From NFL greats Paul Seymour (Royal Oak Shrine, U-M), Pete Metzelaars (Portage Central, Wabash College), Rodney Holman (Ypsilanti, Tulane), Ron Kramer (East Detroit, U-M) and Fred Arbanas (Redford St. Mary, MSU) to recent pro standouts Antonio Gates (Detroit Central, Kent State), Tony Scheffler (Chelsea, WMU), Kellen Davis (Adrian, MSU) and Dion Sims (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, MSU), the state of Michigan has traditionally churned out big-time tight end talent year after year.
The class of 2016 is stacked from top to bottom with high level Division I tight end prospects this season. Here are the top 10 tight end recruits for Michigan's class of 2016.
Top 10 tight end prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 --
1. Cedric Lattimore-6-5, 265-Detroit East English- I know he's destined for the D-line at the next level, but he's an absolute load on the offensive side of the ball, as well. He's simply a dominating two-way player. Verbal to Iowa.
2. Josh Eldridge-6-4, 245-Clintondale-Like Lattimore, could possibly play defense in college. He's also a talented DE for the Dragons. Big, strong and mobile, Eldridge is a match-up problem for any defender. Verbal to CMU.
3. Keidren Davis-6-5, 230-Grand Rapids Union-Best D-I prospect at Union in decades. Big Ten body and speed. I think the upside for Davis is as high or higher than any other player on this list. The Rockets are getting a steal. Verbal to Toledo.
4. Jaye Patrick-6-5, 220-Detroit Western-Unbelievable athletic talent. Helped the Cowboys capture the Class A basketball state championship last winter. Long arms and leaping ability make Patrick a big-time prospect. U-M recruiting hard.
5. Evan Conn-6-5, 220-DeWitt-Not getting much talk statewide or throughout the Midwest, but Conn is one of Michigan's best. Another top-notch hoops player, Conn runs a 4.8 40 and can jump out of the proverbial "gym." Also a D-I LB-DE prospect.
6. Riley Woolford-6-3, 245-Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central-A two-way starter for the defending Division 6 state champions, Woolford is arguably the best blocking TE in Michigan. Also a bruising DE for the Falcons, Woolford is a throw-back type player who is physical and rugged.
7. Jaylon Moore-6-4, 260-Detroit Consortium-Could project to OT at the next level, Moore is a dominating force for the Cougars. Another basketball standout, Moore has excellent footwork and quickness for a player his size. Verbal to WMU.
8. Drew Beesley-6-3, 225-Warren DeLaSalle-Returning two-way starter for the defending Division 2 state champion Pilots. Beesley is an excellent blocker for DeLaSalle, one of the top programs in the Midwest. Also stout DE. Could play either position in college. Verbal to Bowling Green State.
9. Mitch Heaton-6-6, 215-Clarkston-One of only three juniors to start for the two-time defending Division 1 state champion Wolves last season. Heaton has the height and frame to project out to 6-6, 255 or so at the next level. Big-time prospect from one of Michigan's best programs.
10. Caleb Symons-6-4, 210-New Lothrop-One of my top sleepers. From one of the best small school programs in Michigan, Symons is a beast on both sides of the football for the Hornets. Extremely physical, Symons was state runner-up in wrestling last year at 189 in Division 4. He was a key member on New Lothrop's D-4 state championship grappling squad a season ago. He runs a 4.8 40. On the gridiron, he helped lead the Hornets to the D-7 state quarterfinals (regionals), losing to eventual state champion Detroit Loyola.
Other top TE prospects for Michigan's class of 2016- Jaylen Bradley-6-3, 230-Flint Carman-Ainsworth (one of Flint's top prospects, also hoops player), Nolan Givan-6-4, 225-Berkley (speed, size and length make Givan a top prospect), Mitch Heimbuch-6-3, 225-Romeo, Nathan Skene-6-3, 220-Hartland, Landin Mitchell-6-4, 240-Goodrich, Jordan Hendricks-6-4, 240-Milan, Shane Fugate-6-2, 220-Dearborn Divine Child, Steve Glenn-6-3, 250-Lincoln Park (also talented QB, runs 4.7 40), Connor Sisty-6-3, 215-Ida, Max Thrower-6-4, 220-Royal Oak Shrine (Interesting prospect, runs 4.5 40, could play WR or switch to defensive side of football at next level).
Friday, July 31, 2015
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Michigan's top 10 defensive backs for class of 2016
For any Division I college football coach or recruiter, the state of Michigan is an absolute must stop if searching for defensive backfield help. For the Great Lakes State's five D-I playing colleges, finding and signing big-time, elite talent in the secondary should be as simple as looking within their own backyard. As is the case most years, Michigan has some of the best prospects in the country suiting up this upcoming season in the defensive backfield.
Traditionally a strong state when it comes to producing and developing DB talent, Michigan's class of 2016 is well-stocked with Big Ten-level players roaming the secondary this year. Here are the Great Lakes State's top 10 defensive back recruits for the class of 2016. As usual, every player on this list is without a doubt a top-tier D-I prospect.
Top 10 defensive backs for Michigan's class of 2016-
1. Demetric Vance-6-2, 200-Detroit Cass Tech-Punishing hitter from the safety position. Also excellent coverage skills for a player his size. Runs 4.4 40. Complete package. Verbal to MSU.
2. Stefan Claiborne-6-2, 185-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Besides Detroit King's Donnie Corley (Michigan's No. 6 overall prospect), Claiborne arguably is the state's top two-way player. A do-it-all type performer, Claiborne excels in all three phases of the game. Last season he had 83 tackles and one interception returned for a TD, 25 receptions for 10 TDs and six blocked kicks. Runs 4.5 40. Illinois, Iowa offers.
3. Hunter Broersma-6-1, 185-Muskegon Mona Shores-Another two-way standout. Could play DB or WR at next level. Runs 4.5 40. Helped lead Mona Shores to D-2 state runner-up last season. Verbal to WMU.
4. Lavert Hill-5-10, 170-Detroit King-Pure lockdown-type corner with smooth hips and quick feet. Sticks like glue to opposing receivers. 4.4 speed. Verbal to Penn State.
5. Devin Taylor-6-1, 175-Lansing Sexton-Big, physical cornerback with 4.5 speed. Led Sexton to D-4 state runner-up a year ago. Big Ten-level body, speed. Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, etc. need to sign this DB stud.
6. Deandre Oakes-Owens-6-1, 175-Muskegon Mona Shores-Another big-time talent from blue collar, football talent-rich city off the shore of Lake Michigan. Transfer from Muskegon Reeths-Puffer. Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team selection last season after intercepting six passes and recording 28 tackles. Somewhat of a sleeper, but a must-see for D-I recruiters.
7. Mark Wilson-6-1, 185-Detroit Renaissance-Earned Detroit Free Press All-Detroit first team accolades last season. Also skilled WR. Teammate OT Alaric Jackson (6-7, 285, state's No. 6 OL prospect) gets a lot of attention and deservedly so, but Wilson is also high-level D-I material.
8. Marquis Smith-5-11, 175-Ypsilanti-Can play multiple positions on the football field. All-around player with speed and natural football instincts. Ann Arbor All-Area selection a year ago. Verbal to Kansas.
9. Traivon Clayton-5-10, 175-Dearborn Heights Robichaud-Detroit News All-Metro West first team last season. Intercepted five passes, returning two for TDs. Also had 52 catches as WR for 1,034 yards and 16 TDs. Runs 4.4 40.
10. Gage Kreski-6-3, 190-St.Ignace- Top recruit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Best DB prospect from U.P. since Escanaba's Dean Altobelli (MSU starter in mid-1980s). Already a two-time U.P. Dream Team selection. Last season was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in the U.P. Also named to Michigan's Associated Press Division 7-8 All-State first team team last season. A two-sport standout, Kreski also earned Class D All-State first team honors last season for basketball.
Other top DB prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 (all are D-I recruits at some level)-- Guy Brent-6-1, 175-Ann Arbor Skyline (Ann Arbor All-Area last year), Hassam Hachem-5-10, 175-Dearborn Fordson (three-year starter at legendary suburban Detroit program, Detroit News All-Metro West first team a year ago, with six interceptions and one returned for TD), Tylen Redding-6-2, 170-Warren Mott (seven interceptions last year, Detroit News All-Metro East first team, verbal to Bowling Green State), Darece Roberson-5-10, 165-Muskegon Mona Shores (4.4 40, led Mona Shores to D-2 state runner-up last season, verbal to WMU), Cyntell Williams-6-0, 175-Battle Creek Central (named to Battle Creek Enquirer All-City first team last year, 4.5 40), Jakkar Jackson-5-10, 175-Farmington (Verbal to CMU), Navon Mosley-6-0, 180-West Bloomfield (Verbal to Purdue), Jake Martin-5-10, 175-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (Grand Rapids All-East pick last season, three interceptions, also 3,000 all-purpose yards on offense), Alonzo McCoy-5-10, 175-Redford Thurston (Detroit Free Press All-West first team a year ago, with seven interceptions and 56 tackles, verbal to Toledo), Jared Stephens-6-0, 190-Canton, Tru Wilson-5-11, 180-Warren DeLaSalle (returning starter for D-2 state champions), Tyler Bradfield-6-0, 185-Rockford (earned Michigan Associated Press Division 1-2 All-State first team honors last season), Dontre Boyd-5-11, 175-Detroit King (Verbal to WMU), Marlon Dorsey-6-1, 170-East Kentwood, Lucas Thompson-6-0, 175-Grand Rapids Christian, Justin Myrick-5-10, 180-Orchard Lake St. Mary's (helped lead St. Mary's to D-3 state championship last season, also talented RB), Tyler Cochran-6-2, 180-Orchard Lake St. Mary's (teamed with Myrick in talented backfield for state champion Eaglets), Corrin Jones-6-0, 175-Detroit Mumford (named to Associated Press Division 3-4 All-State first team a year ago), Tee'Ondre Harvey-6-1, 175-Detroit Mumford (teams with Corrin Jones for one of state's most dynamic corner combos, verbal to CMU), James Cesear-6-0, 185-Detroit East English Village, Jelani Taylor-5-11, 185-Flint Beecher (Flint Journal Dream Team pick, five interceptions and 72 tackles last season, 4.5 40), Jacarius Scott-6-0, 165-Muskegon (returning starter for D-3 state runner-up), Amaan Payne-6-0, 200-Holt (4.5 40), Jaylen Wiggins-6-0, 165-Lake Orion (Verbal to Toledo), Jesse Johnson-5-11, 190-Detroit Pershing (Illinois offer), Brandon Beane-6-2, 190-Baldwin (also D-I level WR prospect, one of northern Michigan's best), Kistin Branson-5-10, 190-Lansing Sexton (returning starter for D-4 state runner-up), DeQuan Kendle-6-2, 185-Hamtramck (4.5 40), Dante Razzano-6-2, 190-Edwardsburg, Raymond Blevins-5-10, 165-Detroit Southeastern (runs 4.4 40, arguably best prospect out of Southeastern since Spartans William Gholston and Ed Davis), Otis Jackson-6-0, 175-Saginaw Heritage (Big corner with 4.4 speed, also talented WR), Khylin Barton-6-3, 185-Zeeland East, Samaad Ali-6-1, 190-Birmingham Groves, Justin Clark-5-11, 165-West Bloomfield (Verbal to Toledo), Evan Foster-6-1, 190-West Bloomfield (Verbal to Bowling Green State).
Traditionally a strong state when it comes to producing and developing DB talent, Michigan's class of 2016 is well-stocked with Big Ten-level players roaming the secondary this year. Here are the Great Lakes State's top 10 defensive back recruits for the class of 2016. As usual, every player on this list is without a doubt a top-tier D-I prospect.
Top 10 defensive backs for Michigan's class of 2016-
1. Demetric Vance-6-2, 200-Detroit Cass Tech-Punishing hitter from the safety position. Also excellent coverage skills for a player his size. Runs 4.4 40. Complete package. Verbal to MSU.
2. Stefan Claiborne-6-2, 185-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Besides Detroit King's Donnie Corley (Michigan's No. 6 overall prospect), Claiborne arguably is the state's top two-way player. A do-it-all type performer, Claiborne excels in all three phases of the game. Last season he had 83 tackles and one interception returned for a TD, 25 receptions for 10 TDs and six blocked kicks. Runs 4.5 40. Illinois, Iowa offers.
3. Hunter Broersma-6-1, 185-Muskegon Mona Shores-Another two-way standout. Could play DB or WR at next level. Runs 4.5 40. Helped lead Mona Shores to D-2 state runner-up last season. Verbal to WMU.
4. Lavert Hill-5-10, 170-Detroit King-Pure lockdown-type corner with smooth hips and quick feet. Sticks like glue to opposing receivers. 4.4 speed. Verbal to Penn State.
5. Devin Taylor-6-1, 175-Lansing Sexton-Big, physical cornerback with 4.5 speed. Led Sexton to D-4 state runner-up a year ago. Big Ten-level body, speed. Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, etc. need to sign this DB stud.
6. Deandre Oakes-Owens-6-1, 175-Muskegon Mona Shores-Another big-time talent from blue collar, football talent-rich city off the shore of Lake Michigan. Transfer from Muskegon Reeths-Puffer. Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team selection last season after intercepting six passes and recording 28 tackles. Somewhat of a sleeper, but a must-see for D-I recruiters.
7. Mark Wilson-6-1, 185-Detroit Renaissance-Earned Detroit Free Press All-Detroit first team accolades last season. Also skilled WR. Teammate OT Alaric Jackson (6-7, 285, state's No. 6 OL prospect) gets a lot of attention and deservedly so, but Wilson is also high-level D-I material.
8. Marquis Smith-5-11, 175-Ypsilanti-Can play multiple positions on the football field. All-around player with speed and natural football instincts. Ann Arbor All-Area selection a year ago. Verbal to Kansas.
9. Traivon Clayton-5-10, 175-Dearborn Heights Robichaud-Detroit News All-Metro West first team last season. Intercepted five passes, returning two for TDs. Also had 52 catches as WR for 1,034 yards and 16 TDs. Runs 4.4 40.
10. Gage Kreski-6-3, 190-St.Ignace- Top recruit in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Best DB prospect from U.P. since Escanaba's Dean Altobelli (MSU starter in mid-1980s). Already a two-time U.P. Dream Team selection. Last season was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in the U.P. Also named to Michigan's Associated Press Division 7-8 All-State first team team last season. A two-sport standout, Kreski also earned Class D All-State first team honors last season for basketball.
Other top DB prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 (all are D-I recruits at some level)-- Guy Brent-6-1, 175-Ann Arbor Skyline (Ann Arbor All-Area last year), Hassam Hachem-5-10, 175-Dearborn Fordson (three-year starter at legendary suburban Detroit program, Detroit News All-Metro West first team a year ago, with six interceptions and one returned for TD), Tylen Redding-6-2, 170-Warren Mott (seven interceptions last year, Detroit News All-Metro East first team, verbal to Bowling Green State), Darece Roberson-5-10, 165-Muskegon Mona Shores (4.4 40, led Mona Shores to D-2 state runner-up last season, verbal to WMU), Cyntell Williams-6-0, 175-Battle Creek Central (named to Battle Creek Enquirer All-City first team last year, 4.5 40), Jakkar Jackson-5-10, 175-Farmington (Verbal to CMU), Navon Mosley-6-0, 180-West Bloomfield (Verbal to Purdue), Jake Martin-5-10, 175-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (Grand Rapids All-East pick last season, three interceptions, also 3,000 all-purpose yards on offense), Alonzo McCoy-5-10, 175-Redford Thurston (Detroit Free Press All-West first team a year ago, with seven interceptions and 56 tackles, verbal to Toledo), Jared Stephens-6-0, 190-Canton, Tru Wilson-5-11, 180-Warren DeLaSalle (returning starter for D-2 state champions), Tyler Bradfield-6-0, 185-Rockford (earned Michigan Associated Press Division 1-2 All-State first team honors last season), Dontre Boyd-5-11, 175-Detroit King (Verbal to WMU), Marlon Dorsey-6-1, 170-East Kentwood, Lucas Thompson-6-0, 175-Grand Rapids Christian, Justin Myrick-5-10, 180-Orchard Lake St. Mary's (helped lead St. Mary's to D-3 state championship last season, also talented RB), Tyler Cochran-6-2, 180-Orchard Lake St. Mary's (teamed with Myrick in talented backfield for state champion Eaglets), Corrin Jones-6-0, 175-Detroit Mumford (named to Associated Press Division 3-4 All-State first team a year ago), Tee'Ondre Harvey-6-1, 175-Detroit Mumford (teams with Corrin Jones for one of state's most dynamic corner combos, verbal to CMU), James Cesear-6-0, 185-Detroit East English Village, Jelani Taylor-5-11, 185-Flint Beecher (Flint Journal Dream Team pick, five interceptions and 72 tackles last season, 4.5 40), Jacarius Scott-6-0, 165-Muskegon (returning starter for D-3 state runner-up), Amaan Payne-6-0, 200-Holt (4.5 40), Jaylen Wiggins-6-0, 165-Lake Orion (Verbal to Toledo), Jesse Johnson-5-11, 190-Detroit Pershing (Illinois offer), Brandon Beane-6-2, 190-Baldwin (also D-I level WR prospect, one of northern Michigan's best), Kistin Branson-5-10, 190-Lansing Sexton (returning starter for D-4 state runner-up), DeQuan Kendle-6-2, 185-Hamtramck (4.5 40), Dante Razzano-6-2, 190-Edwardsburg, Raymond Blevins-5-10, 165-Detroit Southeastern (runs 4.4 40, arguably best prospect out of Southeastern since Spartans William Gholston and Ed Davis), Otis Jackson-6-0, 175-Saginaw Heritage (Big corner with 4.4 speed, also talented WR), Khylin Barton-6-3, 185-Zeeland East, Samaad Ali-6-1, 190-Birmingham Groves, Justin Clark-5-11, 165-West Bloomfield (Verbal to Toledo), Evan Foster-6-1, 190-West Bloomfield (Verbal to Bowling Green State).
Friday, July 17, 2015
Michigan's top 10 linebackers for the class of 2016
From NFL legends Brad Van Pelt (Owosso, MSU), Carl Banks (Flint Beecher, MSU), Thomas "Pepper" Johnson (Detroit Mackenzie, Ohio State) and Dan Currie (Detroit St. Anthony, MSU, No. 3 overall pick in 1958 NFL draft, three-time All-Pro and two-time NFL champion with the Green Bay Packers in 1961 and 1962) to current NFL standouts David Harris (Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills, U-M, NY Jets), Connor Barwin (U-D Jesuit, Cincinnati, Philadelphia Eagles), Brad Jones (East Lansing, Colorado, Philadelphia Eagles) and LaMarr Woodley (Saginaw, U-M, Arizona Cardinals), the state of Michigan has produced some of the finest linebackers ever to play the game.
The class of 2016 in Michigan is overflowing with Division I college football talent and skill at the linebacker position. With size, speed and ability in abundance, each player listed below is a D-I recruit, in my opinion. Here are Michigan's top 10 linebacker prospects for the class of 2016.
Top 10 linebackers for Michigan's class of 2016--
1. Daelin Hayes-6-3, 245-Ann Arbor Skyline-Freakish athletic talent, with elite size/speed combo. Runs 4.5 40. Michigan's No. 2 overall recruit. Verbal to USC.
2. Eric Rogers-6-1, 235-Warren DeLaSalle-Tackling machine in the middle for defending D-2 state champions. Plays some of the top competition in the nation week after week in the rugged Detroit Catholic League. Verbal to WMU.
3. Jalen Cochran-6-4, 230-Canton-Big, lanky suburban Detroit player with speed off the edge. Detroit Free Press All-West first team last season. Could bulk up to play DE at next level.
4. David Reese-6-1, 230-Farmington-Physical, powerful player with agility. Also top FB. Could play either LB or FB at next level. 4.6 40. Verbal to U-M.
5. Brandon Randle-6-2, 215-Battle Creek Central-From legendary program, Randle is latest D-I Bearcat. Talented WR, as well. Never stops, high motor player. Speed to burn for size. 4.6 40. Also has long jumped 22-2. Will easily add 10 to 20 pounds at next level. Verbal to MSU.
6. Armani Posey-6-2, 205-Detroit King-All-around talent. Just a pure football player. Also big time WR. Runs 4.5-4.6 40 range. Detroit News All-Detroit first team last season. Like Brandon Randle, will add weight at next level.
7. Kumehnnu Gwilly-6-2, 205-Utica-Very intriguing player, in my opinion. Top flight tailback (1,944 yds, 15 TDs last season), but I like him as outside LB at next level. Could also make nice safety prospect. Runs 4.6 40. Detroit News All-Metro East first team last year. The Chippewas are getting a good one. Verbal to CMU.
8. Eddie Rhodes-6-4, 240-Detroit Consortium-Amazing physical specimen. Will more than likely bulk up to play DL at next level. Punishing player at the HS level.
9. Nolan Meekhof-6-1, 225-Grandville-One of the Grand Rapids area's best, Meekhof has good speed and instincts. Runs 4.6 40. Also bruising RB.
10. Lawrence Bryant-6-1, 220-Detroit King-Roams sideline to sideline making plays. Was three-year starter at Grosse Pointe North before transferring to King for senior season. Will form dynamic duo with teammate Armani Posey this upcoming season.
Other top LB prospects (all D-I at some level, in my opinion)-Tim Walton-6-2, 225-Detroit Cass Tech (Verbal to Illinois), Anthony Fitzpatrick-5-11, 240-Detroit Loyola (returning two-way starter for defending D-7 state champions), Hunter Buczkowski-6-0, 225-Mount Pleasant (big-time athlete, also All-State baseball player for top program, verbal to CMU), Luke Harris-6-3, 235-New Lothrop, Marcus Wright-6-0, 210-Flint Beecher, Tyler Lamica-6-1, 225-Grand Rapids Christian, Demond Young-6-0, 220-Farmington Hills Harrison, Kane Wendling-6-1, 210-Bay City Western (Bay City Times Dream Team selection), Cornelius Brown-6-1, 215-Lansing Sexton (returning starter for D-4 state runner-up), Trevor Tank-6-2, 225-South Lyon, Brent Brock-6-2, 230-Munising (returning two-way starter for D-8 state runner-up, one of the Upper Peninsula's best), Dennis Fitzsimmons-6-0, 230-Marine City (Division 5-6 All-State last year), Aaron Rahn-6-2, 225-Holland, Tarrion Hill-Mckay-6-1, 210-Muskegon (returning starter for D-3 state runner-up), David Williams-6-3, 225-Holland Christian, Austin Wood-6-1, 220-Berkley, Jeremiah Tyler-6-3, 205-Detroit Country Day (CMU, WMU, Ball State offers), Jalen Wilkerson-6-1, 205-Monroe (Monroe News Defensive Player of the Year last season, 4.6 40), Nate Jones-6-1, 220-Muskegon Catholic Central (will be three-year, two-way starter for defending D-8 state champions), Chris Upright-6-0, 220-Marshall, Spencer Trapiss-6-3, 210-Richmond, Hunter Ward-6-3, 230-Madison Heights Lamphere (Explosive, raw talent, 4.5 40 reported, member of school's 400-meter relay team).
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