Well, since I was able to watch some college football yesterday, today, I've actually been able to catch a few NFL contests, as well. I normally have so much else going on I'm unable to spend two straight weekend days watching the game I love so much. That being said, today's NFL action featured so many players from the state of Michigan, it was incredible. Just goes to show the level of talent being developed and produced by the Great Lakes State year after year.
I need to start out with the New Orleans Saints and their clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though losing to the Bucs 26-19, Saints' WR Willie Snead (Muskegon Heights/Holland Christian, Ball State) had a fantastic game finishing with four receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown. I remember watching Snead in the state championship game at Ford Field when he played for Holland Christian and thinking he had the best hands I'd ever seen for a high school receiver. I was shocked when he signed with Ball State and not a Big Ten program. Also starting for the Saints were RB Mark Ingram Jr. (Flint Southwestern, Alabama), who finished with 53 yards rushing on 16 attempts with one TD and OG Tim Lelito (St. Clair, Grand Valley State). Lelito is another player overlooked and misevaluated by Michigan's five D-I playing college football programs. Hopefully, those days of poor instate recruiting/knowledge are over for Michigan's D-I playing schools. For Tampa Bay, DE Will Gholston (Detroit Southeastern, MSU) and K Kyle Brindza (Plymouth, Notre Dame) saw action, while OT Reid Fragel (Grosse Pointe South, Ohio State) made the Buccaneers' practice squad.
In the Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys game, multiple Michigan natives suited up for both squads. On defense for the Eagles, LB Connor Barwin (U-D Jesuit, Cincinnati) and LB Brandon Graham (Detroit Crockett, now Detroit East English Village, U-M) both started and played well, while LB Brad Jones (East Lansing, Colorado) also saw action. For the Cowboys, CB Brandon Carr (Flint Carmen-Ainsworth, Grand Valley State) started and is one of the NFL's best at his position. Making plays on special teams and in the secondary for Dallas was S Jeff Heath (Lake Orion, Saginaw Valley State).
Watching the Oakland Raiders-Baltimore Ravens contest, it was interesting seeing head coach John Harbaugh (Ann Arbor Pioneer, Miami (OH)) prowling the sidelines for the Ravens. Harbaugh doesn't get as much publicity as his younger brother Jim Harbaugh (head coach at U-M), but, in my opinion, John is one of the NFL's best coaches. Also suiting up for Baltimore was DE Jason Babin (Paw Paw, WMU) and DT Carl Davis (Sterling Heights Stevenson, Iowa). On the Ravens' practice squad are DT Micajah Reynolds (Lansing Sexton, MSU) and LB Brennen Beyer (Plymouth, U-M).
Other Michigan players I noticed throughout the day competing at the highest football level were Minnesota Vikings RB Zach Line (Oxford, SMU), LB Audie Cole (Monroe, North Carolina State) and C Joe Berger (Newaygo, Michigan Tech) , Jacksonville Jaguars WR Allen Robinson (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Penn State), who finished with six catches for 155 yards and two TDs and LB Dan Skuta (Flint Powers Catholic, Grand Valley State) and Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins (Holland Christian, MSU), who ended up 23-of-27 passing for 203 yards and one TD. Cousins led the Redskins to a 24-10 win over the St. Louis Rams.
In the Sunday Night Football primetime game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, a large contingent of Michigan players saw action for both squads. For the Packers, OG T.J. Lang (Birmingham Brother Rice, EMU) and DE/LB Nick Perry (Detroit King, USC) started, while WR Jeff Janis (Tawas, Saginaw Valley State) contributed on special teams. For Seattle, RB Thomas Rawls (Flint Northern, U-M/CMU) saw action in the backfield. It was nice seeing Rawls make an NFL roster and playing under the bright primetime lights at Lambeau Field, since I always thought he was woefully overlooked at U-M and seemed to receive somewhat of a raw deal while in Ann Arbor. I have no idea why he didn't see more action while playing for the Maize and Blue. Though, I guess, a lot of things haven't made much sense in Ann Arbor these past few seasons. Hopefully, the ship has been righted at U-M with the new coaching staff/culture. Either way, the cream always rises to the top and Rawls wouldn't be making an NFL roster if he didn't have big time, elite skills as a running back. It was nice seeing him finally getting his just rewards.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Michigan kids shine in college football games
Wow, I'm always amazed, though I should know better, whenever I get the chance to actually sit down and watch a full day of college football (yes, I ate an entire large pepperoni pizza and washed it down with a two-liter of Pepsi while sitting in my Lazy-Boy for almost 12 hours straight -- who doesn't??) how many Michigan kids are playing in the games I get a chance to watch (or see highlights of).
I'm not even going to comment on the MSU or U-M games, there are just too many Michigan players to mention. Though senior WR Aaron Burbridge (6-1, 195, Farmington Hills Harrison) had quite a day for No. 4-ranked MSU catching three touchdown passes, including one of the best TD receptions of the young college football season. That being said, it was enjoyable to watch junior OT Chauncey Briggs (6-6, 300, West Bloomfield) start for SMU in the Mustangs' 56-37 loss to No. 3-ranked TCU. Briggs is a three-year starter for SMU (1-2 overall).
Staying on the O-line, I watched junior OG Steve Elmer (6-5, 315, Midland) start for No. 8-ranked Notre Dame (3-0) in the Irish's 30-22 victory over Georgia Tech. Elmer is a three-year starter for Notre Dame. On the sidelines, West Bloomfield native and Wayne State grad Brian Van Gorder was barking out instructions and flashing signs as defensive coordinator for the Irish.
In the Northern Illinois-Ohio State game, it was interesting to see redshirt junior OG Ron (formerly Daron) Brown (6-3, 345, Detroit Mumford) start for the Huskies (2-1), who gave the host No. 1-ranked Buckeyes a scare before falling 20-13. In the coaches booth, I believe I spotted Chelsea native and Northwestern grad Joe Tripodi. Tripodi, in his sixth season with NIU, is an assistant coach/offensive line coach for the Huskies. Tripodi was a two-year starter at OG for Northwestern in the early 2000s.
In Penn State's 28-3 win over Rutgers, senior DT Anthony Zettel (6-4, 285, West Branch Ogemaw Heights) started for the Nittany Lions (2-1). A returning All-Big Ten player, Zettel, a three-year starter, should be playing on Sundays next year.
In Iowa's thrilling 27-24 win over Pittsburgh, junior CB Desmond King (5-11, 200, Detroit Crocket, now Detroit East English Village) started for the Hawkeyes (3-0). King, a three-year starter, had a terrific game finishing with two interceptions, eight tackles and one tackle for loss. For Pitt, another former Detroit Public School League standout, sophomore CB Avonte Maddox (5-9, 170, Detroit King) started for the Panthers. Maddox, a two-year starter, had a strong game, as well, ending up with nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass break-up. On the coaching side, Maddox is mentored by PSL legend Renaldo Hill (Detroit Chadsey, MSU-where he was All-Big Ten and a Spartan captain, NFL-10-year career as a DB), who is Pitt's defensive backs coach.
In Tennessee's 55-10 victory over Western Carolina, freshman RB John Kelly (5-9, 215, Oak Park) is the Volunteers' No. 2 back, seeing plenty of action in his inaugural season in Knoxville. Against Western Carolina, Kelly had a team-leading 13 rushing attempts for 59 yards for Tennessee (2-1). A noticeable omission from the Vols' line-up is redshirt junior DT Dan O'Brien (6-2, 305, Flint Powers Catholic), a two-year starter and leader upfront for Tennessee. For undisclosed reasons, O'Brien has been suspended by the Vols for the past two contests. Let's hope everything clears up -- O'Brien has an NFL future. On the sidelines, Tennessee is led by head coach Butch Jones, a Saugatuck native and Ferris State grad.
Finally, in the CMU-Syracuse contest, the visiting Chippewas (1-2) battled hard before falling 30-27 in OT to the Orangemen (3-0). Junior QB Cooper Rush (6-3, 225, Lansing Catholic Central) finished 37-of-51 passing for 430 yards and two TDs for CMU. Senior TE Ben McCord (6-4, 240, Warren Cousino) had an outstanding game for the Chips with 10 catches for 147 yards and one TD. At running back, sophomore Devon Spalding (5-11, 205, Westland John Glenn) had a fine, all-around performance for CMU ending up with 185 total yards (rushing and receiving) and one touchdown. The Chippewas could be one of the best 1-2 squads in the country, losing to Oklahoma State 24-13 and defeating Monmouth 31-10. CMU's two losses have come by a combined 14 points. Of Central's 22 starters, 18 come from the state of Michigan. The Chippewas are led by head coach John Bonamego, a Paw Paw native and CMU graduate. For Syracuse (3-0), redshirt junior DE Ron Thompson (6-3, 255, Southfield) finished with five tackles and three tackles for losses for 21 yards. Thompson, another NFL prospect, is a two-year starter for the Orangemen. Also starting for Syracuse was sophomore LB Parris Bennett (6-0, 215, U-D Jesuit). Bennett led the Orangemen with 10 tackles and one tackle for loss.
I'm not even going to comment on the MSU or U-M games, there are just too many Michigan players to mention. Though senior WR Aaron Burbridge (6-1, 195, Farmington Hills Harrison) had quite a day for No. 4-ranked MSU catching three touchdown passes, including one of the best TD receptions of the young college football season. That being said, it was enjoyable to watch junior OT Chauncey Briggs (6-6, 300, West Bloomfield) start for SMU in the Mustangs' 56-37 loss to No. 3-ranked TCU. Briggs is a three-year starter for SMU (1-2 overall).
Staying on the O-line, I watched junior OG Steve Elmer (6-5, 315, Midland) start for No. 8-ranked Notre Dame (3-0) in the Irish's 30-22 victory over Georgia Tech. Elmer is a three-year starter for Notre Dame. On the sidelines, West Bloomfield native and Wayne State grad Brian Van Gorder was barking out instructions and flashing signs as defensive coordinator for the Irish.
In the Northern Illinois-Ohio State game, it was interesting to see redshirt junior OG Ron (formerly Daron) Brown (6-3, 345, Detroit Mumford) start for the Huskies (2-1), who gave the host No. 1-ranked Buckeyes a scare before falling 20-13. In the coaches booth, I believe I spotted Chelsea native and Northwestern grad Joe Tripodi. Tripodi, in his sixth season with NIU, is an assistant coach/offensive line coach for the Huskies. Tripodi was a two-year starter at OG for Northwestern in the early 2000s.
In Penn State's 28-3 win over Rutgers, senior DT Anthony Zettel (6-4, 285, West Branch Ogemaw Heights) started for the Nittany Lions (2-1). A returning All-Big Ten player, Zettel, a three-year starter, should be playing on Sundays next year.
In Iowa's thrilling 27-24 win over Pittsburgh, junior CB Desmond King (5-11, 200, Detroit Crocket, now Detroit East English Village) started for the Hawkeyes (3-0). King, a three-year starter, had a terrific game finishing with two interceptions, eight tackles and one tackle for loss. For Pitt, another former Detroit Public School League standout, sophomore CB Avonte Maddox (5-9, 170, Detroit King) started for the Panthers. Maddox, a two-year starter, had a strong game, as well, ending up with nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass break-up. On the coaching side, Maddox is mentored by PSL legend Renaldo Hill (Detroit Chadsey, MSU-where he was All-Big Ten and a Spartan captain, NFL-10-year career as a DB), who is Pitt's defensive backs coach.
In Tennessee's 55-10 victory over Western Carolina, freshman RB John Kelly (5-9, 215, Oak Park) is the Volunteers' No. 2 back, seeing plenty of action in his inaugural season in Knoxville. Against Western Carolina, Kelly had a team-leading 13 rushing attempts for 59 yards for Tennessee (2-1). A noticeable omission from the Vols' line-up is redshirt junior DT Dan O'Brien (6-2, 305, Flint Powers Catholic), a two-year starter and leader upfront for Tennessee. For undisclosed reasons, O'Brien has been suspended by the Vols for the past two contests. Let's hope everything clears up -- O'Brien has an NFL future. On the sidelines, Tennessee is led by head coach Butch Jones, a Saugatuck native and Ferris State grad.
Finally, in the CMU-Syracuse contest, the visiting Chippewas (1-2) battled hard before falling 30-27 in OT to the Orangemen (3-0). Junior QB Cooper Rush (6-3, 225, Lansing Catholic Central) finished 37-of-51 passing for 430 yards and two TDs for CMU. Senior TE Ben McCord (6-4, 240, Warren Cousino) had an outstanding game for the Chips with 10 catches for 147 yards and one TD. At running back, sophomore Devon Spalding (5-11, 205, Westland John Glenn) had a fine, all-around performance for CMU ending up with 185 total yards (rushing and receiving) and one touchdown. The Chippewas could be one of the best 1-2 squads in the country, losing to Oklahoma State 24-13 and defeating Monmouth 31-10. CMU's two losses have come by a combined 14 points. Of Central's 22 starters, 18 come from the state of Michigan. The Chippewas are led by head coach John Bonamego, a Paw Paw native and CMU graduate. For Syracuse (3-0), redshirt junior DE Ron Thompson (6-3, 255, Southfield) finished with five tackles and three tackles for losses for 21 yards. Thompson, another NFL prospect, is a two-year starter for the Orangemen. Also starting for Syracuse was sophomore LB Parris Bennett (6-0, 215, U-D Jesuit). Bennett led the Orangemen with 10 tackles and one tackle for loss.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Michigan's top 25 players for class of 2018 -- Nos. 11 through 25
Michigan's top 25 high school football players for the class of 2018. Below are players 11 through 25.
11. Cole Schut-6-3, 255-OT-DT-Holland-Bruiser upfront for the Dutch. Physical presence on both sides of the football. One of west Michigan's top prospects.
12. Josh Mayberry-6-1, 280-C-Detroit King-Starter as a sophomore for one of the Midwest's best teams/programs. Anchor in the middle for Crusaders.
13. Nolan Bird-6-2, 175-QB-Grand Ledge-Coach's son. Smart, heady player for premier Lansing-area program.
14. Giovanni Agazzi-6-3, 265-OG-Livonia Stevenson-Big, strong kid in the trenches for power running squad. Starts as sophomore for one of western Wayne County's (Detroit's county) top teams.
15. Jayden Day-5-10, 180-QB-Muskegon Orchard View-Slippery, cat-quick signal-caller for Cardinals. Tough in the open field. Could possibly switch to RB with his skill set.
16. Cody Carone-6-4, 290-OL-C-DT-Rockford-Possibly the next great O-lineman from Grand Rapids-area powerhouse (Former Rams OL in NFL, Adam Kieft, CMU, Cincinnati Bengals, 2005-2008 and Joe Staley, CMU, San Francisco 49ers, four-time Pro Bowl player, 2007-present).
17. Robert Daniel-5-11, 170-DB-Oak Park-Following in the footsteps of former Knight All-Stater John Kelly (class of 2015, now playing in the SEC at Tennessee) as possibly the next big time D-I recruit in the secondary for Oak Park. 4.5 40. Akron, Miami (OH) offers.
18. El Julian Jordan-6-1, 205-QB-Detroit King-Starter as a sophomore for Crusaders. Poised, skilled QB for state-ranked King. Sparkplug for one of the country's most talented skill position groups (multiple D-I players at WR and RB positions).
19. Jalen Mayfield-6-5, 225-TE-DE-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Started as freshman for Cougars. Outstanding all-around athlete. Also played varsity basketball as frosh for Catholic Central. Length and athleticism make Mayfield an intriguing prospect.
20. Ryan McCafferty-6-8, 250-OT-Battle Creek Harper Creek-Size alone should attract D-I recruiters. Athletic big man who also plays basketball for Beavers. Should be interesting to follow McCafferty's progress these next two years. Could project out to 6-8/6-9, 295/300 as senior OT for Harper Creek. Should attract plenty of Big Ten interest down the road.
21. Braeden Childress-6-4, 215-TE-QB-Big Rapids-Phenomenal athlete. Could be 6-4, 245 TE prospect or 6-4, 225 QB recruit by senior season. Brother Brandon is a freshman WR at CMU.
22. Trevor Dilley-6-4, 255-DT-TE-St. Joseph-Could be next big-time, high-level D-I recruit for Bears. Current teammate Corey Malone-Hatcher (6-4, 245-Jr.-DE) is being recruited by all the top college programs, but Dilley could be just as much in demand by the time he's a senior. Already seeing action on both sides of the football for St. Joseph, Dilley is a beast-in-the-making.
23. Eric McArn-5-10, 210-RB-Southfield-With U-M RB recruit Matt Falcon (6-1, 215) out with an injury, McArn has stepped in and proved he's also a D-I level recruit this season for the Bluejays. Bruising, powerful runner with speed, McArn is the type of every-down, physical back Big Ten programs crave. And to think he still has two more years to punish opposing defenses...
24. Antwan Reed-6-7, 270-OT-Muskegon-Prototypical D-I offensive tackle prospect. Plays for one of Michigan's traditional powerhouse programs.
25. Jake Moody-5-11, 160-PK-Northville-Normally kickers aren't in a top 25 football prospect list, but I had to include Moody simply because of his powerful leg. With still two more seasons to continue to prove his accuracy, Moody has nothing to prove about his distance strength. In a game earlier this season for the Mustangs, Moody kicked a 50-yard FG. That's pretty good/impressive for a sophomore in my book.
11. Cole Schut-6-3, 255-OT-DT-Holland-Bruiser upfront for the Dutch. Physical presence on both sides of the football. One of west Michigan's top prospects.
12. Josh Mayberry-6-1, 280-C-Detroit King-Starter as a sophomore for one of the Midwest's best teams/programs. Anchor in the middle for Crusaders.
13. Nolan Bird-6-2, 175-QB-Grand Ledge-Coach's son. Smart, heady player for premier Lansing-area program.
14. Giovanni Agazzi-6-3, 265-OG-Livonia Stevenson-Big, strong kid in the trenches for power running squad. Starts as sophomore for one of western Wayne County's (Detroit's county) top teams.
15. Jayden Day-5-10, 180-QB-Muskegon Orchard View-Slippery, cat-quick signal-caller for Cardinals. Tough in the open field. Could possibly switch to RB with his skill set.
16. Cody Carone-6-4, 290-OL-C-DT-Rockford-Possibly the next great O-lineman from Grand Rapids-area powerhouse (Former Rams OL in NFL, Adam Kieft, CMU, Cincinnati Bengals, 2005-2008 and Joe Staley, CMU, San Francisco 49ers, four-time Pro Bowl player, 2007-present).
17. Robert Daniel-5-11, 170-DB-Oak Park-Following in the footsteps of former Knight All-Stater John Kelly (class of 2015, now playing in the SEC at Tennessee) as possibly the next big time D-I recruit in the secondary for Oak Park. 4.5 40. Akron, Miami (OH) offers.
18. El Julian Jordan-6-1, 205-QB-Detroit King-Starter as a sophomore for Crusaders. Poised, skilled QB for state-ranked King. Sparkplug for one of the country's most talented skill position groups (multiple D-I players at WR and RB positions).
19. Jalen Mayfield-6-5, 225-TE-DE-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Started as freshman for Cougars. Outstanding all-around athlete. Also played varsity basketball as frosh for Catholic Central. Length and athleticism make Mayfield an intriguing prospect.
20. Ryan McCafferty-6-8, 250-OT-Battle Creek Harper Creek-Size alone should attract D-I recruiters. Athletic big man who also plays basketball for Beavers. Should be interesting to follow McCafferty's progress these next two years. Could project out to 6-8/6-9, 295/300 as senior OT for Harper Creek. Should attract plenty of Big Ten interest down the road.
21. Braeden Childress-6-4, 215-TE-QB-Big Rapids-Phenomenal athlete. Could be 6-4, 245 TE prospect or 6-4, 225 QB recruit by senior season. Brother Brandon is a freshman WR at CMU.
22. Trevor Dilley-6-4, 255-DT-TE-St. Joseph-Could be next big-time, high-level D-I recruit for Bears. Current teammate Corey Malone-Hatcher (6-4, 245-Jr.-DE) is being recruited by all the top college programs, but Dilley could be just as much in demand by the time he's a senior. Already seeing action on both sides of the football for St. Joseph, Dilley is a beast-in-the-making.
23. Eric McArn-5-10, 210-RB-Southfield-With U-M RB recruit Matt Falcon (6-1, 215) out with an injury, McArn has stepped in and proved he's also a D-I level recruit this season for the Bluejays. Bruising, powerful runner with speed, McArn is the type of every-down, physical back Big Ten programs crave. And to think he still has two more years to punish opposing defenses...
24. Antwan Reed-6-7, 270-OT-Muskegon-Prototypical D-I offensive tackle prospect. Plays for one of Michigan's traditional powerhouse programs.
25. Jake Moody-5-11, 160-PK-Northville-Normally kickers aren't in a top 25 football prospect list, but I had to include Moody simply because of his powerful leg. With still two more seasons to continue to prove his accuracy, Moody has nothing to prove about his distance strength. In a game earlier this season for the Mustangs, Moody kicked a 50-yard FG. That's pretty good/impressive for a sophomore in my book.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Michigan's top 25 high school football players for the class of 2018
It's extremely early, but I figured I would put together my opening list of the top 20 sophomores in the state of Michigan. Like every year in the Great Lakes State, the class of 2018 is already looking like a group filled with big-time, high-level Division I college football talent. So, without further adieu, here is my early, early top 25 players for Michigan's class of 2018 (of course, like most of my class lists, this ranking will be fluid as the season progresses and new talent emerges).
Top 25 players for Michigan's class of 2018-
1. Marquan McCall-6-3, 295-OG-Oak Park-Similar to Detroit Lions guard Larry Warford. Projects out to 6-3, 325 or so. Powerful run blocker. Oak Park head coach Greg Carter is one of Michigan's best and has been developing and preparing multiple future D-I players for decades at Detroit DePorres, Inkster and Oak Park. McCall will definitely be well-schooled and play-ready by the time he reaches the next level. U-M offer.
2. Reggie Pearson-5-10, 170-DB-River Rouge-Best player at River Rouge since 10-year NFL running back Chester Taylor (Toledo, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, 2002-2011). Ball hawk, had five interceptions as a freshman defensive back starter for Panthers. Just a pure football player. Also plays in one of the finest high school football stadiums in the Downriver area (Detroit's southern suburbs). CMU, EMU, WMU offers.
3. Tyrone Sampson-6-4, 290-OL-C-DT-Detroit East English Village-Another powerful drive blocker. One of the talent-rich Detroit Public School League's top, young prospects. Michigan State recruiting. Akron offer.
4. Jimmy Bell-6-8, 310-OT-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Could eventually rise to the top of this list. Raw, but unbelievably talented. Basketball player, has good feet, long arms, agility. Starter as freshman. Most high-level D-I schools recruiting. In two years, once Bell grows into his body, he could be one of the nation's best at his position.
5. Jason Whittaker-6-4, 190-QB-Rockford- Strong-armed signal-caller for Michigan powerhouse program. Has Big Ten size and length, with potential to grow to 6-4/6-5, 210/215 range by senior year.
6. Kalon Gervin-6-0, 175-DB-Detroit Cass Tech-Seeing action as sophomore for national power in loaded secondary already filled with D-I recruits. Runs 4.4 40. If Gervin continues to progress as a player, he could be a high-level nationwide recruit in two years.
7. Caden Prieskorn-6-4, 195-QB-Lake Orion-Like Rockford's Whittaker, Prieskorn is a big, talented quarterback for a perennial state power. Elite athlete. Three-sport standout in football, basketball and golf.
8. Brandon Gray-6-5, 175-WR-Southfield-Still rangy and raw, but overall skill/potential is off the charts. Teams with one of the nation's top freshman recruits, quarterback Sam Johnson (6-3, 185, has six D-I offers already) to form potent pass-catch combo. In two years, Johnson to Gray might be unstoppable. Would be quite a coup for some instate college program to sign both players (I'm talking to you MSU, U-M). Bowling Green State, Akron, Ohio offers.
9. Ryan Hayes-6-6, 240-TE-OT-Traverse City West-Long, lanky, big-bodied athlete from northern Michigan football factory (multiple D-I players in past decade). Has the frame to develop into big-time OT prospect or huge, mobile TE recruit. I see Hayes as a 6-7, 275/285 behemoth as a senior. He has Big Ten written all over him.
10. Ovie Oghoufo-6-2, 195-LB-WR-Farmington Hills Harrison-Physical, tough player from legendary Michigan program. Like most of these players on this list, has room to grow physically and skill-wise, but, also like all of these players on this list, is no doubt a high-level D-I recruit. Runs 4.7 40. Will more than likely add 10-15 pounds or more and drop his 40 clocking to 4.5/4.6 by the time he's a senior.
Up next-Players 11 through 25 for class of 2018.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Michigan's top teams, No. 10 (tie) Walled Lake Western, Warren DeLaSalle, Mount Pleasant, Ann Arbor Skyline
10. (tie) Walled Lake Western- (9-2 last season, advanced to Division 2 state district final) Top players- Kyle Thomas-5-11, 175-Sr.-QB (run/pass standout, 4.5 40), Cody White-6-3, 190-Jr.-WR-DB (one of the state's best junior receivers, also talented DB, Wisconsin offer), Alex Gammo-6-3, 320-Sr.-OG, John Camilleri-6-1, 165-Sr.-PK-P (Michigan's No. 2-ranked kicker, D-I prospect, definite game-changer as kicker/punter), Tyler Shreve-6-4, 270-Sr.-DT-OT.
10. (tie) Warren DeLaSalle- (11-3 last season, Division 2 state champion) Top players- Allen Stritzinger-6-1, 205-Jr.-DB-RB (one of the Midwest's best two-way junior players, recruited by Big Ten schools), Jordan Asbury-6-4, 270-Sr.-OT-DT (WMU verbal), Tom Evans-6-2, 245-Sr.-DT-OT, Tru Wilson-5-10, 190-Sr.-DB-WR, Josh Wilk-5-11, 180-Sr.-QB-DB, Drew Beesley-6-3, 225-Sr.-TE-DE (Bowling Green State verbal), Austin Potter-5-11, 210-Sr.-FB-LB, Myles Charley-6-0, 175-Sr.-WR-DB. *Special notice (Eric Rogers-6-1, 235-Sr.-LB-WMU verbal, Michigan's No. 7-ranked overall player, is out for the season with an injury).
10. (tie) Mount Pleasant- (7-4 last year, reached Division 3 state district final) Top players- Kaleb Perry-6-2, 185-Sr.-QB-WR-DB (one of the state's best players, will play QB for Oilers this season, but future is WR at next level, WMU verbal), Obie Ricumstrict-6-1, 170-Jr.-WR-DB (big-time D-I prospect at either WR or DB, also All-State baseball player, has CMU offer for both football and baseball), Sean Fitzgerald-6-3, 285-Jr.-OT-DT, Billy Tithof-6-3, 280-Sr.-OT-DT, Hunter Buczkowski-6-1, 225-Sr.-LB-RB (CMU verbal, elite athlete, also All-State baseball player), Logan Buczkowski-6-2, 215-Jr.-LB.
10. (tie) Ann Arbor Skyline- (0-9 last season) Top players- Daelin Hayes-6-4, 245-Sr.-LB-DE-RB-HB (Michigan's No. 2-ranked overall player, out-of-this-world ability, will play all over the field for Eagles, 4.5 40, USC verbal), Hunter Rison-5-11, 185-Jr.-WR-DB (one of state's top juniors, MSU verbal), Charles Jones-5-11, 205-Jr.-LB-RB (Toledo, Bowling Green State offers), Joe Bob Walker-6-5, 235-Sr.-QB-DE (big-time athlete for size, 4.6 40), Guy Brent-6-1, 185-Sr.-WR-DB (D-I prospect on either side of football). *Special notice (Despite being 0-9 a year ago, this is not the same Skyline team. Hayes, Rison and Walker are all D-I level transfers new to the program this season. Last season, the Eagles lost to Westland John Glenn 35-10 in Week 1. In contrast, this year in Week 1, Skyline defeated Glenn 38-14. Should be interesting to watch the development of this squad.).
10. (tie) Warren DeLaSalle- (11-3 last season, Division 2 state champion) Top players- Allen Stritzinger-6-1, 205-Jr.-DB-RB (one of the Midwest's best two-way junior players, recruited by Big Ten schools), Jordan Asbury-6-4, 270-Sr.-OT-DT (WMU verbal), Tom Evans-6-2, 245-Sr.-DT-OT, Tru Wilson-5-10, 190-Sr.-DB-WR, Josh Wilk-5-11, 180-Sr.-QB-DB, Drew Beesley-6-3, 225-Sr.-TE-DE (Bowling Green State verbal), Austin Potter-5-11, 210-Sr.-FB-LB, Myles Charley-6-0, 175-Sr.-WR-DB. *Special notice (Eric Rogers-6-1, 235-Sr.-LB-WMU verbal, Michigan's No. 7-ranked overall player, is out for the season with an injury).
10. (tie) Mount Pleasant- (7-4 last year, reached Division 3 state district final) Top players- Kaleb Perry-6-2, 185-Sr.-QB-WR-DB (one of the state's best players, will play QB for Oilers this season, but future is WR at next level, WMU verbal), Obie Ricumstrict-6-1, 170-Jr.-WR-DB (big-time D-I prospect at either WR or DB, also All-State baseball player, has CMU offer for both football and baseball), Sean Fitzgerald-6-3, 285-Jr.-OT-DT, Billy Tithof-6-3, 280-Sr.-OT-DT, Hunter Buczkowski-6-1, 225-Sr.-LB-RB (CMU verbal, elite athlete, also All-State baseball player), Logan Buczkowski-6-2, 215-Jr.-LB.
10. (tie) Ann Arbor Skyline- (0-9 last season) Top players- Daelin Hayes-6-4, 245-Sr.-LB-DE-RB-HB (Michigan's No. 2-ranked overall player, out-of-this-world ability, will play all over the field for Eagles, 4.5 40, USC verbal), Hunter Rison-5-11, 185-Jr.-WR-DB (one of state's top juniors, MSU verbal), Charles Jones-5-11, 205-Jr.-LB-RB (Toledo, Bowling Green State offers), Joe Bob Walker-6-5, 235-Sr.-QB-DE (big-time athlete for size, 4.6 40), Guy Brent-6-1, 185-Sr.-WR-DB (D-I prospect on either side of football). *Special notice (Despite being 0-9 a year ago, this is not the same Skyline team. Hayes, Rison and Walker are all D-I level transfers new to the program this season. Last season, the Eagles lost to Westland John Glenn 35-10 in Week 1. In contrast, this year in Week 1, Skyline defeated Glenn 38-14. Should be interesting to watch the development of this squad.).
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