Top 10 tight ends for Michigan's class of 2015

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.

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 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.

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...