 2-ranked recruit overall in the state and one of the nation's best, finished with a Michigan High School Athletic Association Finals record of 243 yards receiving on eight catches in sparking the Eagles to last year's state championship. Anchoring the line up front for Christian will be senior offensive tackle Tommy Doles (6-5, 250), a Northwestern recruit, while massive sophomore tackle Ben Hoerle (6-4, 280) looks to break into the starting line-up in 2013. While Harris receives most of the attention, the Eagles have a second receiver to look out for in Dwayne Barfield (6-2, 180) a supremely talented player who also is a lockdown-type cornerback for Christian. Barfield is one of my sleepers entering this season. He's a guy who has Big Ten talent and size, but isn't getting the looks he deserves, in my opinion. At linebacker, the Eagles return Qi'antae Ewing (6-3, 225), one of Michigan's top 25 juniors. Other returning starters for Christian include senior slot back Sam Kuiper (5-9, 170), senior defensive tackle Jeremy Stygstra (6-2, 265), junior defensive tackle Juwan Jarnegan (6-1, 220), senior linebacker Ethan Badger (6-1, 195), junior linebacker Mitch Damstra (6-3, 185) and junior defensive back Malik McLaughlin (5-9, 185). A player to possibly watch out for this year could be senior defensive end DaRohn Scott (6-8, 235). A D-I college basketball recruit, Scott could wreak havoc rushing the quarterback or by creating a difficult passing lane with his long arms.
3. Detroit Cass Tech- The two-time defending Division 1 state champions are absolutely loaded once again in 2013. Fresh off their victory over Detroit Catholic Central 36-21 in last year's final, the Technicians (12-2 last year) are looking to win three straight big school titles in a row. Cass would be the first school to accomplish that feat since Detroit Catholic Central (2001, 2002, 2003). Returning to lead the Technicians will be highly-recruited junior signal-caller Jayru Campbell (6-3, 190). Campbell has quarterbacked Cass Tech to its past two state championships. He's already being recruited by Notre Dame, Michigan and Michigan State to name but a few of the major schools hoping to sign the strong-armed QB. Campbell, of course, is far from a one-man show. He'll hand the ball off to arguably the top running back in the state in junior Mike Weber (5-10, 195). At wide receiver-cornerback, the Technicians return Ohio State recruit senior Damon Webb (5-11, 185), one of Michigan's top five players. Up front, Cass returns senior offensive tackle Nashon Burns (6-4, 295), a three-year starter and a D-I recruit, along with Michigan's No. 1 junior player Josh Alabi (6-4, 245). Alabi, also a big-time defensive end, is being recruited by all the D-I major powers including Alabama, LSU and Big Ten schools. At linebacker, the Technicians return three D-I talents in seniors William White (6-2, 220), a Toledo recruit who had multiple Big Ten offers, Michigan State verbal Deon Drake (6-1, 215) and Gary Hosey (6-0, 230), also a bruising fullback. Bowling Green State recruit senior Brian Sanders (6-4, 220) returns at defensive end, while senior cornerback Phillip Parham (5-9, 170), who's receiving D-I looks, also returns for Cass Tech.
4. Birmingham Brother Rice-Like Cass Tech, the perennial powerhouse Warriors (12-2 a season ago) look to win their third consecutive state championship in 2013. Brother Rice defeated Muskegon 35-28 to hoist last season's Division 2 state championship trophy. In 2011, the Warriors beat Lowell 24-14 for the D-2 state crown. Returning to pace Brother Rice this year will be junior quarterback Alex Malzone (6-3, 200). Malzone, who's being recruited by Big Ten schools, has a rocket for an arm and will have talented receivers to pass the ball to in senior Jason Alessi (6-0, 180), also a top DB and kicker, and senior tight end Ty Kiafoulis (6-5, 230), an elite athlete who'll play baseball at Michigan. Up front, the Warriors will feature one of Michigan's best pure centers in senior three-year starter Sage Baltrusaitis (6-1, 250) and offensive guard Matt Phillips (6-3, 240). At tailback, Rice returns D-I prospect senior Brian Walker (5-8, 225) and senior Shon Powell (5-7, 185). On defense, senior tackle Alberto Sandoval (6-3, 250), a D-I recruit, along with senior linebacker Shaun Jones Jr. (6-0, 215) and senior cornerback Chris Carter (5-11, 190), who's getting Big Ten looks, return to lead on that side of the ball.
5. Muskegon-The Big Reds, coming off a tough loss to Birmingham Brother Rice in the Division 2 title game last season, are striving to take that next step this year and capture a state championship. Muskegon (12-2 last year) is looking to win its fourth state title since 2004. The Big Reds won crowns in 2004, 2006 and 2008. One of the nation's top 10 all-time winningest high school teams, Muskegon is one of Michigan's and the Midwest's top programs. Returning to lead the Big Reds in 2013 will be senior defensive tackle and Western Michigan University recruit Kenny Finley (6-3, 265). Finley is one of Michigan's top 25 players. At defensive back, Muskegon returns multi-talented D-I prospect senior Deshaun Thrower (6-1, 195), who also will line-up at QB for the Big Reds. At running back-cornerback will be senior speedster John Hall (5-11, 190), who's a threat to take it the distance anytime he touches the ball, while opening holes at offensive guard will be senior Malik King (6-4, 285), a Ball State commit. Special teams should be a strong suit for Muskegon with accurate senior kicker Adrian Briseno (5-7, 160) returning. Holding down the fort in the middle defensively will be senior linebacker Will Hunt (6-1, 225), another Big Red who has D-I skills.
Though it's early in the preseason (though not too early -- it's only two short months until the season officially kicks off), here are my top five teams heading into the 2013 campaign.
1. Clarkston-The Wolves finished 11-1 overall last season losing to Rockford 25-14 in the Division 1 regional final (state quarterfinals for you old-school guys). Ranked No. 1 for multiple weeks last year, Clarkston is aiming to advance farther in the state playoffs in 2013 making up for last season's earlier-than-expected exit. The Wolves have four future Division I college football players returning to their line-up this year including senior offensive guard-defensive tackle and Western Michigan recruit Nick Matich (6-4, 270), a top 25 overall player in Michigan, and seniors defensive tackle and Michigan State commit David Beedle (6-5, 275), defensive back-wide receiver Tim Cason (6-0, 185), a WMU verbal and Eastern Michigan recruit tailback Ian Erickson (5-10, 185). Other top performers for Clarkston this season will be senior kicker Shane Hynes (5-8, 170) and junior tight end Cole Chewins (6-7, 205). Chewins is ranked as one of the state's top 25 juniors and is already receiving looks from big-time D-I programs.
2. Grand Rapids Christian-The Eagles ended last season 13-1 overall and Division 3 state champions. Christian defeated Orchard Lake St. Mary's in a thriller 40-37 in overtime to claim the title. The Eagles return three seniors who are major D-I college football recruits and a junior linebacker that has Big Ten or SEC written all over him. Leading Christian this season will be senior wide receiver Drake Harris (6-4, 185). Harris, who has verbally committed to the University of Michigan and is the No. 2-ranked recruit overall in the state and one of the nation's best, finished with a Michigan High School Athletic Association Finals record of 243 yards receiving on eight catches in sparking the Eagles to last year's state championship. Anchoring the line up front for Christian will be senior offensive tackle Tommy Doles (6-5, 250), a Northwestern recruit, while massive sophomore tackle Ben Hoerle (6-4, 280) looks to break into the starting line-up in 2013. While Harris receives most of the attention, the Eagles have a second receiver to look out for in Dwayne Barfield (6-2, 180) a supremely talented player who also is a lockdown-type cornerback for Christian. Barfield is one of my sleepers entering this season. He's a guy who has Big Ten talent and size, but isn't getting the looks he deserves, in my opinion. At linebacker, the Eagles return Qi'antae Ewing (6-3, 225), one of Michigan's top 25 juniors. Other returning starters for Christian include senior slot back Sam Kuiper (5-9, 170), senior defensive tackle Jeremy Stygstra (6-2, 265), junior defensive tackle Juwan Jarnegan (6-1, 220), senior linebacker Ethan Badger (6-1, 195), junior linebacker Mitch Damstra (6-3, 185) and junior defensive back Malik McLaughlin (5-9, 185). A player to possibly watch out for this year could be senior defensive end DaRohn Scott (6-8, 235). A D-I college basketball recruit, Scott could wreak havoc rushing the quarterback or by creating a difficult passing lane with his long arms.
3. Detroit Cass Tech- The two-time defending Division 1 state champions are absolutely loaded once again in 2013. Fresh off their victory over Detroit Catholic Central 36-21 in last year's final, the Technicians (12-2 last year) are looking to win three straight big school titles in a row. Cass would be the first school to accomplish that feat since Detroit Catholic Central (2001, 2002, 2003). Returning to lead the Technicians will be highly-recruited junior signal-caller Jayru Campbell (6-3, 190). Campbell has quarterbacked Cass Tech to its past two state championships. He's already being recruited by Notre Dame, Michigan and Michigan State to name but a few of the major schools hoping to sign the strong-armed QB. Campbell, of course, is far from a one-man show. He'll hand the ball off to arguably the top running back in the state in junior Mike Weber (5-10, 195). At wide receiver-cornerback, the Technicians return Ohio State recruit senior Damon Webb (5-11, 185), one of Michigan's top five players. Up front, Cass returns senior offensive tackle Nashon Burns (6-4, 295), a three-year starter and a D-I recruit, along with Michigan's No. 1 junior player Josh Alabi (6-4, 245). Alabi, also a big-time defensive end, is being recruited by all the D-I major powers including Alabama, LSU and Big Ten schools. At linebacker, the Technicians return three D-I talents in seniors William White (6-2, 220), a Toledo recruit who had multiple Big Ten offers, Michigan State verbal Deon Drake (6-1, 215) and Gary Hosey (6-0, 230), also a bruising fullback. Bowling Green State recruit senior Brian Sanders (6-4, 220) returns at defensive end, while senior cornerback Phillip Parham (5-9, 170), who's receiving D-I looks, also returns for Cass Tech.
4. Birmingham Brother Rice-Like Cass Tech, the perennial powerhouse Warriors (12-2 a season ago) look to win their third consecutive state championship in 2013. Brother Rice defeated Muskegon 35-28 to hoist last season's Division 2 state championship trophy. In 2011, the Warriors beat Lowell 24-14 for the D-2 state crown. Returning to pace Brother Rice this year will be junior quarterback Alex Malzone (6-3, 200). Malzone, who's being recruited by Big Ten schools, has a rocket for an arm and will have talented receivers to pass the ball to in senior Jason Alessi (6-0, 180), also a top DB and kicker, and senior tight end Ty Kiafoulis (6-5, 230), an elite athlete who'll play baseball at Michigan. Up front, the Warriors will feature one of Michigan's best pure centers in senior three-year starter Sage Baltrusaitis (6-1, 250) and offensive guard Matt Phillips (6-3, 240). At tailback, Rice returns D-I prospect senior Brian Walker (5-8, 225) and senior Shon Powell (5-7, 185). On defense, senior tackle Alberto Sandoval (6-3, 250), a D-I recruit, along with senior linebacker Shaun Jones Jr. (6-0, 215) and senior cornerback Chris Carter (5-11, 190), who's getting Big Ten looks, return to lead on that side of the ball.
5. Muskegon-The Big Reds, coming off a tough loss to Birmingham Brother Rice in the Division 2 title game last season, are striving to take that next step this year and capture a state championship. Muskegon (12-2 last year) is looking to win its fourth state title since 2004. The Big Reds won crowns in 2004, 2006 and 2008. One of the nation's top 10 all-time winningest high school teams, Muskegon is one of Michigan's and the Midwest's top programs. Returning to lead the Big Reds in 2013 will be senior defensive tackle and Western Michigan University recruit Kenny Finley (6-3, 265). Finley is one of Michigan's top 25 players. At defensive back, Muskegon returns multi-talented D-I prospect senior Deshaun Thrower (6-1, 195), who also will line-up at QB for the Big Reds. At running back-cornerback will be senior speedster John Hall (5-11, 190), who's a threat to take it the distance anytime he touches the ball, while opening holes at offensive guard will be senior Malik King (6-4, 285), a Ball State commit. Special teams should be a strong suit for Muskegon with accurate senior kicker Adrian Briseno (5-7, 160) returning. Holding down the fort in the middle defensively will be senior linebacker Will Hunt (6-1, 225), another Big Red who has D-I skills.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Line-ups if MSU, U-M had only instate players
I've heard it said a few times the state of Michigan doesn't have enough talent to field two Big Ten teams with only kids from the Great Lakes State. I've always had a good laugh (inside of course, it's disrespectful to laugh in someone's face) when my ears have had the misfortune of hearing such nonsense. Michigan, indeed, has more than enough talent statewide to field two Big Ten squads, plus its three Mid American Conference schools -- no question. Of course, if a coach would want to sprinkle in a few outstate players here and there with each recruiting class, so be it. But make no mistake about it, Michigan could more than easily manage to field its five Division I playing college football schools with instate talent on 80-90 percent of its roster and still be successful, championship-caliber, bowl playing squads each and every season -- it just takes a strong knowledge of high school football in Michigan and a "want-to" type effort to recruit the state hard.
Take a look at what Michigan State's and Michigan's starting line-ups would look like if each team had a roster filled with instate kids. I've randomly placed players on either squad, trying to keep U-M guys and MSU guys on their individual teams. Offensively, each squad would have one tailback with H-back set-up. Reid Fragel will play tight end. Defensively, each will line up in a 4-3.
University of Michigan
Offense-
WR-Allen Robinson-6-3, 205-So.-Southfield, MI (Penn St. starter, All-Big Ten)
TE-Reid Fragel-6-7, 270-Sr.-Grosse Pointe, MI (7th Rd. Bengals, Ohio State)
OT-Dann O'Neill-6-8, 305-Sr.-Grand Haven, MI (UDFA Texans, WMU, All-MAC)
OG-Parker Ehninger-6-7, 290-So.-Rockford, MI (Cincinnati starter)
C-Tim Lelito-6-4, 315-Sr.-St. Clair, MI (UDFA Saints, GLIAC Lineman of Year, GVSU)
OG-Devin Smith-6-7, 320-Jr.-Ann Arbor, MI (Purdue starter)
OT-Jake Fisher-6-6, 295-So.-Traverse City, MI (Oregon starter)
WR-Kevonte Martin-Manley-6-0, 205-So.-Pontiac, MI (Iowa starter)
QB-Devin Gardner-6-4, 210-Jr.-Inkster, MI (U-M starter)
HB-Devin Funches-6-4, 230-Fr.-Farmington Hills, MI (U-M starter)
TB-George Winn-5-11, 210-Sr.-Detroit, MI (UDFA Texans, Cincinnati)
PK-Kyle Brindza-6-2, 215-So.-Plymouth, MI (Notre Dame starter)
Michigan State University
Offense-
WR-Aaron Burbridge-6-1, 195-Fr.-Farmington Hills, MI (MSU starter)
TE-Dion Sims-6-5, 270-Sr.-Detroit, MI (4th Rd. Dolphins, MSU)
OT-Austin Holtz-6-5, 300-Sr.-Holt, MI (UDFA Lions, Ball St., All-MAC)
OG-Chris McDonald-6-5, 295-Sr.-Sterling Hts., MI (UDFA Patriots, MSU)
C-Blake Treadwell-6-3, 300-Jr.-East Lansing, MI (MSU starter)
OG-Zac Matthias-6-5, 325-Jr.-Hemlock, MI (Wisconsin starter)
OT-Eric Fisher-6-7, 305-Sr.-Rochester, MI (1st Rd., No. 1 overall pick by Chiefs, CMU)
WR-Bennie Fowler-6-1, 205-Jr.-Birmingham, MI (MSU starter)
QB-Andrew Maxwell-6-3, 210-Jr.-Midland, MI (MSU starter)
HB-Jacob Pedersen-6-4, 240-Jr.-Menominee, MI (Wisconsin starter, All-Big Ten)
TB-Zach Line-6-1, 230-Sr.-Oxford, MI (UDFA Vikings, SMU)
PK-Kevin Muma-6-1, 190-Jr.-Troy, MI (MSU starter, kickoffs)
University of Michigan
Defense-
DE-Brennen Beyer-6-4, 255-So.-Plymouth, MI (U-M starter)
DT-Will Campbell-6-5, 325-Sr.-Detroit, MI (6th Rd. Jets, U-M)
DT-Jonathan Hankins-6-3, 320-Jr.-Detroit, MI (2nd Rd. Giants, OSU)
DE-Anthony Zettel-6-5, 260-So.-West Branch, MI (Penn St. starter)
LB-Desmond Morgan-6-2, 230-So.-Holland, MI (U-M starter)
LB-Kenny Demens-6-1, 245-Sr.-Birmingham, MI (UDFA Cardinals, U-M)
LB-James Ross-6-1, 225-Fr.-Orchard Lake, MI (U-M starter)
CB-Raymon Taylor-5-10, 185-So.-Highland Park, MI (U-M starter)
CB-Dior Mathis-5-9, 170-Jr.-Detroit, MI (Oregon nickel back)
FS-Thomas Gordon-5-11, 210-Jr.-Detroit, MI (U-M starter)
SS-Cam Gordon-6-3, 220-Jr.-Melvindale, MI (U-M LB who would be at natural SS spot)
P-Scott Kovanda-6-3, 205-Sr.-Hartland, MI (UDFA Bengals, Ray Guy finalist, Ball State, All-MAC)
Michigan State University
Defense-
DE-Will Gholston-6-7, 280-Jr.-Detroit, MI (4th Rd. Buccaneers, MSU)
DT-Anthony Rashad White-6-3, 325-Sr.-Battle Creek, MI (MSU starter)
DT-Tyler Hoover-6-7, 295-Jr.-Novi, MI (MSU starter)
DE-Freddie Bishop-6-3, 255-Sr.-Carleton, MI (UDFA Lions, WMU, All-MAC)
LB-Taiwan Jones-6-3, 235-So.-Anchor Bay, MI (MSU starter)
LB-Max Bullough-6-3, 250-Jr.-Traverse City, MI (MSU starter, All-Big Ten)
LB-Chris Norman-6-2, 230-Sr.-Detroit, MI (MSU starter)
CB-Cameron Cheatham-5-9, 190-Sr.-Kalamazoo, MI (Cincinnati starter)
CB-Valdez Showers-6-0, 190-So.-Madison Hts., MI (Florida nickel back)
FS-Justin Currie-6-1, 205-Jr.-Big Rapids, MI (WMU starter, All-MAC)
SS-Jeff Heath-6-1, 215-Sr.-Lake Orion, MI (UDFA Cowboys, SVSU)
P-Mike Sadler-6-1, 190-Jr.-Grand Rapids, MI (MSU starter)
Take a look at what Michigan State's and Michigan's starting line-ups would look like if each team had a roster filled with instate kids. I've randomly placed players on either squad, trying to keep U-M guys and MSU guys on their individual teams. Offensively, each squad would have one tailback with H-back set-up. Reid Fragel will play tight end. Defensively, each will line up in a 4-3.
University of Michigan
Offense-
WR-Allen Robinson-6-3, 205-So.-Southfield, MI (Penn St. starter, All-Big Ten)
TE-Reid Fragel-6-7, 270-Sr.-Grosse Pointe, MI (7th Rd. Bengals, Ohio State)
OT-Dann O'Neill-6-8, 305-Sr.-Grand Haven, MI (UDFA Texans, WMU, All-MAC)
OG-Parker Ehninger-6-7, 290-So.-Rockford, MI (Cincinnati starter)
C-Tim Lelito-6-4, 315-Sr.-St. Clair, MI (UDFA Saints, GLIAC Lineman of Year, GVSU)
OG-Devin Smith-6-7, 320-Jr.-Ann Arbor, MI (Purdue starter)
OT-Jake Fisher-6-6, 295-So.-Traverse City, MI (Oregon starter)
WR-Kevonte Martin-Manley-6-0, 205-So.-Pontiac, MI (Iowa starter)
QB-Devin Gardner-6-4, 210-Jr.-Inkster, MI (U-M starter)
HB-Devin Funches-6-4, 230-Fr.-Farmington Hills, MI (U-M starter)
TB-George Winn-5-11, 210-Sr.-Detroit, MI (UDFA Texans, Cincinnati)
PK-Kyle Brindza-6-2, 215-So.-Plymouth, MI (Notre Dame starter)
Michigan State University
Offense-
WR-Aaron Burbridge-6-1, 195-Fr.-Farmington Hills, MI (MSU starter)
TE-Dion Sims-6-5, 270-Sr.-Detroit, MI (4th Rd. Dolphins, MSU)
OT-Austin Holtz-6-5, 300-Sr.-Holt, MI (UDFA Lions, Ball St., All-MAC)
OG-Chris McDonald-6-5, 295-Sr.-Sterling Hts., MI (UDFA Patriots, MSU)
C-Blake Treadwell-6-3, 300-Jr.-East Lansing, MI (MSU starter)
OG-Zac Matthias-6-5, 325-Jr.-Hemlock, MI (Wisconsin starter)
OT-Eric Fisher-6-7, 305-Sr.-Rochester, MI (1st Rd., No. 1 overall pick by Chiefs, CMU)
WR-Bennie Fowler-6-1, 205-Jr.-Birmingham, MI (MSU starter)
QB-Andrew Maxwell-6-3, 210-Jr.-Midland, MI (MSU starter)
HB-Jacob Pedersen-6-4, 240-Jr.-Menominee, MI (Wisconsin starter, All-Big Ten)
TB-Zach Line-6-1, 230-Sr.-Oxford, MI (UDFA Vikings, SMU)
PK-Kevin Muma-6-1, 190-Jr.-Troy, MI (MSU starter, kickoffs)
University of Michigan
Defense-
DE-Brennen Beyer-6-4, 255-So.-Plymouth, MI (U-M starter)
DT-Will Campbell-6-5, 325-Sr.-Detroit, MI (6th Rd. Jets, U-M)
DT-Jonathan Hankins-6-3, 320-Jr.-Detroit, MI (2nd Rd. Giants, OSU)
DE-Anthony Zettel-6-5, 260-So.-West Branch, MI (Penn St. starter)
LB-Desmond Morgan-6-2, 230-So.-Holland, MI (U-M starter)
LB-Kenny Demens-6-1, 245-Sr.-Birmingham, MI (UDFA Cardinals, U-M)
LB-James Ross-6-1, 225-Fr.-Orchard Lake, MI (U-M starter)
CB-Raymon Taylor-5-10, 185-So.-Highland Park, MI (U-M starter)
CB-Dior Mathis-5-9, 170-Jr.-Detroit, MI (Oregon nickel back)
FS-Thomas Gordon-5-11, 210-Jr.-Detroit, MI (U-M starter)
SS-Cam Gordon-6-3, 220-Jr.-Melvindale, MI (U-M LB who would be at natural SS spot)
P-Scott Kovanda-6-3, 205-Sr.-Hartland, MI (UDFA Bengals, Ray Guy finalist, Ball State, All-MAC)
Michigan State University
Defense-
DE-Will Gholston-6-7, 280-Jr.-Detroit, MI (4th Rd. Buccaneers, MSU)
DT-Anthony Rashad White-6-3, 325-Sr.-Battle Creek, MI (MSU starter)
DT-Tyler Hoover-6-7, 295-Jr.-Novi, MI (MSU starter)
DE-Freddie Bishop-6-3, 255-Sr.-Carleton, MI (UDFA Lions, WMU, All-MAC)
LB-Taiwan Jones-6-3, 235-So.-Anchor Bay, MI (MSU starter)
LB-Max Bullough-6-3, 250-Jr.-Traverse City, MI (MSU starter, All-Big Ten)
LB-Chris Norman-6-2, 230-Sr.-Detroit, MI (MSU starter)
CB-Cameron Cheatham-5-9, 190-Sr.-Kalamazoo, MI (Cincinnati starter)
CB-Valdez Showers-6-0, 190-So.-Madison Hts., MI (Florida nickel back)
FS-Justin Currie-6-1, 205-Jr.-Big Rapids, MI (WMU starter, All-MAC)
SS-Jeff Heath-6-1, 215-Sr.-Lake Orion, MI (UDFA Cowboys, SVSU)
P-Mike Sadler-6-1, 190-Jr.-Grand Rapids, MI (MSU starter)
Friday, April 19, 2013
Influence of Michigan players on MSU's 1987 Rose Bowl-winning team
The 1987 Michigan State University football team finished 9-2-1 overall and 7-0-1 in the Big Ten. The Spartans were crowned Big Ten champions and defeated USC 20-17 in the Rose Bowl. To begin the season, MSU topped the Trojans 27-13. The Spartans finished the year ranked No. 8 in the nation. MSU's team was filled with players from the state of Michigan (Thirteen of the 22 starters were from the Great Lakes State). Here are the players from Michigan who started for the Spartans during the 1987 Rose Bowl-winning and Big Ten championship season.
Offense-
WR-Andre Rison-Flint Northwestern**
WR-Willie Bouyer-Detroit Chadsey
TE-Mike Sargent-Flint Powers Catholic
OT-David Houle-Plymouth Salem
OG-Vince Tata-Linden
C-Pat Shurmur-Dearborn Divine Child**
OG-Bob Kula-Birmingham Brother Rice
FB-Joseph Pugh-Grand Rapids Central
(also starting multiple games at FB was James Moore-Lansing Sexton)
Defense-
DE-Jim Szymanski-Sterling Heights Stevenson
DT-Mark Nichols-Birmingham Brother Rice**
LB-Tim Moore-St. Johns**
FS-Todd Krumm-West Bloomfield**
SS-John Miller-Farmington Hills Harrison**
PK-John Langeloh-Utica**
** All-Big Ten
Offense-
WR-Andre Rison-Flint Northwestern**
WR-Willie Bouyer-Detroit Chadsey
TE-Mike Sargent-Flint Powers Catholic
OT-David Houle-Plymouth Salem
OG-Vince Tata-Linden
C-Pat Shurmur-Dearborn Divine Child**
OG-Bob Kula-Birmingham Brother Rice
FB-Joseph Pugh-Grand Rapids Central
(also starting multiple games at FB was James Moore-Lansing Sexton)
Defense-
DE-Jim Szymanski-Sterling Heights Stevenson
DT-Mark Nichols-Birmingham Brother Rice**
LB-Tim Moore-St. Johns**
FS-Todd Krumm-West Bloomfield**
SS-John Miller-Farmington Hills Harrison**
PK-John Langeloh-Utica**
** All-Big Ten
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Top teams from the past and their state of Michigan influence
Every once and a while I'll profile one of Michigan's five Division I college football playing schools focusing on a top team and the influence players from the state of Michigan had on each squad. Today I'll look at the 1978 Big Ten co-champion University of Michigan team which finished 10-2 overall and ranked No. 5 in the nation. U-M was loaded with kids from the Great Lakes State. The Wolverines' losses on the season came againt intra-state rival and co-Big Ten champion Michigan State (also loaded with Michigan players -- I'll look at that team later) 24-15 and to USC in the Rose Bowl 17-10.
Out of U-M's 22 starters that season, 15 hailed from the state of Michigan. Here are the starting players from the state of Michigan on the 1978 Wolverine No. 5 ranked and co-Big Ten championship team.
Offense-
WR-Rodney Feaster-6-1, 182-So.-Flint Southwestern
WR-Ralph Clayton-6-3, 211-Jr.-Detroit Redford
(third WR was Alan Mitchell-6-1, 175-So.-Detroit Catholic Central)
TE-Gene Johnson-6-3, 231-Sr.-Flint Southwestern
QB-Rick Leach-6-1, 192-Sr.-Flint Southwestern * # (team MVP)
TB-Harlan Huckleby-6-1, 200-Sr.-Detroit Cass Tech
OG-Greg Bartnick-6-2, 240-Sr.-Detroit Cody
OT-Mike Leoni-6-3, 255-Jr.-Flint Powers Catholic
(also starting three games at right tackle was Bill Dufek-6-4, 265-Sr.-East Grand Rapids)
Defense-
DT-Chris Godfrey-6-4, 245-Jr.-Detroit DeLaSalle
DT-Curtis Greer-6-6, 250-Jr.-Detroit Cass Tech *
OLB-Jerry Meter-6-2, 205-Sr.-Bloomfield Hills Andover-C
ILB-Ron Simpkins-6-1, 230-Jr.-Detroit Western *
(starting four games at the other ILB spot was Mark DeSantis-6-3, 215-Sr.-Harper Woods Bishop Gallagher)
OLB-Tom Seaborn-6-3, 210-Sr.-Detroit Cass Tech
CB-Mike Jolly-6-3, 180-Jr.-Southgate Aquinas *
CB-Mark Braman-6-1, 195-Jr.-Midland
SS-Mike Harden-6-1, 180-Jr.-Detroit Central *
* All-Big Ten
# All-American
C- Captain
Out of U-M's 22 starters that season, 15 hailed from the state of Michigan. Here are the starting players from the state of Michigan on the 1978 Wolverine No. 5 ranked and co-Big Ten championship team.
Offense-
WR-Rodney Feaster-6-1, 182-So.-Flint Southwestern
WR-Ralph Clayton-6-3, 211-Jr.-Detroit Redford
(third WR was Alan Mitchell-6-1, 175-So.-Detroit Catholic Central)
TE-Gene Johnson-6-3, 231-Sr.-Flint Southwestern
QB-Rick Leach-6-1, 192-Sr.-Flint Southwestern * # (team MVP)
TB-Harlan Huckleby-6-1, 200-Sr.-Detroit Cass Tech
OG-Greg Bartnick-6-2, 240-Sr.-Detroit Cody
OT-Mike Leoni-6-3, 255-Jr.-Flint Powers Catholic
(also starting three games at right tackle was Bill Dufek-6-4, 265-Sr.-East Grand Rapids)
Defense-
DT-Chris Godfrey-6-4, 245-Jr.-Detroit DeLaSalle
DT-Curtis Greer-6-6, 250-Jr.-Detroit Cass Tech *
OLB-Jerry Meter-6-2, 205-Sr.-Bloomfield Hills Andover-C
ILB-Ron Simpkins-6-1, 230-Jr.-Detroit Western *
(starting four games at the other ILB spot was Mark DeSantis-6-3, 215-Sr.-Harper Woods Bishop Gallagher)
OLB-Tom Seaborn-6-3, 210-Sr.-Detroit Cass Tech
CB-Mike Jolly-6-3, 180-Jr.-Southgate Aquinas *
CB-Mark Braman-6-1, 195-Jr.-Midland
SS-Mike Harden-6-1, 180-Jr.-Detroit Central *
* All-Big Ten
# All-American
C- Captain
Friday, April 12, 2013
Pedersen/Herremans top 15 sleeper list for Michigan's class of 2014
Here are the top 15 sleepers for Michigan's class of 2014. I'm calling it the Pedersen/Herremans top 15 sleeper list in honor of current Wisconsin tight end Jacob Pedersen (Menominee) and current Philadelphia Eagle offensive lineman Todd Herremans (Ravenna, Saginaw Valley State).
Pedersen was a last second Badger signee who toiled away in obscruity in the Upper Peninsula despite winning a state championship and starring for one of the state's top football programs, while Herremans was a dominant offensive lineman from a Class C-sized West Michigan school. Why Herremans, who has started over 100 games in the NFL, didn't play Big Ten or MAC football for one of Michigan's five Division I programs is, and always will be, a mystery to me.
So many players like Pedersen, who was named first-team All-Big Ten last season, and Herremans fall through the cracks in the state of Michigan and end up suiting up for out-state colleges or Division II or III schools. It's a shame. The list of players unidentified or misevaluated throughout the years by our five football playing D-I colleges is shocking.
Off the top of my head, here are just a few players that went unnoticed their senior year of high school in Michigan and ended up playing out-state or at the Division II or III level before ending up on NFL rosters -- Cameron Bradfield (Grand Rapids Creston, Grand Valley State, current starting right tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars), Brandon Carr (Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Grand Valley State, current starting cornerback for Dallas Cowboys), Joquie Bell (Benton Harbor, Wayne State, current Detroit Lions running back), Chris Greenwood (Detroit King, Albion College, current Detroit Lions defensive back), Jared Veldheer (Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, Hillsdale, current starting left tackle for Oakland Raiders), Pete Metzelaars (Portage Central, Wabash (Ind.) College, three-time Pro Bowl tight end and four-time Super Bowl participant with Buffalo Bills), Tim Kearney (Kingsford, Northern Michigan, 10-year NFL career as starting linebacker mainly with St. Louis Cardinals, 1975-81), Dwight Smith (Detroit Central, Akron, eight-year NFL career, returned two interceptions for touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXVII as starting corner for Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and on and on...
I find it hard to believe there is another state with more elite players passed over by its Division I college football playing schools than Michigan. Let's hope it stops. Okay, I'm stepping off my soap box.
Last year's No. 1 sleeper Allegan defensive back-wide receiver Gary Jones signed with Central Michigan. Jones (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) is an incredible talent. Not only is he talented on the football field, he also is one of the state's top track and field performers. His top marks entering his senior season included times of 10.6 in the 100 and 21.6 in the 200, while also high jumping 6-6 and long jumping 23-0. If he decides to strictly concentrate on football at CMU, watch out, the Chippewas could have their next NFL first rounder.
Here are the top 15 sleepers for Michigan's class of 2014. Any Division I college football coach (hopefully those from the state of Michigan) would be smart to sign any one of the following players. All 15 can play at the Division I level (whether it be high, mid or low), but for some reason don't seem to be getting much publicity or buzz statewide and/or nationally.
1. Alex Neering-6-7, 240-DE-Essexville-Garber
2. Doug Freeman-5-11, 200-RB-DB-Buchanan
3. Jake Kasenski-6-5, 240-TE-Ludington
4. Marquian Johnson-6-4, 185-WR-Clawson
5. Amari Coleman-5-9, 175-WR-RB-DB-New Lothrup
6. Chris Greca-6-5, 305-DT-Grass Lake
7. Drew Dowding-6-2, 205-LB-Michigan Center
8. Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-LB-RB-Taylor Truman
9. Archie Naert-6-3, 265-DT-Reese
10. Isaak Newhouse-6-0, 185-DB-Grand Haven
11. Derek Postma-6-4, 240-DE-Grand Rapids South Christian
12. Donnie Ernsberger-6-3, 220-LB-Battle Creek Lakeview
13. Asantay Brown-5-11, 170-WR-Muskegon Mona Shores
14. Devon Harris-5-11, 165-DB-Menominee
15. Kevin Weiler-6-3, 285-OG-Swartz Creek
Pedersen was a last second Badger signee who toiled away in obscruity in the Upper Peninsula despite winning a state championship and starring for one of the state's top football programs, while Herremans was a dominant offensive lineman from a Class C-sized West Michigan school. Why Herremans, who has started over 100 games in the NFL, didn't play Big Ten or MAC football for one of Michigan's five Division I programs is, and always will be, a mystery to me.
So many players like Pedersen, who was named first-team All-Big Ten last season, and Herremans fall through the cracks in the state of Michigan and end up suiting up for out-state colleges or Division II or III schools. It's a shame. The list of players unidentified or misevaluated throughout the years by our five football playing D-I colleges is shocking.
Off the top of my head, here are just a few players that went unnoticed their senior year of high school in Michigan and ended up playing out-state or at the Division II or III level before ending up on NFL rosters -- Cameron Bradfield (Grand Rapids Creston, Grand Valley State, current starting right tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars), Brandon Carr (Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Grand Valley State, current starting cornerback for Dallas Cowboys), Joquie Bell (Benton Harbor, Wayne State, current Detroit Lions running back), Chris Greenwood (Detroit King, Albion College, current Detroit Lions defensive back), Jared Veldheer (Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, Hillsdale, current starting left tackle for Oakland Raiders), Pete Metzelaars (Portage Central, Wabash (Ind.) College, three-time Pro Bowl tight end and four-time Super Bowl participant with Buffalo Bills), Tim Kearney (Kingsford, Northern Michigan, 10-year NFL career as starting linebacker mainly with St. Louis Cardinals, 1975-81), Dwight Smith (Detroit Central, Akron, eight-year NFL career, returned two interceptions for touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXVII as starting corner for Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and on and on...
I find it hard to believe there is another state with more elite players passed over by its Division I college football playing schools than Michigan. Let's hope it stops. Okay, I'm stepping off my soap box.
Last year's No. 1 sleeper Allegan defensive back-wide receiver Gary Jones signed with Central Michigan. Jones (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) is an incredible talent. Not only is he talented on the football field, he also is one of the state's top track and field performers. His top marks entering his senior season included times of 10.6 in the 100 and 21.6 in the 200, while also high jumping 6-6 and long jumping 23-0. If he decides to strictly concentrate on football at CMU, watch out, the Chippewas could have their next NFL first rounder.
Here are the top 15 sleepers for Michigan's class of 2014. Any Division I college football coach (hopefully those from the state of Michigan) would be smart to sign any one of the following players. All 15 can play at the Division I level (whether it be high, mid or low), but for some reason don't seem to be getting much publicity or buzz statewide and/or nationally.
1. Alex Neering-6-7, 240-DE-Essexville-Garber
2. Doug Freeman-5-11, 200-RB-DB-Buchanan
3. Jake Kasenski-6-5, 240-TE-Ludington
4. Marquian Johnson-6-4, 185-WR-Clawson
5. Amari Coleman-5-9, 175-WR-RB-DB-New Lothrup
6. Chris Greca-6-5, 305-DT-Grass Lake
7. Drew Dowding-6-2, 205-LB-Michigan Center
8. Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-LB-RB-Taylor Truman
9. Archie Naert-6-3, 265-DT-Reese
10. Isaak Newhouse-6-0, 185-DB-Grand Haven
11. Derek Postma-6-4, 240-DE-Grand Rapids South Christian
12. Donnie Ernsberger-6-3, 220-LB-Battle Creek Lakeview
13. Asantay Brown-5-11, 170-WR-Muskegon Mona Shores
14. Devon Harris-5-11, 165-DB-Menominee
15. Kevin Weiler-6-3, 285-OG-Swartz Creek
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Top 25 overall prospects for Michigan's class of 2015
Here is Michigan's class of 2015 top 25 college football prospects. Like the class of 2014, the class of 2015 is absolutely loaded with talent -- there is elite skill at every position. From top to bottom, the class of 2015 is stacked with Division I high major recruits.
1. Josh Alabi-6-4, 245-DE-OT-Detroit Cass Tech-could be next Joseph Barksdale (LSU, NFL)
2. Brian Cole-6-3, 195-WR-Saginaw Heritage-best Hawk recruit since NFLer Stu Schwiegert
3. Mike Weber-5-10, 190-RB-Detroit Cass Tech-could be best RB in state regardless of class
4. Carter Masek-6-3, 215-LB-East Grand Rapids-next great one from perennial powerhouse
5. Kyonta Stallworth-6-4, 270-OT-St. Clair Shores South Lake-Pac 12, Big Ten interested
6. Romello Ross-5-11, 175-DB-RB-Detroit Western-1,302 yds, 8 TDs, 6 ints. as soph.
7. Anthony Herbert-6-5, 290-OT-DT-Lapeer East-some say Lapeer's next Jake Long
8. Jon Wassink-6-2, 180-QB-Grand Rapids South Christian-2,564 yds, 23 TDs for state champs
9. Jayru Campbell-6-3, 185-QB-Detroit Cass Tech-back-to-back state champ, big time talent
10. Qi'antae Ewing-6-3, 220-LB-Gr. Rapids Christian-absolute beast, soph starter on D-3 champ
11. Alex Malzone-6-3, 195-QB-Birmingham Brother Rice-led Warriors to D-2 state championship
12. Tyson Smith-5-11, 170-DB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-great cover guy for D-3 state runner-up
13. Alex Grace-6-0, 190-RB-Saginaw Swan Valley-2,091 yds., 27 TDs last year, 4.4 speed
14. Chase Van Hoef-6-4, 270-OT-Grand Haven-mauler up front for Buccaneers
15. Cole Chewins-6-7, 210-TE-Clarkston-outstanding target, big upside for Wolves
16. Matt Skibinski-6-5, 245-OT-Livonia Churchill-starter at LT for Chargers as soph
17. Travis Russell-6-1, 170-QB-Gr. Rapids West Catholic-2,143 yds., 20 TDs for D-5 runner-up
18. Dakota Scholten-6-4, 235-LB-DE-TE-White Cloud-all around talent from small school
19. Rudy Hayes-6-3, 225-QB-Warren Michigan Collegiate-could play multiple positions
20. Logan Slaughter-6-5, 240-OT-DT-Mendon-best ever D-I recruit at small school powerhouse
21. Malik Swain-6-2, 280-DT-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills-big time run-plugger in trenches
22. Marcus Bowers-6-0, 215-LB-Fraser-makes plays all over field, Det. News All-Metro East pick
23. John Kelly-5-10, 175-DB-WR-Oak Park-playmaker on both sides of line for Knights
24. Clyde Pryor-6-4, 265-OT-Kalamazoo Central-big frame, good feet, equal Div. I recruit
25. A'vonte Bell-6-1, 215-LB-Lansing Sexton-speed and size make for great D-I combo
Next best -
26. Tyriq Thompson-6-1, 210-S-LB-Detroit King-big time hitter, strong tackler
27. Nick Krumm-5-10, 170-DB-Walled Lake Central-outstanding instincts, ball skills
28. Mitchell Quakkelaar-6-4, 240-DE-Gr. Rapids South Christian-starter as soph for D-4 champs
29. Josh Dabney-6-2, 260-DT-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-force up front for D-3 runner-up
30. Patrick Harbin-6-1, 190-DB-Detroit Loyola-hard-hitting safety with good size, speed
31. Ray Buford-6-1, 175-WR-Southfield-smooth receiver, U-M interest
32. Tristin Wiegers-5-10, 170-WR-Detroit Country Day-good hands, precise route runner
33. Keith Jones-6-1, 240-DE-Detroit Cass Tech-big time motor, returning starter for D-1 champs
34. Nate Couturier-5-10, 155-WR-RB-DB-Allendale-Grand Rapids Press Dream Teamer as soph
35. Blake Bockheim-6-5, 220-TE-Gr. Rapids Northview-Big Ten frame, another top GR prospect
36. Tyrone Miller-6-3, 180-DB-Saline-tall, lanky cover guy, smothers receivers
37. Jake Johnson-6-2, 175-QB-DeWitt-pinpoint passer, another top Div. I QB recruit for 2015
38. Shahid Bellamy-6-3, 265-DT-Oak Park-has size and mobility Big Ten schools crave
39. David Moorman-6-5, 275-OT-Northville-Big, athletic technician in trenches for Mustangs
40. Keshawn Gilmore-6-2, 190-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-should have breakout year as junior
41. Nick Marosi-6-2, 195-WR-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Good size, hands
42. Raumello Cooper-5-9, 165-DB-Flint Beecher-strong, quick cover skills as corner
43. Brandon Herzberg-6-2, 255-DT-OG-Brooklyn Columbia Central-hard-nosed, intense player
44. Grant Perry-5-11, 175-WR-DB-Birmingham Brother Rice-all-around player, quick feet
45. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-TE-Northville-Another Big Ten-sized TE, also top hoops player
46. Dekurtis Murphy-6-5, 305-OT-DT-St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic-D-I schools interested
47. Darryl Clemons-6-1, 205-LB-Detroit Loyola-returning starter for D-7 state runner-up
48. Trevon Avery-5-9, 170-DB-Grand Blanc-Cat-quick, natural talent, also skilled QB
1. Josh Alabi-6-4, 245-DE-OT-Detroit Cass Tech-could be next Joseph Barksdale (LSU, NFL)
2. Brian Cole-6-3, 195-WR-Saginaw Heritage-best Hawk recruit since NFLer Stu Schwiegert
3. Mike Weber-5-10, 190-RB-Detroit Cass Tech-could be best RB in state regardless of class
4. Carter Masek-6-3, 215-LB-East Grand Rapids-next great one from perennial powerhouse
5. Kyonta Stallworth-6-4, 270-OT-St. Clair Shores South Lake-Pac 12, Big Ten interested
6. Romello Ross-5-11, 175-DB-RB-Detroit Western-1,302 yds, 8 TDs, 6 ints. as soph.
7. Anthony Herbert-6-5, 290-OT-DT-Lapeer East-some say Lapeer's next Jake Long
8. Jon Wassink-6-2, 180-QB-Grand Rapids South Christian-2,564 yds, 23 TDs for state champs
9. Jayru Campbell-6-3, 185-QB-Detroit Cass Tech-back-to-back state champ, big time talent
10. Qi'antae Ewing-6-3, 220-LB-Gr. Rapids Christian-absolute beast, soph starter on D-3 champ
11. Alex Malzone-6-3, 195-QB-Birmingham Brother Rice-led Warriors to D-2 state championship
12. Tyson Smith-5-11, 170-DB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-great cover guy for D-3 state runner-up
13. Alex Grace-6-0, 190-RB-Saginaw Swan Valley-2,091 yds., 27 TDs last year, 4.4 speed
14. Chase Van Hoef-6-4, 270-OT-Grand Haven-mauler up front for Buccaneers
15. Cole Chewins-6-7, 210-TE-Clarkston-outstanding target, big upside for Wolves
16. Matt Skibinski-6-5, 245-OT-Livonia Churchill-starter at LT for Chargers as soph
17. Travis Russell-6-1, 170-QB-Gr. Rapids West Catholic-2,143 yds., 20 TDs for D-5 runner-up
18. Dakota Scholten-6-4, 235-LB-DE-TE-White Cloud-all around talent from small school
19. Rudy Hayes-6-3, 225-QB-Warren Michigan Collegiate-could play multiple positions
20. Logan Slaughter-6-5, 240-OT-DT-Mendon-best ever D-I recruit at small school powerhouse
21. Malik Swain-6-2, 280-DT-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills-big time run-plugger in trenches
22. Marcus Bowers-6-0, 215-LB-Fraser-makes plays all over field, Det. News All-Metro East pick
23. John Kelly-5-10, 175-DB-WR-Oak Park-playmaker on both sides of line for Knights
24. Clyde Pryor-6-4, 265-OT-Kalamazoo Central-big frame, good feet, equal Div. I recruit
25. A'vonte Bell-6-1, 215-LB-Lansing Sexton-speed and size make for great D-I combo
Next best -
26. Tyriq Thompson-6-1, 210-S-LB-Detroit King-big time hitter, strong tackler
27. Nick Krumm-5-10, 170-DB-Walled Lake Central-outstanding instincts, ball skills
28. Mitchell Quakkelaar-6-4, 240-DE-Gr. Rapids South Christian-starter as soph for D-4 champs
29. Josh Dabney-6-2, 260-DT-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-force up front for D-3 runner-up
30. Patrick Harbin-6-1, 190-DB-Detroit Loyola-hard-hitting safety with good size, speed
31. Ray Buford-6-1, 175-WR-Southfield-smooth receiver, U-M interest
32. Tristin Wiegers-5-10, 170-WR-Detroit Country Day-good hands, precise route runner
33. Keith Jones-6-1, 240-DE-Detroit Cass Tech-big time motor, returning starter for D-1 champs
34. Nate Couturier-5-10, 155-WR-RB-DB-Allendale-Grand Rapids Press Dream Teamer as soph
35. Blake Bockheim-6-5, 220-TE-Gr. Rapids Northview-Big Ten frame, another top GR prospect
36. Tyrone Miller-6-3, 180-DB-Saline-tall, lanky cover guy, smothers receivers
37. Jake Johnson-6-2, 175-QB-DeWitt-pinpoint passer, another top Div. I QB recruit for 2015
38. Shahid Bellamy-6-3, 265-DT-Oak Park-has size and mobility Big Ten schools crave
39. David Moorman-6-5, 275-OT-Northville-Big, athletic technician in trenches for Mustangs
40. Keshawn Gilmore-6-2, 190-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-should have breakout year as junior
41. Nick Marosi-6-2, 195-WR-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Good size, hands
42. Raumello Cooper-5-9, 165-DB-Flint Beecher-strong, quick cover skills as corner
43. Brandon Herzberg-6-2, 255-DT-OG-Brooklyn Columbia Central-hard-nosed, intense player
44. Grant Perry-5-11, 175-WR-DB-Birmingham Brother Rice-all-around player, quick feet
45. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-TE-Northville-Another Big Ten-sized TE, also top hoops player
46. Dekurtis Murphy-6-5, 305-OT-DT-St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic-D-I schools interested
47. Darryl Clemons-6-1, 205-LB-Detroit Loyola-returning starter for D-7 state runner-up
48. Trevon Avery-5-9, 170-DB-Grand Blanc-Cat-quick, natural talent, also skilled QB
Top 25 overall prospects for Michigan's class of 2014 (Updated)
With all the position rankings completed, here is my updated overall top 25 list for Michigan's class of 2014.
1. Malik McDowell-6-7, 290-DE-Detroit Loyola
2. Drake Harris-6-4, 185-WR-Grand Rapids Christian-verbal to Michigan
3. Jalen Watts-Jackson-5-11, 175-DB-Orchard Lake St. Marys-verbal to Michigan State
4. Chance Stewart-6-5, 215-QB-Sturgis-verbal to WMU (de-committed from Wisconsin)
5. Damon Webb-5-11, 185-DB-Detroit Cass Tech-verbal to Ohio State
6. Jordan Van Dort-6-5, 295-DT-Zeeland West-verbal to WMU
7. William White-6-2, 220-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-verbal to Toledo (despite Big Ten offers/interest)
8. Alec Stevens-6-4, 275-OL-West Branch Ogemaw Heights
9. Lorenzo Collins-5-10, 200-RB-Farmington Hills Harrison
10. Austin Labus-6-6, 285-OL-Portage Northern-verbal to Bowling Green State
11. Lawrence Marshall-6-4, 225-DE-Southfield-verbal to Michigan
12. Mitch Vonzittwitz-6-4, 240-TE-Utica
13. Tommy Doles-6-5, 250-OT-Grand Rapids Christian-verbal to Northwestern
14. Travis Smith-6-2, 200-QB-Ithaca-verbal to Toledo
15. Michael Tweh-5-11, 205-RB-Mount Pleasant
16. Paris Bennett-6-2, 215-LB-U-D Jesuit-verbal to Syracuse
17. Alex Neering-6-7, 240-DE-Essexville-Garber-verbal to CMU
18. Nick Matich-6-4, 260-OL-Clarkston-verbal to WMU
19. Kenny Finley-6-3, 265-DT-Muskegon-verbal to WMU
20. Chris Hendricks-6-4, 275-DT-Fruitport
21. Doug Freeman-5-11, 200-DB-Buchanan
22. Moe Ways-6-3, 185-WR-Detroit Country Day-verbal to Michigan
23. Jake Kasenski-6-5, 240-TE-Ludington
24. Connor Hayes-6-4, 270-OL-Traverse City West-verbal to Pittsburgh
25. Carl Fuller-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit King
1. Malik McDowell-6-7, 290-DE-Detroit Loyola
2. Drake Harris-6-4, 185-WR-Grand Rapids Christian-verbal to Michigan
3. Jalen Watts-Jackson-5-11, 175-DB-Orchard Lake St. Marys-verbal to Michigan State
4. Chance Stewart-6-5, 215-QB-Sturgis-verbal to WMU (de-committed from Wisconsin)
5. Damon Webb-5-11, 185-DB-Detroit Cass Tech-verbal to Ohio State
6. Jordan Van Dort-6-5, 295-DT-Zeeland West-verbal to WMU
7. William White-6-2, 220-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-verbal to Toledo (despite Big Ten offers/interest)
8. Alec Stevens-6-4, 275-OL-West Branch Ogemaw Heights
9. Lorenzo Collins-5-10, 200-RB-Farmington Hills Harrison
10. Austin Labus-6-6, 285-OL-Portage Northern-verbal to Bowling Green State
11. Lawrence Marshall-6-4, 225-DE-Southfield-verbal to Michigan
12. Mitch Vonzittwitz-6-4, 240-TE-Utica
13. Tommy Doles-6-5, 250-OT-Grand Rapids Christian-verbal to Northwestern
14. Travis Smith-6-2, 200-QB-Ithaca-verbal to Toledo
15. Michael Tweh-5-11, 205-RB-Mount Pleasant
16. Paris Bennett-6-2, 215-LB-U-D Jesuit-verbal to Syracuse
17. Alex Neering-6-7, 240-DE-Essexville-Garber-verbal to CMU
18. Nick Matich-6-4, 260-OL-Clarkston-verbal to WMU
19. Kenny Finley-6-3, 265-DT-Muskegon-verbal to WMU
20. Chris Hendricks-6-4, 275-DT-Fruitport
21. Doug Freeman-5-11, 200-DB-Buchanan
22. Moe Ways-6-3, 185-WR-Detroit Country Day-verbal to Michigan
23. Jake Kasenski-6-5, 240-TE-Ludington
24. Connor Hayes-6-4, 270-OL-Traverse City West-verbal to Pittsburgh
25. Carl Fuller-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit King
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)